Summer Air Conditioning Survival: Maintenance Tips and Tricks with Aaron Stover
Keep Your Cool: How to Clean Your Air Conditioner Like a Pro
Hey there, fellow home maintenance enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a crucial yet often overlooked task: cleaning your air conditioner. Join me as I learn from Aaron Stover, an HVAC expert, who walked us through the essential steps to keep our AC units running smoothly. Ready? Let’s get our hands a little dirty!
Why Bother Cleaning Your AC?
You might be wondering, why is it so important to clean your air conditioner? Well, here’s the scoop:
Efficiency: A clean AC unit works better. Dirt and dust can clog the coils, reducing efficiency and making your unit work harder than it needs to.
Longevity: Regular maintenance can extend the life of your AC. Neglecting it can lead to costly repairs or even a full replacement sooner than you'd like.
Performance: Clean units perform better, providing cool air more effectively and maintaining a comfortable home environment.
Steps to Clean Your Air Conditioner
Preparation: Before you start, make sure to turn off the power to the unit. Safety first!
Remove Debris: Clear away leaves, dirt, and other debris from around the unit. This simple step can already make a big difference.
Wash the Coils: Using gentle water pressure, wash off the coils. This helps remove the dust that accumulates over time.
Check for Cottonwood Trees: If you live near cottonwood trees, you might need to clean your unit more frequently due to the fluffy seeds that can clog it up.
Clean Thoroughly: For a deeper clean, you might need to take off the top and clean the unit from the inside out. This ensures you get all the dirt trapped inside.
Check the Capacitor: The capacitor is crucial for starting the electric motors inside your unit. Using a meter, you can check if it’s still in good shape or needs replacing.
Pro Tips from Aaron
Regular Maintenance: Just like changing your air filter, regular cleaning is key. Aim to clean your AC unit at least once a year.
Watch for Cottonwood: If you live near cottonwood trees, be extra vigilant. These fluffy seeds can cause serious blockages.
Check Electrical Components: Regularly check and maintain electrical components like the capacitor to avoid sudden breakdowns.
When to Call the Pros
While basic cleaning can be a DIY task, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals for a thorough inspection and maintenance. They can spot and fix issues before they become major problems.
That’s it, folks! With these tips, you’re well on your way to keeping your air conditioner in top shape. Stay cool and happy cleaning!
For more detailed instructions and to see Aaron’s demonstration, check out the full video. Happy cooling!
