Helpful Tips for A/C Maintenance

Summer in the Valley of the Sun is… intense! You likely find yourself hopping from one air conditioned space to the next for relief from the heat.

Your A/C system is feeling it too. As it works extra hard to keep you cool, that strain can wreak havoc on its many moving parts. 

How can you give your A/C an extra dose of support right now? Take a moment to do these two things. They’re quite simple, but could be the difference between enjoying cool comfort and sweating a service call. 

Check and change air filters 

Most air filters have an average life of three months, but it’s important to check them monthly during extended periods of hot weather!

Why? Well, as your A/C system runs more frequently, the filter fills with particles faster. This may seem harmless, but dirty air filters force your system to work harder to push cool air through your home. As you can imagine, this uses more energy and places even more strain on the air conditioning system. Not a good thing!

So, be sure to check those filters frequently! To do so, take the filter out, and hold it to the light. If the dust on the filter is so thick that you can’t see much light shining through the filter, it’s time for a new filter. 

Keep outdoor unit clean and clear 

For safety, always turn the thermostat and outdoor unit’s breaker off before doing any work around that outdoor unit. Once everything is off, go ahead and check the unit for anything blocking the unit’s sides or top. Remove any plant growth, grass clippings or debris caught in the coil walls. 

The coil can be cleaned using a soft-bristle brush to gently sweep the fins. Always brush in line with the fins, and be gentle because the fins can bend easily. Because the fan pulls air through these fins, you can expect to find dust clinging to the fins. Removing this dust and other debris will reduce resistance and increase efficiency. 

Prune or remove any shrubs or other growth that is touching or close to the unit. Do not use a weed eater or other powered cutting tool that might damage the fins. Garden shears or some other type of hand clippers are recommended.

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Need help with your AC?

Whether you need service on your existing system or want to purchase a new AC unit, we’re here to support you! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000.