How do I know if my air conditioner is running properly this summer?

June 25, 2018

The hot weather and increased humidity means your air conditioner is putting in a lot of work. The best way to keep cool this summer is to stay on-top of your unit’s upkeep so you can feel confident everything is running correctly. There are a few tips for you to help make sure your air conditioner is working as it should during this summer heat.

Keep the Area Around Unit Clear of Brush and Debris

Summer is the most common time to mow your lawn, making it easy for grass clippings and other debris to accumulate outside of your air conditioner. This can cause a decrease in system capacity and reduced airflow, resulting in your air conditioner working harder and ultimately wearing down earlier. Be sure to frequently clean up any debris around your unit so your air conditioner can last as long as possible.

Change or Clean the Air Filter

Regularly replacing or cleaning the air filters in your air conditioner will help its efficiency. For any questions about which filter you should use or how often you should change it, take a look at the filter itself or feel free to reach out to the team at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. so we can recommend one based on your specific system. For certain filter sizes, we can check and replace them at your annual maintenance visit. It’s important to know that if your air conditioner is in regular use, it’s subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets, that your filter might need to be cleaned or changed more frequently.

Coil Care

Your air conditioner’s coils accumulate dirt over time which ultimately decreases airflow and insulates the coil making it harder to absorb heat. The outdoor coils can become dirty if the environment is dusty or if there is nearby vegetation. Coils can also bend, hampering airflow through the coil. Our experts can check the coils at your annual maintenance visit to clean or straighten coils as appropriate.

Keep Up with Your Air Conditioner Maintenance

It is imperative to keep up with your routine air conditioner maintenance. The professionals at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can look at your air conditioner to ensure everything is working correctly, keep coils and filters clean, and much more. Annual maintenance check-ups will help prevent major breakdowns and keep your air conditioner operating as long as possible. Stay cool during this summer’s heat by scheduling your annual maintenance appointment so you can be confident that your air conditioner is working properly. Contact us at 949-204-0859 to schedule your maintenance visit today.