How do I know if my air conditioner is running properly this summer?

June 25, 2018

With the heat and humidity in full swing this summer your air conditioner is putting in much more work. The best way to remain cool this summer is to stay on-top of your unit’s upkeep so you can ensure everything is running correctly. There are a few tips for you to help make sure your air conditioner is working correctly during the warmer months.

Keep the Area Around Unit Clear of Brush and Debris

Summer is the most common time to mow your lawn, making it more likely for grass clippings and other debris to build up outside of your air conditioner. This can cause a drop in system capacity and reduced airflow, resulting in your air conditioner working harder and ultimately wearing down sooner. Be sure to consistently eliminate any debris around your unit so your air conditioner can last as long as possible.

Change or Clean the Air Filter

Frequently replacing or cleaning the air filters in your air conditioner will increase its efficiency. For any questions about which filter to purchase or how often you should change it, take a look at the filter itself or feel free to reach out to the team at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating so we can provide a suggestion based on your specific system. For certain filter sizes, we can check and replace them at your routine maintenance visit. It’s important to know that if your air conditioner is in regular use, it’s subject to dusty circumstances, or you have pets, that your filter could need to be cleaned or changed more frequently.

Coil Care

Your air conditioner’s coils accumulate dirt over time which eventually lowers airflow and insulates the coil making it harder to absorb heat. The outdoor coils can become dirty if the area is dusty or if there is nearby foliage. Coils can also bend, hindering airflow through the coil. Our team can check the coils at your annual maintenance visit to clean or straighten coils as required.

Keep Up with Your Air Conditioner Maintenance

It is vital to keep up with your regular air conditioner maintenance. The experts at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can look at your air conditioner to ensure everything is working correctly, keep coils and filters clean, and much more. Annual maintenance check-ups will help prevent major breakdowns and keep your air conditioner operating as long as possible. Stay cool this summer by arranging your annual maintenance appointment so you can be confident that your air conditioner is working properly. Contact us at 641-628-3621 to schedule your maintenance visit today.