DIY Tips For Cleaning Your AC Between The Periodic Contract Services

Your to-do list will never be finished when you are a Bay Area homeowner. And, AC maintenance is an important part of that to-do list. While your contractors will perform annual AC service, there is a lo that can happen between scheduled maintenance services. You need to keep your system running smoothly with regular tune-ups.

These are a few tips that can help keep your AC clean between periodic contract services.

1. Change the AC Filter

One of the best ways to keep an HVAC unit running in top condition is to change the air filter. Make sure you periodically change the filters whenever they get dirty. Dirty air filters can obstruct the natural airflow and make your system less efficient. This can also cause cooling costs to inflate. You can improve energy efficiency by replacing the dirty filter.

Dirty filters can also carry dirt in the evaporator coil of your air conditioner. Your AC may not be able to sense temperatures.

2. Clean the Coils

An air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils tend to accumulate dust over time. It’s vital that you clean the coils often and remove all debris. This will help in encouraging proper airflow. It will also allow for optimal unit functioning.

Changing air conditioner filters is the first line of defense when it comes to dirty coils. However, you would still need to clean the coils often. Houses with dusty environments need to cleaning more frequently.

3. Deep Clean

Deep cleaning your unit from time to time is another way of ensuring the AC runs smoothly. Deep cleaning can do wonders for your AC in between scheduled professional maintenance. Take a soft bristle brush and vacuum to clean the exterior part of the unit.

Make sure you are very gentle while vacuuming the coil fins. They are delicate and tend to be easily bent. You should also remove the top grille and fan. Take your vacuum hose and clean the fins from the inside. Do not put any undue pressure on the electrical wiring.

4. Straighten Coil Fins

Unbending coil fins is a simple way of improving the air conditioner’s airflow. Aluminum fins on the exterior of the unit allows air to move freely. Fins can get bent overtime. The only way is to straighten them out and increase airflow within the unit.

5. Remove Foliage Around Exterior Unit

Landscaping can harm the exterior AC unit. You need to remove overgrown bushes and foliage around the unit which can limit the ACs efficiency and obstruct airflow. You need to ensure that you keep the landscaping neat and clean around the unit to prevent airflow from being blocked.

There should be a clearing of at least 2-foot around the AC unit. You should also ensure the AC unit is installed on a level surface. Level air conditioning units tend to last longer and function better.

6. Install a Smart Thermostat

Programmable thermostats can go a long way in extending the life of your unit. They can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. You can keep a close eye on the temperature and your energy consumption. Programmable or smart thermostats help in reducing overall electric consumption.