One of the best ways to keep your Darien home’s air conditioner running well is to perform AC maintenance regularly. This will help prevent more serious issues from developing — such as leaks or refrigerant loss that could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs down the road.

To help you avoid expensive breakdowns, this AC maintenance contractor in Darien, Illinois is going to provide some helpful tips that will help you keep your system running smoothly.

Remove Debris

Debris can easily build up on your AC unit, causing it to work harder and less efficiently. To keep your unit in tip-top shape, remove any leaves, dirt, or other debris that may have accumulated. Not only will this help your system run more efficiently, but it will also help it last longer.

Debris removal is easily done with a garden hose — simply spray down the unit and let the water do its job. You should also trim back any nearby bushes or trees blocking airflow to the unit.

Clean the Condenser Coil

The condenser coil is one of the most important parts of your AC unit, and it is also one of the most neglected. This is because the coil is located outside, exposed to all sorts of dirt, pollen, and other debris. Over time, this build-up can cause your AC unit to work less efficiently and even lead to a complete breakdown.

To avoid this, your AC maintenance contactor in Darien, Illinois may recommend cleaning your condenser coil. The good news is that this is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself. All you need is some water and an old rag, or if you want to make it more efficient, use a water hose at low pressure. Spray down the entire coil until all the grime has been removed, and then use your rag or towel to dry off any excess moisture. Repeat as necessary until your AC starts working better!

Level the AC Unit

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your AC unit is to level it. An unlevel unit will have to work harder, leading to more wear and tear, and it may even shorten its lifespan.

To level your unit, find out where it should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once you know where it should go, use a level to ensure it is installed correctly. You may need to adjust the legs of the unit until it is level.

Clean the Evaporator Coil and Drain

The importance of cleaning the evaporator coil and drain cannot be overstated. The evaporator coil contains cold refrigerant and gets very dirty over time. If it is not cleaned, it can cause your air conditioner to work harder, use more energy, and even break down.

You can clean the evaporator coil yourself with a brush and some bleach. Drain the drip pan and remove any debris that has collected there. This will help prevent water damage and keep your AC unit running efficiently.

Change the Filter

Your air conditioner’s filter is important for two reasons: it helps keep the unit’s coils clean and prevents dirt and dust from being blown into your home. Depending on the type of filter, your AC maintenance contractor in Darien, Illinois may recommend replacing the filter roughly every two months.

To change it, simply remove the old filter and insert a new one in its place.

Call the Professionals

As a busy homeowner, you may not have the time to maintain your air conditioner on your own. Luckily, there are plenty of reputable AC maintenance contractors in Darien, Illinois that can do it for you. Just make sure to call a contractor who is licensed and insured, and make sure you ask for references.

Final Thoughts

We have all experienced the frustration of an air conditioner not working right in the summer heat, and we know how hard it can be to find someone reliable to fix it. Thankfully, with some knowledge and attention, you can save yourself money and aggravation by taking simple steps to ensure your air conditioner lasts as long as possible and keeps you cool every summer.

Looking for the Most Trusted AC Maintenance Contractor in Darien, Illinois?

Are you ready to have your AC system tuned up? Looking for the most trusted AC maintenance contactor in Darien, Illinois? If so, you’ve come to the right place — Hearthstone Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. Contact us today at (630) 435-9800 to schedule an appointment.