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How To Keep Your Air Conditioner Clean

Summer weather can be absolutely sweltering.  It’s also a busy time for HVAC companies because they are trying to fix broken systems quickly so people won’t suffer potential health risks.  If your system goes down, you could be looking at a long wait until it’s finally your turn to get it fixed.  This may not seem like a big deal when the weather is tepid but as soon as 103 degrees and humid kicks in, you might find yourself in dire straits.
Most of the time, the issue that caused your system to fail could have been easily prevented.  By taking the time to clean a few key components of your air conditioning system, you could save quite a bit of money that would have gone to expensive repairs.  For more severe issues, always have your trusted HVAC professional take a look at the problem.  Have them come out annually to check your systems and ductwork so you can prevent problems from occurring at the worst times – like those scorching hot days.


HOW TO KEEP YOUR AIR CONDITIONER CLEAN
A Simple Guide To Keeping Your Unit Running Efficiently
CHECK AIR FILTER FIRST –
Check your air filter every 30 to 60 days to see if it is dirty or dusty. If it is – swap it out for a fresh one. Folks with no pets or kids and few visitors should only need to change it every 2 to 3 months. Get pleated filters because they trap debris better.

PORTABLE OR WINDOW A/C –
If you have a portable, wall-mounted or window A/C unit, you have to manually clean the filter. Read your unit’s instruction guide to find out how to safely access the filter. Every 2 weeks, dust the filter off and then rinse it in warm, soapy water. Let it dry completely before putting it back into the unit.

CLEAN THE COILS –
Make sure your outdoor unit isn’t clogged with leaves, dirt or debris. If it is, turn off the unit and gently spray with a hose but make sure not to get the electrical box wet. For window units, open it up and use a soft brush or cloth to remove dust and dirt. For tougher build up, put a tiny bit of dish soap or detergent in a spray bottle of water and scrub the dirt off. The fins on the outside of your A/C unit can be cleaned in the same fashion.

CLEAR THE WAY –
Make sure there is no furniture blocking any air vents. Beds, dressers, couches, clothes, books, etc. inhibit critical air flow. Your outdoor unit should have a 12 inch clearance around it on every side.

COMMON PROBLEMS –
Constantly be looking out for common problems such as leaks, weak airflow or icy coils. This could be issues with pumps and tubes or a Freon leak. Freon doesn’t run out, so if it’s low, you have a leak. These issues should be addressed by an HVAC pro.
Check This Out For Tips On How To Reduce Cooling Costs This Summer!
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Location: Chicago Ridge, IL, USA

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