5 Tips for Central AC Maintenance

Central air conditioning is one of the most efficient and effective ways to cool your home in a place like Northeast Ohio. Like all appliances, though, wear and tear can take its toll. If you’ve made the investment to install central AC in your home or bought a house that already had it installed, you likely want it to run for as long as possible. 

As a homeowner, there are things you can do to prolong the life of your central AC unit. We’re HVAC experts here at Budget, and we want to help you stay cool when you need it the most. Here are our top tips for central AC system maintenance! 

1. Schedule a Seasonal Tuneup BEFORE the Heat Arrives

The best time to perform yearly maintenance for your HVAC unit is before any heavy use, like in the spring. A professional HVAC company like Budget will offer seasonal tuneups, which include tightening the electrical connections, cleaning the system, checking coolant levels, and lubricating the fans. We’ll also be able to spot any trouble areas from years of use and can perform the needed repairs. Think of it like getting a tuneup on your car before a long road trip- it will prepare your AC unit to work hard over the next few months! 

2. Clean Your Air Ducts

“Out of sight, out of mind.” This is how many people feel about their air ducts, however this kind of thinking can cost you dearly down the line. Central AC utilizes air ducts to send cool air all around your home. As the air travels, dust, debris, and other contaminants can collect in your ducts, hindering your systems’ efficiency. By getting your ducts cleaned on a regular basis, you’re reducing how hard your system needs to work, which will lengthen the life of your central AC!

3. Change Your Air Filter

We can’t stress this enough! As air moves through your AC system, it all runs through a filter. Things like dust, pet hair, pollen, and other airborne contaminants collect on the outside of your air filter, allowing only clean air into your system. The longer your air filter sits, the more build up you’ll get. This slows the rate air can enter your system, causing it to strain and work inefficiently. Air filters should be changed every 90 days at MINIMUM, and even more frequently during seasons of high use, like summer. This is single handedly the most useful thing you can do to extend the life of your central AC  system!

4. Check Your Wiring

Central AC uses electricity, so periodically checking the wiring is important. Always remember to turn your AC off before inspection! Look for signs of damage or overheating, which could be scorch marks or fraying wires. If you spot any damage, however minor, call a professional immediately. 

5. Give Your System a Break!

A constantly running system is more likely to need replacement before a moderately used system. Take advantage of cool mornings and nights, use fans, and do your best to keep your home well insulated. Things like caulking around cracks or replacing the weather stripping on doors and windows will all add up to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. Another way to give your system a break is to avoid using heat generating appliances during the day. Instead, run things like the washing machine and dryer at night, when it’s naturally cooler. 

In the end, all home appliances and systems will eventually need repair or replacement.  We understand that installing a central AC is an investment, and we want to help you do all you can to minimize costly repair. Should you need professional help troubleshooting your central AC or other HVAC system, you can count on Budget Ohio for prompt, reliable service! Contact us today so we can help you stay comfortable year ‘round.

Schedule preventive maintenance with our HVAC professionals to keep your HVAC units running smoothly. We're happy to help - call us today!