As winter comes to a close, temperatures are rising, and soon enough our air conditioners will be fighting off the signature Florida summer heat. While your A/C will be used most heavily in summer, there’s never a bad time to give your system a check-up, especially given how hot Florida can be any time of year. Here are some A/C maintenance tips to make sure your system keeps running smoothly year round!
FILTERS
Perhaps the most obvious way to keep your air conditioner operating smoothly is to make sure that you’re changing the air filter as appropriate. Regularly changing the filter in your air conditioner during cooling season can boost the energy efficiency of your machine by 5-10%. The appropriate length of time in between filter changes will depend on the type of filter you’re using with your system. The most common consumer air filter options are:
1. Fiberglass: Fiberglass filters, known for their affordable price, are the most common type of air filters. These filters should be replaced monthly.
2. Polyester/pleated filters: These filters are typically of higher quality than their fiberglass counterparts, offering an increased resistance to dust. Polyester and pleated filters should be replaced anywhere from every three to six months depending on manufacturer instructions.
3. HEPA filters: HEPA filters, or high efficiency particulate air filters, are a premium air filter option, offering nearly unmatched particle filtering. These filters should be changed per the manufacturer’s instructions, typically every 6-12 months.
4. Washable filters: Washable filters, although less common than other types of air filters, are known for their efficiency and should be washed once a month for best results. These filters can save you money in the long-run, as many manufacturers promise that their product will last 5-10 years or longer!
RETURN AIR DUCTS
Making sure each of your return air ducts is cleared of any obstruction, such as dust or pet hair, ensures that your air conditioner is working efficiently. It’s recommended that you vacuum the vents on each duct often to make sure that nothing is obstructing the flow of air. The brush attachment on your vacuum can be of great use for this task!
INSULATION AND WIRING
Another task to add to your A/C maintenance checklist is evaluating the integrity of the insulation and wiring of your unit. Once a year, you should check the insulation surrounding your air conditioner’s cooling pipes to make sure that it hasn’t disintegrated. Poor insulation means lowered efficiency, and damaged insulation can easily be replaced to get your A/C back to full power. Also, you can inspect the air conditioner’s wiring, which can be damaged from overheating and wear down over time. Before you inspect any wiring, make sure you turn the air conditioner off at the circuit breaker for your own safety. If you see signs of damage to your air conditioner’s wiring, you’ll want to contact a professional, as this can be a serious issue.
CONDENSER COILS
Over time, dirt and dust will build up naturally in the condenser coils of your air conditioner. This buildup impacts the performance of your air conditioner, and regular cleaning is one way to keep your A/C going strong throughout the hottest months. If the condenser coils have bent, a fin comb can be used to straighten them. Aside from the natural buildup of dirt and dust, make sure you don’t store any objects near the air conditioner unit that could be acting as a barrier to air flow and thus lowering the efficiency of the unit.
SEALING
If air is escaping from your home, that means your A/C is having to work harder, using more electricity and inevitably costing you money. Annually checking to make sure that your windows and doors are sealed properly can save you money and even make your home cool faster. One DIY solution to consider is draft stoppers, which can inexpensively be applied to doors in your home to keep the cool air in.
PROFESSIONAL HELP
When in doubt, contact a pro! If you’re unsure about the state of your air conditioner or just want to make sure you don’t end up harming your A/C system, it’s always a great idea to contact a professional. Many HVAC companies offer annual system tune-ups as well, which can be a great no-hassle way to keep your system running great without any extra work. These checkups are especially recommended if your system is getting older, as a technician may be able to diagnose an issue before it becomes a real problem, saving you from a breakdown, which is the last thing you want during a Florida summer. 
Kent Carson
Home & Yard Magazine
