What Homeowners Need To Understand About Their Air Conditioner

When it comes to the HVAC system, many homeowners feel like they are clueless. In fact, they feel so clueless that they often tend to neglect their cooling system because of it. However, as much as a driver might not understand their car, they sure do understand that their car needs an oil change every 3,000 miles. Your HVAC system is similar. It is a machine and like all machines, it needs to be maintained. Maintaining an air conditioner is not complicated. That' s because most of the maintenance work on an air conditioner needs to be done by a certified professional. However, there are some tasks that the homeowner is responsible for.

Two of the most neglected and important tasks when it comes to your AC unit are:

• Scheduling an annual air conditioner tune-up
• Changing out the air filter

Most homeowners don't think about either one of these tasks until a problem arises. However, by staying on top of these tasks, you can avoid a major problem with your cooling system. It should be noted that you cannot do one and not the other. An air conditioner needs to have a professional tune-up and it won't function well without clean air filters.

Annual Air Conditioner Tune-ups

Your air conditioner needs to be inspected by a professional once a year. This should usually take place during the spring season, right before you depend on your system to keep you cool during the hot weather. This is when your system has to work the hardest to maintain a comfortable temperature inside of your home. There are many benefits associated with scheduling a tune-up:

• Your system will last longer
• It prevents unnecessary repairs
• It gives you the opportunity to fix a minor issue before it escalates into a major headache
• Your home will feel more comfortable
• You will be complying with the warranty agreement
• You will reduce your home's cooling costs

If you haven't scheduled an air conditioner tune-up yet, be sure to call a reputable HVAC company today. 

Changing The Air Filter

Your air filter is a major component for the function of your cooling system. It may not look like much but you will be surprised at how much a difference a clean air filter makes compared to a dirty one. One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make, is that they read their air filters label and stick to the. For example, if your filter claims that it will last 3 months, this may or may not be true. The frequency at which you need to change your air filter is different from one house to another. A home that has pets or is in a dusty area, will require more frequent air filter changes than one that has no animals. The best way to go about this is to check your air filter once a month and make an assessment. This means that you need to set the date on your calendar and check it. If it is dirty, then be sure to change it right away. This is true even if your filter is supposed to last 3 months and it has only been 2.

Your air filter does a lot for you. It essentially:

• Keeps the air in your home clean or free from toxins and airborne pollutants
• It makes your air conditioner work less
• It reduces your home's energy costs

It is worth staying on top of your air filter changes. Be sure to talk to your HVAC contractor to discuss which type of filter works best for your needs. There are many different types of air filters. Usually, the better the filter, the more expensive it is. However, it functions better and you will not necessarily have to replace it as often.

Conclusion

When it comes to your air conditioner, be sure to stay on these town very important tasks. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of neglecting these particular tasks. If you fall under the neglect category and start staying on top of these tasks, you will notice enhanced comfort levels as well as reduced energy costs.