It’s hard to believe it, but summer is already coming to a close. As the hot summer months fade out and cooler fall days appear there are a few end of the summer air conditioner maintenance tips that can help you save money when it’s time to turn your air conditioner back on next spring.
Check the Air Filter
This one should really go without saying and should certainly be done more often than once a year, but the end of the summer is a great checkpoint for changing your air filter. When your HVAC system is running constantly you should change or clean the filter once a month, and every other month or so throughout the rest of the year. Dirty, clogged filters force your unit to work harder which in turn costs you more money in your monthly utility bills and can take years off the life of your unit.
Specific Maintenance
Keep track of your air conditioner’s owner’s manual and follow the suggested maintenance and replacement schedules. Following the instructions specific to your model will go a long way to extending the life and efficiency of the unit.
Schedule a Tune Up
It’s always a good idea to have an HVAC technician give your AC unit a tune up once a year, and the end of the summer is a great time to do it. These yearly checks will help ensure that your entire unit and all its parts are still running and in working order. This will also give you the opportunity to have necessary repairs done before winter hits or during the off season when you won’t be needing your AC.
Clean It Up
Dirt and debris can build up around all the parts of your AC unit, both interior and exterior. Cleaning dust and debris off of the interior and exterior unit and scheduling professional duct cleanings will help your system function more efficiently by making it easier to pull air through the system. This is also a good way to identify any holes or leaks in the system that need to be repaired.
Consider a New Unit
Perhaps surprisingly, the end of summer is a good time to take a new AC unit into consideration. When you’re having your yearly tune-up, consider the age of your unit and discuss the pros and cons of replacing it with your technician. Generally, AC units should be replaced every twelve years or so, and it’s more convenient to replace your unit when you don’t have immediate need of a new one than to rush to get a replacement in the middle of the summer when it stops working.
The end of summer is a great time to perform some general AC maintenance and consider repairs and replacements to prepare for next year. Don’t wait until your air conditioner breaks down – preventative maintenance can save money both in monthly bills and repair costs.