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Tips and essentials for the restaurant, foodservice and HVAC spaces in one place.

Home Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

Air conditioner with the top off - Home Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

As with most things in your home, your home air conditioner needs maintenance to continue running smoothly. There’s a variety of parts that need attention such as coils, filters, fins and more. But how do you service an AC unit and why is this important? Learn the proper maintenance tips below so you can stay cool all summer long.

How Often Should I Service My Air Conditioner?

It’s recommended that you service your home AC once a year at least. The best time of year to perform maintenance on an air conditioner tends to be in spring since this is the off-season. 

So why not complete service in the winter? Simply put, it’ll be too cold. Since you won’t be running the unit at all, it’s recommended you wait until spring to complete any maintenance tasks and run the AC again.

Why Do You Need To Service Air Conditioners?

Keeping your home air conditioning unit clean means healthier air and saving money in the long run. When you keep up with regular maintenance, your AC will run like new for years. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to service your air conditioner once a year:

  • Your AC can clog with dirt and bacteria, which will recirculate in the air if not cleaned.
  • Regular cleaning can help you avoid expensive repairs or breakdowns.
  • Performing maintenance on your home AC unit will lower your electric bill as the unit won’t be working as hard to keep your house cool.
  • Without regular servicing, you could void the warranty on your AC and have more expensive repairs in the event something happens to the unit.

AC Tips & Tricks

Looking for some upkeep tips for your home AC unit? Here are a few air conditioner care tips to keep your unit clean and running properly:

  • Change the filters regularly
  • Check for bent fins and straighten them with a knife
  • Make sure to clean any debris around the condenser coils on the exterior of your home
  • Create some airflow by cracking a window or door slightly
  • Wipe down the unit if you notice any dust buildup

Air Conditioner Maintenance By Type

If you’re in need of more detailed air conditioner care tips, we can help. Below is a quick breakdown of the different types of services needed for window units, mini split units, portable air conditioners and central ACs:

Central Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

Central AC units may require a service technician for certain tasks. However, when it comes to spring cleaning, there are a few services you can perform on your own, such as replacing filters, checking the air registers and ducts and cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils. Also make sure to clean the drain lines regularly.

Check out our central air conditioner maintenance checklist

Window Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

At least once a month, take out the unit’s filter and wipe it down to clear off any dirt or debris. Once the filter is dry and put back, move to the exterior of the unit and wash the vents with a mild detergent and warm water. Be sure to comb out the fins and clean the coils as well. This will clear out any dust and provide cleaner air.

It’s also recommended that you spray down the interior and exterior with a hydrogen peroxide spray to prevent mold and mildew from forming.

Check out our window air conditioner maintenance checklist

Mini Split  Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

In addition to cleaning the filter and wiping down the coils as mentioned above, you’ll want to assess refrigerant levels and inspect the condensate pan and pipes to ensure there is no damage or leaking. With a mini split AC unit, you’ll also want to wipe down the interior and exterior to ensure you unblock any dirt from the vents.

Check out our mini split air conditioner maintenance checklist

Portable Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

While portable AC units need regular maintenance including replacing the filters and cleaning the coils, you’ll also want to remember to drain the water from the condensate pan. Keeping water in the pan can cause leaking if overflowing as well as mold buildup. For this type of AC unit, you’ll also want to spray some hydrogen peroxide to prevent mold and mildew from forming.

Check out our portable air conditioner maintenance checklist

Please contact a local authorized service agent who can help with this specific unit and all your heating and cooling needs.