{"id":17058,"date":"2022-05-04T14:52:37","date_gmt":"2022-05-04T18:52:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/acdesigns1.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=17058"},"modified":"2022-05-04T14:52:37","modified_gmt":"2022-05-04T18:52:37","slug":"summer-ac-maintenance-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acdesignsinc.net\/blog\/ac-maintenance\/summer-ac-maintenance-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer AC Maintenance Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Florida is famous for its long, hot, and humid summers, and your air conditioner will be working hard this season to keep your home cool.\u00a0<\/span>Being proactive about your summer AC maintenance ensures your unit is ready to operate smoothly and efficiently all season long. You can perform many important maintenance tasks on your own, keeping your unit functioning properly. Follow our actionable tips below to extend the lifespan of your AC unit, save money, and keep your family comfortable on even the most scorching days.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cleaning Your Condenser Unit<\/b><\/h3>\n

As your AC system sits idle during the winter, debris such as dirt, dust, leaves, and twigs collect around the base of the condenser unit. The condenser unit is a large fan in a metal box that is usually located outdoors. This accumulation of debris can damage the unit and obstruct airflow, which forces the system to run harder to maintain the desired indoor temperature. It also increases energy consumption by up to 30%.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cleaning the condenser unit is crucial for keeping your cooling system in optimal condition. Here\u2019s how to clean it yourself, step-by-step. If you prefer, you can have a professional HVAC technician perform this important maintenance step instead. It comes included in <\/span>AC Design\u2019s Maintenance Program<\/span><\/a> as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Before getting started, turn off the circuit breaker that supplies electricity to the unit. You will also see a weatherproof disconnect box located around the unit that contains a lever, fuses, or a circuit breaker. Turn this off, as well.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Begin by removing all debris from the exterior with a low-pressure water hose.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Next, remove the side and top panels of the unit to access the inside of the condenser.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Use a refrigerator coil brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently clean the condenser coils and fins from the outside. Then, vacuum them from the inside.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Wipe off the blower\u2019s fan blades with a clean rag.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Remove any excess water inside the unit, then reassemble.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    DIY Unit Upkeep and Home Tips<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Along with cleaning the condenser unit before turning on your AC, you can also take other simple steps to ensure your unit continues running safely and smoothly throughout the year.<\/span><\/p>\n