Installing a new air conditioner is one of the best investments you could ever make for your home. It not only improves your comfort and health but also enhances energy efficiency and long-term cost savings. If you want to keep your new system running at its peak throughout its lifespan, proper care and maintenance are essential. We’ll share some proven practices to ensure its longevity and efficiency.
Clean or Change the Air Filters Regularly
Air filters are arguably the most important component of an air conditioner. Their primary function is to trap airborne particles, but this role affects almost all aspects of your system’s performance. For instance, filters protect the internal components from dust and debris buildup, which could lead to overheating, weird sounds, and foul odors. Filters also directly impact airflow. When clean, your system runs efficiently and performs wonderfully. When dirty, your AC will have to work harder to pull air for conditioning, increasing energy consumption and reducing its lifespan.
You should clean or change your air filters at least every 90 days. However, this frequency can vary based on several factors, such as your general environment, the presence of pets, the health of occupants, whether anyone smokes indoors, and the type of filters in use. For instance, if you have pets, you should consider changing or cleaning your filters every 60 days to prevent pet hair and dander from clogging the system. If people in your household suffer from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, increasing the frequency to every 20 to 45 days can significantly minimize incidences of distress. Vacation homes or property you don’t use regularly may only need attention every six to nine months.
If changing your air filters, make sure you get the right size, type, and rating as the outgoing one. Or consult your AC’s manual to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using a different type of filter with a higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating could compromise the airflow and place unnecessary strain on the system.
If cleaning your filters, inspect them for signs of wear or excessive dirt that can’t be removed. Replace torn, warped, or brittle filters. Otherwise, wash your reusable filters with mild soap and warm water and let them air-dry completely before inserting them back into their slots. You can also soak them in a mixture of white vinegar and water to disinfect them and remove stubborn odors.
Keep Air Conditioners Unobstructed
Your AC’s outdoor unit should have at least 1 foot of clearance on all sides, including the top. This is important because the condenser needs unrestricted airflow to release heat efficiently. So, trim shrubs, tree branches, and any overgrown plants that might encroach on the unit. Also, remove dirt and debris that may have accumulated around or on top of it. Dirt and debris buildup often acts as insulation, which causes the condenser to overheat.
Avoid covering your outdoor unit. Covers trap moisture, which can encourage mold growth and corrosion. They can also create a cozy space for pests like rodents and insects. Instead, if you need to protect the unit, provide a shade with ample breathing room. A simple awning may suffice.
If you have an AC with air handlers, ensure they are also free from obstructions. The easier it is for them to circulate air, the more efficient and effective your air conditioner will be.
For central AC systems, clean the vents regularly to prevent dust and debris buildup. Clogged vents restrict airflow, forcing the appliance to work harder, reducing efficiency, and potentially leading to overheating.
Periodically Inspect the Ductwork for Damage
Your ductwork can make or break your air conditioner. In fact, ducts contribute significantly to the overall efficiency and performance of the appliance. If it’s poorly insulated, heat from the surrounding environment can seep into the ductwork, forcing your AC to work harder and run longer to maintain the desired temperature. This not only increases energy consumption but also puts added strain on the HVAC system, potentially shortening its lifespan.
The same consequences apply when you have leaky ducts. Conditioned air escapes through gaps and holes before reaching its intended destination. Those gaps can also allow pests to enter, compromising indoor air quality.
To prevent these issues, inspect your ductwork regularly for visible leaks, loose connections, or damage. Also, observe your ducts’ structure while the AC is on. If they appear to cave in and bulge out, it could indicate obstructions, improper sizing, or poor installation. Call a licensed technician to assess the situation and provide professional repairs or adjustments.
Maximize AC Performance and Efficiency With Appropriate Thermostat Settings
For optimal comfort and energy efficiency during the day, set your thermostat to between 76 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Refrain from changing the temperatures throughout the day to prevent straining your AC.
At night, set the temperatures to between 60 and 67 degrees for the best sleep. When away during the day, increase the thermostat setting to 82 degrees. It’s easier for your AC to return to a comfortable temperature when starting from 82 rather than starting from higher, extreme indoor temperatures.
Watch Out for Signs of AC Distress
A new AC system should operate at 40 to 60 decibels, cycle on and off two to three times per hour, and produce fresh, cool air consistently. If your system vibrates, buzzes, grinds, or bangs, it has a problem. Vibrations indicate unbalanced fan blades, mounting feet issues, compressor malfunctions, or poor installation. Buzzing could be a sign of faulty components, such as a failing capacitor or loose wiring. Grinding noises may point to worn-out motor bearings, while banging sounds often indicate loose or broken parts.
Short cycling (turning on and off frequently) is often caused by clogged air filters, low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning thermostat, or an oversized unit. Foul smells may suggest the presence of microbial growth (mold, mildew, fungi, or bacteria) or pests within the ductwork. On the other hand, a sweet, chemical odor could be a sign of a refrigerant leak.
When you notice any of these signs, shut down your AC immediately and call for professional help. Using the system in this state can worsen the problem, which may lead to higher repair costs or even complete system failure.
Schedule Professional AC Maintenance
Hire a licensed and experienced AC technician to inspect and tune up your air conditioner at least once a year. HVAC professionals have the skills to identify potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs or system failure. They also have the tools to clean critical components like the evaporate and condenser coils, ducts, vents, and filters.
Moreover, they will lubricate the moving parts, recalibrate your thermostat, tighten or repair electrical connections, and top up the refrigerant if need be. Be sure to safely store your maintenance records, as you may need them when claiming a warranty for system repair or replacement.
Contact Us for More Information
Our experts have 65 years of combined experience in servicing and maintaining all makes and models of heating and cooling systems. Besides routine maintenance, you can reach out to us for AC repairs, replacements, or upgrades.
Consult O'Brien Heating & Air Conditioning for guidance on maintaining your AC’s efficiency in Drexel Hill, PA.
