You just had a new air conditioner installed, congrats! With proper maintenance, it should provide years of reliable cooling. Don’t let your investment in an AC installation Kansas City go to waste. Be proactive about upkeep to head off problems before they happen. We’ll explore some key areas to focus on, so your AC runs smoothly all summer long.
Do Some Landscaping
Make sure there’s nothing obstructing the outdoor unit. Cut back bushes, branches, or anything else within 2 feet. Debris and leaves that gather around the unit should be cleared away, too. Not only can they block airflow, they can clog drainage pipes and prevent condensation runoff. Speaking of drainage, make sure the ground around the unit slopes away from your home’s foundation. Standing water invites mold and corrosion. Address grading issues immediately.
Change Filters Regularly
Clogged filters make your AC work a lot harder. Not only is that inefficient, it can lead to wear and tear or even failure. Check your filter each month when the unit is running regularly. Generally, a clean filter allows adequate airflow. If it looks dirty, replace it. Be sure to get the same size and style recommended in your owner’s manual. Upgrading to a pleated filter traps more particles. Just be aware high-performance types create backpressure, so your fan motor works harder.
Hose Off the Condenser Coil The outdoor condenser coil works to discharge heat pulled from your home’s air. But grass clippings, cottonwood seeds, leaves, pollen, and other debris buildup over time. Once or twice per cooling season, spray the coil clean. Be gentle though—the thin fins bend easily. Straighten any that get bent with a fin comb. And avoid hitting electronics or motors with water.
Have a Technician Deep Clean the Evaporator Coil
The indoor evaporator coil gets gunked up. too after a few years, but it’s tricky to access. Have an HVAC pro deep clean it periodically. They have special tools to thoroughly flush out the finned coils without damaging them. A clean evaporator operates more efficiently, delivering cool, dry air to your home. Scheduling this service in the off-season when shutting down the system for a bit poses no comfort issues.
Clear Drain Pipes
That condensation your AC produces has to drain somewhere. Outdoor units have a small pipe for water to trickle out. Make sure it hasn’t gotten clogged so that water can exit freely. Check for obstructions like insect nests or debris. The drain pan under your indoor evaporator coil also has a drain pipe. If it gets blocked, water overflow can damage walls or ceilings. Prevent leaks with periodic pipe cleaning.
Tune Up Your HVAC System Annually
An annual tune up by a licensed HVAC technician spot checks everything for optimal performance. They’ll clean components, ensure refrigerant charge is correct, test electrical connections for tightness, confirm no leaks, inspect belts/motors if applicable, plus check out other elements. It’s like a diagnostic physical for your AC system, catching minor issues before they become major repair bills. Spring is ideal timing to tune up cooling equipment.
Stay On Top Of Maintenance Investing just a little time each season keeps your pricey cooling equipment running like new for years longer. Don’t let your brand new AC become a costly headache down the road. Implement these basic maintenance practices so you can count on comfortable indoor temps every time you push the thermostat down. With a well-maintained system, you’ll stay cool as summer heats up.
