A/C Maintenance for Summer

As the summer temperatures continue to rise, it is important to properly maintain your air conditioner so that it will work efficiently all summer. There are things that you can do to keep your A/C unit running when you need it most, but it should also be serviced by a professional to keep it in the best condition for as long as possible.

Efficiency

The older you’re air conditioning unit is, the less efficient it will function. There comes a point when it will be better to purchase a completely new unit rather than service the older device.

Without regular maintenance an air conditioner loses 5% of its efficiency for every year it has been in operation. It is imperative to maintain it as often as possible to keep it efficient.

Maintaining

There are a few normal maintenance issues that should be taken care of yearly before the main heat waves of summer hits. If these are attended to annually, your unit will last longer than it otherwise could.

There are a few things that will be examined during a service check, including:

• Cleaning the condensing unit coils
• Checking the amp draw of the compressor
• Oiling the fan motors
• Checking that belts are well adjusted
• Checking the system operating pressures and temperatures against the manufacturers specifications

These are all important, but one of the most important factors is the coolant. If you are low on coolant in your unit, it can create more problems than anything else. A system that is only 10% low on coolant will cost more than 20% more every month to operate. During the summer months, this small lack can make a huge difference.

Before the scorching heat of summer reaches record highs, get your air conditioner serviced. It will save you money in the end, and keep it running longer. Call a professional once a year to get this taken care of early.