The Importance Of Our AC On National AC Day
Did you know that National AC Day is upon us? If you didn’t, that’s ok. It doesn’t sound that impressive but our air conditioners are an integral part of our household whether we are aware of it or not. Raising awareness of these specific appliances is the reason for the day.
Without an air conditioner, our living conditions would be much different. This is why we feel it’s important to share a few things you should keep in mind about why your unit needs to be maintained on a regular basis – and how it can become the perfect celebration of this holiday!
Air Conditioning Maintenance Is Key
We may not enjoy it, but we know that anything that has a motor should receive routine maintenance. For example, our cars wouldn’t be very useful or as pleasant to drive in if we didn’t take change the oil, check the tires, or wash it.
The same idea is applied to our air conditioner. Filters still need to be cleaned, fluid levels have to be kept up, and motor belts have to be checked for damage.
The upkeep on them doesn’t take too long and with it, you can expect to enhance the performance of your unit which will help to reduce its energy consumption. With routine maintenance applied to our air conditioners, you are also more likely to catch a problem before it turns into irreparable damage and a costly bill.
Is AC Replacement Your Best Option?
Everything gets old and eventually stops working. Routine maintenance can ease this transition but there are times when our appliances just go kaput. Knowing when to replace your air conditioner is important since you wouldn’t want it out of commission during a hot summer season. Here are the signs to look for:
- Lack of airflow.
- Foul odors.
- Humidity in the air.
- Strange or loud noises.
- Freon or water leaks.
Another indicator that you may need to replace your air conditioner is if it still runs on propane or other flammable refrigerants. Older models are likely to still use unapproved refrigerants. The Environmental Protection Agency advises changing your unit to a newer model in these cases since they pose a potential fire hazard.
Add Some Duct Cleaning Into the Mix
Just as important and still often overlooked is the ventilation system attached to the air conditioner. There is no exact measure as to how much dust, debris, and insects reside in the ducts.
This can invite poor circulation and air quality into your home. If you notice your air quality is humid, you can expect mold and mildew to follow. Check the vent filters and around the metal frames for any mold growth or dampness.
Vermin are also prone to housing in the ducts. It gives them easy access to your home which can lead to an infestation and an expensive extermination bill. Since most of the areas aren’t easy to access for humans, having them serviced is the best option for preventing such instances from occurring.
We know in the back of our minds how important our air conditioners are but they are often taken for granted. Just like any piece of technology, they require a bit of TLC to stay up and running. Share this article with a friend or a give a shout out to an HVAC technician to show that you appreciate their hard work and are helping to spread awareness.