AC maintenance is key to keeping your home cool and comfortable, and regular upkeep helps your air conditioner run better and last longer. A well-maintained AC unit can also reduce energy costs by up to 15%.

Simple steps like changing filters and cleaning vents help your AC work more efficiently. You can do some AC maintenance yourself but you should have a professional check your system once a year. 

Understanding Your AC System

Your AC system has several key parts that work together to remove heat and humidity from indoor air.

Components of an AC System

The main parts of an AC system are:

• Evaporator coil: Absorbs heat from indoor air.
• Condenser coils: Release heat outside.
• Compressor: Moves refrigerant between the coils.
• Air filters: Trap dust, pollen, and debris.
• Thermostat: Controls when the AC turns on and off
• Blower fan: Circulates cooled air

How Air Conditioning Works

Your AC system cools your home in a cycle:

1. Warm air from your home passes over the cold evaporator coil.
2. The coil absorbs heat from the air.
3. Cooled air is blown back into your home.
4. The absorbed heat is sent outside through the condenser coils.
5. This cycle repeats until your home reaches the set temperature.

The refrigerant in the system changes from liquid to gas and back as it moves heat and humidity out of your home. 

Routine AC Maintenance Tasks

Here are key tasks to keep your AC in top shape, saving energy and extending the life of your cooling system. 

Checking Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant can make your AC much less efficient and can damage your compressor. This is why you need to check your levels yearly. Look for ice on the outdoor unit or weak airflow inside as these are signs of low refrigerant. Low levels could also point to a leak. 

Don’t try to add refrigerant yourself. Instead, call a professional to safely refill your system.

Cleaning Coils and Air Filters

Dirty coils and filters waste energy and can lead to breakdowns. Clean or replace your air filter every 1-3 months and clean the outdoor condenser coil yearly. To do this, turn off the power to the unit, then use a garden hose to spray dirt off the coil. For tough grime, use a coil cleaner spray. 

Inspecting Electrical Connections

Loose connections can cause your AC to break down or even start a fire. Check connections yearly by first, turning off the power to the unit, look for signs of overheating like melted insulation or burn marks, and tighten any loose connections you find.

Check the capacitor too which helps start your AC motor. A bad capacitor can burn out your motor so if you see bulging or leaks on the capacitor, replace it. 

When to Call an HVAC Professional

AC systems can develop issues that require expert help and knowing when to call a professional can save you time and money.

Signs of Refrigerant Leaks

• Ice on the outdoor unit
• Hissing sounds near the AC
• Weak airflow from vents
• Higher electric bills

If you spot these, call an HVAC technician right away as refrigerant is dangerous and needs special handling. Only certified experts can legally fix leaks and recharge the system.

Dealing with Potential Electrical Issues

• Burning smells
• Tripped circuit breakers
• Strange noises when the AC turns on

Don’t try to fix electrical problems yourself. An HVAC professional has the tools and know-how to safely check and repair electrical parts, preventing fire hazards and ensuring your system runs safely.

Handling Major Component Malfunctions

• The unit won’t turn on
• Warm air coming from vents
• Unusual noises like grinding or squealing

These could mean problems with the compressor, fan motor, or other key parts. HVAC technicians can diagnose the issue and decide if repair or replacement is best. They can also help you avoid costly repairs through routine inspections.

Maximizing Energy Efficiency and Reducing Costs

Smarter AC use can save you money and energy. These measures include tweaking settings, sealing gaps, and picking the right-sized unit.

Proper Use of Thermostat Settings

Set your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) in summer and 68°F (20°C) in winter to keep your home comfortable while cutting costs. Additionally, use a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures when you’re away or asleep. You can also make use of the “fan auto” setting instead of “fan on” which runs the fan only when cooling, saving energy.

Avoid big temperature swings and don’t set the AC too low as it makes your system work harder and uses more power.

Upgrading Insulation and Sealing Leaks

Check for gaps around windows and doors and use weather-stripping or caulk to seal them. This stops cool air from escaping. Also, add more insulation to your attic and walls to keep heat out in summer and to retain heat during winter. This can cut your energy use by up to 15%.

Look for air leaks in ducts too and seal them with mastic sealant or metal tape to ensure cooled air reaches its target.

Investing in Energy-Efficient Units

Pick an AC with a high SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Higher numbers mean better efficiency. You should also choose an ENERGY STAR-certified unit as these models meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and DOE.

Opt for a variable-speed AC that adjusts its output based on your needs, using less energy in the process. Most importantly, don’t forget to pick the right-sized AC as a unit that’s too big or small wastes energy and money.