San Luis Obispo County Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips
As summer 2018 approaches, it’s likely we’ll again see another consecutive hottest year on record for California and San Luis Obispo County as we’ve seen during the last 6 years. It’s important you are on top of your AC maintenance to ensure you aren’t compromising your air conditioning unit. Time and time again, we’ve seen SLO County residents fire up with AC when the first heat wave hits, only to find it is malfunctioning or performing poorly. We’ve devised these common troubleshooting tips, to make sure your AC unit is running quietly and efficiently all summer.
A little regular upkeep can go along way. So before you schedule a maintenance inspection, here are some things to be aware of that can help improve your comfort and the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Change or Clean the Air Filters
Okay, this may seem obvious, but to many it’s not, and can have a huge improvement on your AC system’s output and cleanliness. These air filters get dirty sitting around all winter. Cleaning/changing the air filter will improve the efficiency of your air conditioner and health of your home. We recommend replacing one-inch pleated filters once a month. You can easily find your unit’s replacement filters online, or just your local HVAC company to order them for you. If you’re unsure of the type of filter to use, we can recommend one based on your specific system. For all other filter sizes, your HVAC guys will check, clean, or replace them at your annual maintenance visit. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your air conditioner is in constant use, and in dustier environments. Pets in the house also contribute to dirty filters. Contact your local heating and air company to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your home or business.
Clean the Air Conditioner’s Coils
The air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils collect dirt over time. An air conditioner’s evaporator coil, also called the evaporator core, is the part of the system where the refrigerant absorbs heat. That is where the cold air comes from. The evaporator coil is located inside or near the air handler where the blower fan is. As dirt and debris builds, it reduces airflow and insulates the coil, making it less efficient at absorbing heat. Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. To avoid these problems, the AC pros at smart72 will check and clean your air conditioner’s coils, if necessary, at your annual maintenance visit.
Remove Debris
Over time, debris like leaves, branches, dirt and grass clippings will build up on the outside of your air conditioner. This is especially common in SLO County where we have more rural settings. Debris reduces airflow and thus its ability to circulate and cool your home. You should trim any branches/foliage/shrubs or other plants that surround the air conditioner to keep from impeding airflow to and from the unit.
Straighten Coil Fins
This sounds more complicated than it is. The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent over time and can block airflow through the coil. Your heating and air company will check these pieces at your annual maintenance visit and straighten them, if necessary.
Get a $72 AC Tune-Up
Cleaning and maintaining your home or business’ AC unit isn’t nearly as daunting once you’ve done it a few times. The hardest part is starting. With all the online guides around, there’s likely information available specific to your furnace. However, if you’re busy, and want to ensure every component is inspected properly by a professional, a simple $72 tune-up from smart72 is a modest investment to ensure the longevity and efficiency for your home’s HVAC system.
About smart72
smart72 is a San Luis Obispo based heating and air company serving the entire Central Coast from Santa Barbara to Monterey County. They specialize in residential and commercial HVAC maintenance, installation, design, and repair. Their SLO County locations include San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, Los Osos, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Templeton, Pismo Beach, Oceano, Cambria, Cayucos, Santa Maria, and surrounding communities. They also serve Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
smart72
1140 Kendall Rd, Suite C
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 628-4197
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