It’s Important to Take Care of Your Central Air Conditioner
By Jathy Garcia
One of the most essential items for homeowners in Palm Beach County, Florida, is a central cooling system. Unlike window-based air conditioners, a central comfort system will help keep you cool and comfortable all year long — especially on those sweltering days.
However, just like anything else in your living space, you’ll need to take proper care of your unit not only to ensure that it runs smoothly but efficiently. Here are some common do’s and don’ts when it comes to maintaining your central air conditioner:
Central Air Conditioner Tips for Homeowners
Do Replace the Filter
Can you recall the last time you replaced (or cleaned, if it’s reusable) your central air conditioner’s filter? If that seems to be difficult to recall, you may want to consider replacing it now. An air filter helps your air conditioner breathe and produce cool, clean air. However, if there’s an obstruction — such as dirt and debris — caked onto the filter, it may be quite impossible for your unit to function correctly.
On average, a pet-less home should consider replacing their air filter at least once every 90 days. If you do happen to have a dog or cat and are looking to keep your unit running efficiently, think about replacing your filter every 60 days. This will prevent your central air conditioner from breaking down unexpectedly, but it can even help improve your indoor air quality.
Don’t Ignore Strange Sounds
When your central air conditioner cycles on, there’s a chance that the unit’s compressor will make a slight humming sound — which is natural. However, if you happen to hear anything out of the ordinary, such as clanking, grinding, or banging, don’t ignore them — turn off your air conditioner and call your trusted HVAC technician right away.
Put bluntly, strange sounds can indicate that there’s a problem within your central air conditioner — such as a loose or broken part that is interfering with the fan inside of the compressor. Regardless of the sound’s intensity, it’s better to be safe than sorry — since neglecting the problem can break down your unit much earlier than anticipated.
Do Have it Tuned-Up Annually
One of the best ways to help your central air conditioner thrive is to have it tuned-up annually. As Floridians, we tend to use our cooling units much more frequently than other parts of the country — and for that reason, you’ll want to make sure your central comfort device can keep up with your comfort demands.
When you schedule your tune-up appointment with your HVAC technician, they may perform some of the following tasks to help your unit run up to par:
- Vacuum the drain pan
- Complete a compressor diagnosis
- Clean the evaporator drain line
- Secure fan blades
- Install a new air filter
- Monitor the refrigerant level
- Check the electrical connections for burned or loose wires
- Lubricate the fan motors
- Calibrate the thermostat
Not only can these tasks help keep your central air conditioner in great shape, but they will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your central AC will run smoothly without a potential problem.
Don’t Attempt to Make Repairs on Your Own
Remember this: When in doubt, don’t attempt to figure it out on your own. If you do not have the proper training and equipment to work on your central air conditioner, don’t try to complete your own task.
Doing so can not only be dangerous to your well-being, but making the wrong move can damage your unit behind the brink of repair. If you feel as if your unit needs a bit of TLC, call your professional HVAC technician first.
At Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air we offer the most advanced and efficient air conditioning systems and we will accommodate a system that suits your family’s needs. For more information visit us at: