The best way to save money on AC maintenance is to ensure it works efficiently. Air conditioning consumes a significant amount of power. And once it breaks down, the repair costs can be painfully expensive.
So, how do you take care of your AC to ensure it runs smoothly for a long time? Follow our tips below.
Vacuum Clean Vents Regularly
Blocked vents can make your AC work a lot harder to keep your home warm or cool. Not only does this increase its power consumption, but it could also shorten its lifespan.
Check your AC’s vents. They should be clean and have unrestricted access to natural air. This means they shouldn't be blocked by furniture, blinds, or electronics.
Replace Air Filters Every 90 Days
Air conditioners trap dust and debris every day. Unfortunately, this dirt can clog air filters and reduce an AC’s optimal performance. As we mentioned earlier, an AC that’s not working at its best will usually increase your utility bills. Also, its chances of breaking down increases.
Many AC experts recommend that you change your air filters after 90 days. Buy original, high-quality filters to keep your appliance operating smoothly. This is especially important if you live in a dusty area or have pets in your house.
Check if the AC Capacitor Works
A quality AC conditioner can last up to 15 years. Unfortunately, some parts don’t last that long. Capacitors are a case in point. Every AC has a capacitor that stores electrical energy.
Capacitors supply this power to your AC after it powers up to ensure it runs efficiently from the start. They supply more power throughout an AC’s cooling cycle.
On average, AC capacitors last five years. After that, you might notice your AC shut down without notice. It might delay before cooling your house. It could even produce smoke—a clear sign you should replace it.
Although you can order the best AC capacitor brands online, replacing this component requires a professional. It stores electricity and not in the same way as a battery. You can’t just pop it out. Call a professional for assistance.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Buying a smart thermostat is a great idea for keeping your utility bills low. These devices have countless features that help you control your home’s temperatures accordingly.
For example, you can power on your AC remotely so that you find your house warm by the time you get there. If you fly abroad only to remember you left your AC on, you can just power it off through an app.
Another benefit of owning a smart thermostat is that it can track your AC’s energy consumption. More importantly, it can help you lower utility bills by guiding you on the best times to run your appliance.
Clean Your AC Regularly
Like most appliances, your AC requires a bit of cleaning occasionally. Ice could get into the device. The problem could be dust and pet hair.
Give your AC a thorough cleaning while cleaning accessories like vents and ducts. It takes less than 30 minutes to clean important parts, anyway. What’s more, this is a good chance to observe your appliance for broken parts.
If you must use water to clean your AC, ensure it’s turned off beforehand. Use a wet cloth to remove dust around the blades and vents. Dry the blades properly before you switch on your air conditioner.
Fix Minor Leaks
One of the most common issues AC owners experience is leaking parts. It’s a terrible experience because it’s not always easy to know which parts to fix. Leaks mean your AC will consume more power to draw in cool air. And this increases its energy consumption.
How do you know if your AC has a leakage? Light an incense candle and hold it where the ducts connect. If the smoke blows up steadily, your machine is alright. If the smoke billows in multiple directions, you might have a leakage.
Window AC units experience leakages often because they're hard to seal. Luckily, you don't have to call a professional to seal minor cracks. Use foil tape to seal visible gaps. If the gaps are large, use duct mastic or call a professional for help.