For today's #factfriday, let's talk about something everybody needs right now... Air Conditioning. We are hitting the hottest part of the year around the country and your air conditioners are probably working harder than they have all year. To make sure you are getting the most out of your AC and ensuring the longest time between replacement, here are a couple helpful tips:
Complete Annual Service
Air conditioners (especially with a forced air system) are complex machines and require regular upkeep to ensure proper function and long life. Once a year you should be budgeting $50 - $100 to have a local HVAC technician come to check out your entire system. Not only will they do basic maintenance items, but they can help detect major issues before they become too costly. While this may seem like common sense, you'd be surprised how few homeowners actually do this on an annual basis --- in fact on our platform over half of our inspections call out lack of annual service with some (13% to be exact) being beyond 5 years. Get the most out of your unit and make sure to get it serviced this year.
Change Air Filter
Even if your air conditioner is brand new and/or functioning at max efficiency, if you have a dirty or clogged air filter, you will have performance issues. If you have a forced air HVAC, make sure to check out your air filter and replace if damaged or clogged. This is especially true if you have pets --- animal hair is notorious for clogging up air filters.
Meet Nico, one of Inspectify's dog employees and culprit for many a clogged air filter.
Clear Vegetation Around AC
Much like a dirty air filter, if the radiator (outdoor unit) of your air conditioner has vegetation around or on the unit, it will become less efficient and won't be able to properly cool down your home. This is a perfect Saturday project to remove any/all vegetation within two to three feet of your unit.
By following the tips above, you can be sure to stay cool during the hot months of the year and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
Happy Homeowning :)
Josh and Inspectify Team
