You probably know that it’s important to schedule annual professional maintenance for your air conditioner. But what about the months in between those appointments? There are some steps that you can take to care for your air conditioner and lessen the likelihood of needing repairs in between maintenance appointments.
Keep reading to learn more about homeowner AC maintenance in Rockledge, FL, and how you can help your air conditioner be its best. Then, during your monthly maintenance steps, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, you can give our team a call and we can check it out.
Choose the Right Air Filter
HVAC air filters come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. How do you know which one is right for your system? You can start by choosing an air filter that is the perfect size for the intake grate. You may be tempted to purchase an air filter that is off by an inch if it is available and either have one that is slightly too small or cut it down if it’s too big.
However, we advise against this. If you can’t find the precise air filter size you need in the store, try ordering one online. Be sure to pay attention to the MERV ratings so you know you’re getting an air filter that helps improve your indoor air quality. We can advise you on the correct MERV rating so that you’re not using one that will make your HVAC system work harder than it should.
Air Filter Care
Make sure you know how long the air filter is rated to last. Something printed on the edge of your filter should tell you whether it lasts for one month, three months, or some other timeframe. It’s important to change out the air filter when it gets dirty so that it doesn’t block airflow leading into your HVAC system.
Write the date on the side of the air filter when you put it in place so you don’t forget how long it has been there. Then, set a reminder so you know when to swap the air filter out. Otherwise, it’s easy to lose track of time or forget altogether.
Condensate Drain Line Care
Your air conditioner’s condensate drain line is where it drains away moisture that it pulls from the air. The condensate drain line helps channel droplets of humidity so that your home can feel more comfortable. It’s a good idea to rinse this line with vinegar once each month. This helps prevent mold and spores from thriving and also rinses away any dirt building up in the line.
Care for the Outdoor Unit
You can also keep an eye on the outdoor unit to make sure it is working the way it should. The only maintenance you really need to complete here is hosing off the unit if it gets particularly dirty. Doing this every few months can prevent dirt buildup. You can also remove any debris like leaves and twigs that get caught in the delicate fins of the outdoor unit.
Making families happy on the Space Coast since 1975. Schedule an appointment with Complete Air & Heat, Inc.