Almost everyone has a professional come to their home once a year to do a check on their AC unit before the summer heat kicks in. Whether you are one of these people or not, there are numerous things you can do to avoid having your air conditioner suddenly die on that hot day when it’s virtually impossible to get a repair person to come to your home. Catching the problem before it happens can not only save you time and money, but it can keep you from melting in the heat for hours, if not days.

HVAC Maintenance

Regular maintenance will lessen the chances of large repairs at the worst times. Here are some items that should reviewed:

Check Everything Regularly

Middle to late spring is the best time to make a full check of your AC to make sure it will run well all summer. There should be instructions on the unit itself, or you can do a simple search online for your specific unit to find out details. Many people are intimidated by doing this general maintenance, but it is really very important.

Examine the Condenser

Located on the outside of your unit, this area is called the condenser or heat pump. It sucks in fresh air while pumping out the air from inside your home. The first thing you should do is to make sure the flow of air is not impeded by leaves, debris, or growth. Be sure to check the condenser thoroughly, because sometimes items will get sucked inside, further blocking the free flow of air and affecting the performance of your AC.

Check All Filters

The best way to avoid issues with your AC unit is by checking, cleaning and changing your filters often. If you have pets and a lot of people living in your home, you might be surprised by how much hair and dust you find in them. Most filters are very easy to find and remove. This is especially important if anyone in your family has allergies, as excess dust can cause breathing problems.

Basic Maintenance

Every year before starting up your air conditioner you should check the unit to make sure it is secure and all screws and bolts are tight. Remove any garbage and plants from around the unit and make sure your thermostat has fresh batteries, if necessary.

Check the Wiring

This should be left only to a certified technician. If your unit won’t start after doing all the maintenance detailed above, call an ac repairman.

Catching issues with your AC before they turn into a total breakdown can save you a lot of time and money, let alone save you from burning up.