The Essential AC Maintenance Guide For Homeowners in Tyler, TX

Getting a new air conditioner is often exciting, especially the first time. Chances are, you want your investment to stay in excellent working condition for as long as possible. So, how do you do that? How do you keep your AC running properly for years to come?

The answer is regular maintenance. Just like your car needs tune-ups and oil changes to stay in good shape, your air conditioner needs annual check-ups and cleanings to function at its best. By keeping up with these simple maintenance tasks, you can extend the life of your AC unit and ensure that it runs efficiently all summer long.

Here are some essential AC maintenance tips for Tyler, TX homeowners:

1. Change Your Filters Regularly

AC service technicians often handle the filter cleaning and replacement, but if your filter is the type that gets filled with dirt and dust pretty fast, then you’ll have to get the filters cleaned more often. You can handle this task yourself, and it’s really not that difficult. Just make sure you know what type of filter your AC unit uses, and be sure to buy the right size.

You can also call your local technician to handle this AC maintenance task in Tyler, TX if you’re not confident. The important thing is to ensure the filters are clean so that air can flow freely through the unit and your home stays cool and comfortable all summer long. Note that dirty air filters cause a host of issues, such as frozen coils, poor airflow, etc., that could compromise the unit’s performance and service life.

2. Keep the Area Around Your AC Unit Clean

If you have a condenser installed near foliages or trees, it’s crucial to check the unit once in a while for leaves, dirt, and debris that might have gotten lodged in the fan or coils. These items can restrict airflow and cause your unit to work harder than it should, possibly leading to expensive repairs down the road.

If you’ve got vents indoors, ensure there is no furniture or anything that could obstruct the airflow. Also, keep the area around the ducts clean and free of dust so that the air can circulate properly.

3. Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you’re still using an old dial thermostat, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer digital models are much more accurate and can save you money on your energy bills. If you have a central AC unit, consider installing a programmable thermostat so you can set it to turn off when no one is home during the day. This is not really a part of AC maintenance in Tyler, TX, but this simple upgrade can significantly affect how efficiently your AC unit runs.

4. Have your ductwork inspected and cleaned

Your ductwork does not have to be cleaned every few months or every year. However, it doesn’t mean you have to neglect it completely. Over time, your ductwork will collect dust, dirt, and debris, which can restrict airflow and cause your AC unit to work harder than it should. It’s also possible for pests or small animals to make their way inside the duct, leaving excrements and other contaminants behind.

As a general rule, you should have your ductwork inspected every three to five years. If the inspector finds that your ducts are significantly dirty, then they’ll recommend having them cleaned. Duct cleaning is a job best left to the professionals, as they have the equipment and experience needed to do a thorough job. Not all HVAC contractors specialize in duct cleaning, so ask your prospective company offering AC maintenance in Tyler, TX whether or not they handle this task.

5. Clean and Straighten the Fins

Air conditioner fins are those thin metal slats running along the outline of your condenser or outdoor AC unit. They are pretty delicate and could easily get bent. Once they’re bent, the unit won’t be able to release the heat absorbed by the refrigerant outdoors effectively. It can result in your unit working harder than it should and eventually lead to a breakdown.

To avoid this problem, it’s important to clean the fins regularly and make sure they’re straight. You can do this yourself with a fin comb, which is a tool specifically designed for this task. Just be careful not to damage the fins while you’re straightening them out. Again, if you’re not confident doing this task, you can always ask assistance from a local and reputable provider of AC maintenance in Tyler, TX.

6. Unclog The Drain Line

Every air conditioner has a drain line that carries away the water produced during the cooling process. Over time, this line can get clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, which can cause water to back up into your AC unit. This can lead to all sorts of problems, including water damage, mold growth, and even electrical issues.

To prevent this from happening, it’s important to clean the drain line regularly. You can do this yourself with a wet/dry vac or a plumber’s snake. Just be careful not to damage the line while you’re cleaning it out.

7. Be proactive about repairs

If you notice that your AC unit isn’t working as well as it used to, don’t wait until the summer to get it fixed. The sooner you address the problem, the less likely it is to turn into a bigger issue that could lead to an expensive repair bill.

In most cases, it’s best to call a licensed HVAC technician to take a look at your unit and diagnose the problem. Most HVAC companies offering AC maintenance in Tyler, TX also handle repair. A reputable technician will be able to identify the root cause of the issue and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, they may be able to fix the problem on the spot.

8. Schedule an Annual Tune-Up

You can only do so much for your air conditioner unless you’re a licensed technician yourself. So one of the best things you can do for your air conditioner is to schedule an annual tune-up with a licensed HVAC technician. During a tune-up, the technician will clean your AC unit, lubricate moving parts, inspect the electrical components, and test the unit to make sure it’s running properly. You can count on a professional to perform thorough system maintenance, so you can be sure your entire AC is working as it should.

10. Get a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit is an assessment of your home’s energy usage and efficiency. During an audit, a technician will come to your home and test for factors that could be affecting your AC unit’s efficiency. They will also look at your insulation, windows, and doors to see if there are any areas where your home is losing energy. After the audit, you’ll be given a list of recommendations on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Some of these recommendations may require an investment, but they will eventually pay for themselves in lower energy bills and minimal repairs.

Hiring Professionals For Your AC Maintenance: Why Does It Matter?

As mentioned above, you can only do so much to keep your air conditioner in its best condition. Air conditioners are a bit of a complex piece of mechanical equipment. You have to learn how each of its parts works and how they affect each other to truly understand how to take care of it. Unless you are planning on becoming an air conditioner repairman, it is best to just leave the maintenance to the professionals.

Professionals know what to do.

They have the skills and experience to identify potential problems and correct them before they cause any damage. They also have the proper tools to perform all the AC maintenance tasks in Tyler, TX.

Prevent causing further damage to the equipment.

You might think that you are saving money by doing the maintenance on your own, but if you do not know what you are doing, you might end up causing more damage to your AC unit. This will eventually lead to more costly repairs.

Save time, money, and hassles.

Leave the AC maintenance in Tyler, TX to the professionals so you can focus on other things. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your AC unit is in good hands.

Ready To Schedule an AC Maintenance Service in Tyler, TX? Please Feel Free to Call Our Team!

If you’re in need of an AC maintenance service in Tyler, TX, then please don’t hesitate to call our team at Napps, Cooling Heating & Plumbing. We’ll be glad to help you keep your AC unit in tip-top shape!

At Napps, Cooling Heating & Plumbing, we have highly-trained and experienced AC technicians who can provide you with the AC maintenance service that you need. Whether you have a central AC unit or a ductless mini-split AC unit, our team can help you. We’ll inspect your entire AC system and clean it out so that it’s running efficiently. We’ll also make sure that there are no signs of wear and tear so that you can avoid any costly repairs in the future.

To schedule an AC maintenance service in Tyler, TX, please give us a call today at  903-758-6482.