Want Peak A/C Performance? Tips That Work

In order to keep a car running smoothly, you must change the oil every 3,000 miles, check the fluids often and drive straight to a reliable mechanic (or get towed there) at the first sign of trouble. Maintaining your most valuable investments takes special attention, and taking care of your air conditioner shouldn’t be any different. If you want top-rated A/C performance year after year, without excessive repairs or a premature replacement, keep up with your air conditioner’s maintenance needs.

Here are a few helpful tips for keeping your A/C in its best shape:

Give it some space. The outside portion of the system (condenser/compressor) should be cleared of weeds and debris. In order to remember to do this regularly, add it to your lawn-care routine. Every time you mow the grass, take a moment to cut down any weeds or bushes around your A/C unit.

Keep your thermostat set to a constant temperature. Some people assume that dropping the thermostat 10 degrees at one time will force it to cool their home faster. However, changing the temperature too drastically or too frequently will not only result in less effective cooling, it will also negatively affect your A/C performance. Experts usually advise keeping your cooling system at a consistent temperature for at least eight hours at a time.

Clean air filters and outside coils. Use a good quality filter and change it regularly.  The filter keeps your inside equipment clean and operating more efficiently.  See The Truth About Filters on my website.  Also keep the coils on the outside unit clean, rinse them with a water hose once a month or so in the summer time.  This will help prolong the life of the outside unit and keep it running more efficiently.

Call an expert. If you’re experiencing inadequate cooling from your air conditioner, call a reliable HVAC technician who can perform an examination and determine how best to improve your A/C performance. For the best cooling and heating service in the Coastal Bend, contact us at Mathews CCAC Inc. today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about  a/c Performance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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