Did you know that, according to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for an air conditioner repair service ranges from $470 to $650? Because we rely on our family heating and cooling systems to keep our homes comfortable year round, the wear and tear takes its toll, leading to the need for these costly but necessary repair services.
What you might not realize is that you can cut down on the frequency of heating and cooling repair by learning to better maintain home air conditioning systems yourself. You won’t be able to do everything for yourself, but if you’re mindful and make a habit of implementing these three tips, you’re much less likely to be smacked with an expensive repair bill.
Three Simple Tips for Maintaining Home Air Conditioning Systems
- Keep the Condenser Grill and Air Filters Clean
- Don’t Let the Drain Get Plugged Up
- Outdoor Units Require Special Attention
Keeping your condenser grill and air filters clean is the single most important thing you can do to maintain your air conditioning unit. As the home warranty company American Home Shield details, keeping the grill clean of any debris and making sure you change out your air filter monthly will allow your air conditioner to pull in and cool air more readily. This means it won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable.
If your air conditioner’s drain gets plugged, it can cause you all sorts of trouble; your air conditioner could start to leak, or it might just stop working altogether. To solve this problem, suggests the online do-it-yourself community DIY Network, you should first get a drain cap from your local hardware store. Cap one end of the drain hose, then use a dry vacuum to suck out any of the detritus inside. Simply remove the cap from the drain hose, reconnect it, and you’re good to go.
The last thing to keep in mind when trying to maintain your air conditioning units is whether or not your unit is placed outside. If it is, you’ll need to take special steps to keep it running at peak efficiency. As Apartment Therapy details, outdoor home air conditioning systems are constantly exposed to the elements. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow in the winter time, you have to be sure to keep the area around your unit clear. The same goes for leaves in the fall. The last thing you want to do is obstruct the condenser, making your system work harder than it needs to in order to keep your home comfortable.
Do you run a home air conditioning repair service? What important advice can you impart to our readers about maintaining their home air conditioning systems? Share your thoughts in the comments below. For more about this, go here: www.vittheating.com
