Did you know Huntsville once hit a record-breaking 110°F temperature? With summer temps regularly climbing into the 90s and the humidity making it feel even hotter, your AC has to work overtime to keep your home cool. That’s why knowing how to take care of your air conditioner is so important.
There’s something more in proper air conditioning maintenance than keeping you comfortable. Regular upkeep keeps your system running efficiently, lowers energy bills, and extends its lifespan. Follow these nine key tips to keep your AC in top shape.
1. Get an Air Conditioning Maintenance Pro to Check Your AC Every Year
Even if you’re great at keeping up with basic air conditioning maintenance, there are some things only a pro can catch. That’s why it’s a good idea to always have an HVAC technician give your system a thorough inspection and tune-up at least once a year.
In Huntsville, where summers get brutally hot, scheduling a pre-summer AC checkup ensures your unit is ready to handle the heat when you need it most. Here’s what we, professionals, will do:
- Check refrigerant levels to make sure your system is cooling efficiently.
- Troubleshoot electrical components to catch potential issues before they turn into major (and expensive) repairs.
- Clean coils and other key parts that can get dirty over time and reduce efficiency.
- Inspect the overall system to spot small problems before they become big headaches.
Regular professional maintenance not only extends the life of your AC but can also save you money on energy bills and costly repairs.
Plus, many HVAC companies in Huntsville offer annual maintenance plans and financing, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to schedule a checkup. A little prevention now can keep you cool and stress-free all summer long!
2. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Your AC’s air filter’s job is to catch dust, pollen, and allergens before they can mess with your air quality and clog up your system. Living in Huntsville, where pollen can get intense, your filter gets dirty faster than you’d think.
And when it’s clogged, your AC has to work extra hard to push air through, leading to higher energy bills and a system that wears out sooner than it should. That’s why regular filter changes—and scheduling AC service cleaning when needed—are essential for keeping your system running smoothly.
Here’s how to stay on top of it:
- Check your filter every month and replace or clean it every 30 to 90 days, depending on how often you use your AC.
- Got pets or allergies? Swap it out more frequently to keep your air clean.
- Opt for HEPA or pleated filters because they do a better job of trapping tiny particles and keeping your indoor air fresh.
It’s a small, easy habit that makes a big difference in how well your AC runs and how fresh your home feels!
3. Clean the Condensate Drain Line
On top of keeping your home cool, your AC also removes moisture from the air. That moisture has to go somewhere, and that’s where the condensate drain line comes in.
But over time, gunk-like mold, algae, and dirt can build up, clogging the line and causing leaks or even water damage. It’s not exactly what you want in the middle of a hot, humid Huntsville summer.
Here’s how to clean your AC and keep things flowing smoothly:
- Every few months, pour a cup of white vinegar or a bleach-and-warm-water mix down the drain. This helps break down any buildup before it turns into a problem.
- If you notice water pooling around your unit, that’s a sign of a clog. It’s a clear sign that it’s time to call in a pro.
Since Huntsville’s summers are extra humid, clogs are more common, so staying on top of this simple task can help prevent mold, musty smells, and excess moisture in your home.
4. Give Your Outdoor AC Unit Some Breathing Room
Your AC’s outdoor unit (also called the condenser) needs plenty of airflow to work efficiently. But if it’s surrounded by leaves, grass clippings, dirt, or other debris, it has to work much harder to cool your home. As a result, it drives up energy costs and puts unnecessary strain on the system.
If your unit is near a garage, make sure there’s no clutter, tools, or even your garage door blocking airflow or trapping heat nearby. Good circulation around the garage door and outdoor unit helps your AC stay efficient.
Here’s how you take care of your air conditioner:
- Trim back any bushes, plants, or tall grass so there’s at least 18 inches of space around the unit. This helps air flow freely.
- Regularly check for leaves, dirt, and other debris collecting around the system, especially after storms or yard work. A quick cleanup can make a big difference.
- About once a season, use a garden hose with a gentle spray to rinse off the condenser fins (those metal slats on the unit). Just be sure to turn off the power first for safety!
Try a Misting System for Extra Cooling
Along with keeping your outdoor AC unit clear and well-ventilated, a simple misting system around patios or decks can help your AC work more efficiently. By cooling the air outside, it reduces the heat load near windows and doors, making it easier for your system to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Safety tip: Keep the misting system away from electrical components and use a low-pressure setup to prevent water pooling.
It’s a simple, safe way to keep both your indoor and outdoor spaces comfortable during Huntsville’s hot summer days.
5. Check and Clean Your AC’s Coils for Better Performance
Even if you stay on top of changing your air filter, dust and dirt still find their way onto your AC’s coils. These coils—one inside (evaporator coil) and one outside (condenser coil)—are responsible for absorbing and releasing heat.
Here’s how to keep them clean and working efficiently:
- Check your evaporator coil (inside unit) once a year for dust and dirt buildup. If it looks dirty, gently brush it off or use a no-rinse coil cleaner to clear away the grime.
- Inspect and clean your outdoor condenser coil at least once a season. Leaves, dirt, and debris can clog it up, reducing airflow. A quick rinse with a gentle spray from a hose (with the power off!) can help keep it clean.
- If your coils look really grimy or your AC isn’t cooling like it used to, it might be time for a professional AC service cleaning.
6. Check and Seal Your Ductwork to Keep Cool Air Inside
If your ductwork has leaks, a lot of that cool air could be escaping before it ever reaches your room. This means your system has to run longer, your energy bills go up, and some areas of your home might not cool as well as others.
In older Huntsville homes, ducts can develop cracks, gaps, or loose connections over time. Even a small leak can add up to big energy losses.
Here’s what you can do to keep your AC running efficiently:
- Look for visible gaps, holes, or disconnected sections in your ducts. Pay special attention to attics, basements, or crawl spaces where ductwork is often exposed.
- Seal small leaks with duct sealant (mastic) or aluminum foil tape. Avoid regular duct tape—it won’t hold up over time.
- Think about professional AC service cleaning every few years. Dust, pet dander, and allergens can build up inside, affecting both your air quality and your AC’s efficiency.
Fixing leaky ducts is a simple way to keep your home cooler, lower your energy bills, and make sure every room gets the comfort it deserves!
7. Use a Programmable Thermostat to Save Energy Without Lifting a Finger
Your AC doesn’t need to run full blast all day, especially when no one’s home. A programmable thermostat lets you set different temperatures for different times of the day, so you’re not wasting energy cooling an empty house.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Set it and forget it. Program your thermostat to keep it around 78°F when you’re home and bump it up to 85°F when you’re away. This small adjustment can make a big difference in your energy bill.
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat. Models like Nest or Ecobee learn your schedule and adjust automatically to keep your home comfortable while using less energy. Plus, you can control them from your phone!
- Use scheduling wisely. If you work a regular schedule, set your thermostat to start cooling your home about 30 minutes before you arrive so it’s comfortable when you walk in.
8. Keep Cool Air In with Proper Insulation
If your insulation isn’t up to par with your AC, a lot of that cool air could be slipping right out—forcing your system to work overtime. Good insulation helps keep the cool air in and the hot air out, so your AC doesn’t have to struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Here’s how to make sure your home is properly insulated:
- Check your attic insulation. Heat rises, and if your attic isn’t well insulated, all that cool air you’re paying for could be escaping. If you can see your attic floor joists, you probably need more insulation. Adding extra insulation can make a big difference in keeping your home cool.
- Seal up any gaps around doors and windows. Even small cracks can let warm air in and cool air out. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal leaks and keep your home airtight.
- Block out excess heat with thermal curtains. Sunlight streaming through windows can heat your home fast. Thermal or blackout curtains help keep the heat out and the cool air in, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
9. Keep an Eye on Your Energy Bills and AC Performance
Your energy bill can tell you a lot about how well your AC is running. If you suddenly notice a spike in your bill but your habits haven’t changed, then your system might not be running as efficiently as it should.
Here are a few signs that something’s off:
- Your energy bill is higher than usual. Compare your monthly bills to see if there’s an unexplained increase. A dirty filter, refrigerant leak, or aging system could be the culprit.
- Your home has hot and cold spots. If some rooms feel much warmer than others, your AC might be struggling with airflow issues or leaky ductwork.
- Your AC runs constantly or in short cycles. If it’s running non-stop or turning on and off too frequently, it may be working harder than necessary due to a dirty filter, thermostat problem, or other efficiency issue.
- Strange noises or weak airflow. Banging, rattling, or weak airflow from vents could mean it’s time for a maintenance check.
What to do if you notice a problem:
- Check the basics first. Make sure your air filter is clean, your thermostat is working properly, and no vents are blocked.
- Look for leaks or airflow issues. A clogged condensate drain, low refrigerant, or duct leaks could be affecting performance.
- Call in a pro if the problem persists. A technician can diagnose and fix any underlying issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
Stay Cool in Huntsville with Proper Air Conditioning Maintenance
By following these nine essential tips, you can keep your AC units running efficiently, even during Huntsville’s sweltering summer months. Knowing how to clean your AC properly and recognizing when it’s time to call a professional are crucial for maintaining peak performance and preventing costly breakdowns.Regular maintenance not only enhances comfort but also extends the life of your system and helps lower energy bills. For thorough air conditioning maintenance, give us a call today! Let’s make sure your home stays cool and comfortable all season long.