"Are You Neglecting Your Air Conditioning? The Importance of Spring Maintenance"

As the Spring season starts, you’ll want to examine your system to be sure it’s ready for the hot Summer weather ahead.

Neglecting your air conditioner can have many consequences, including:

• Increased energy bills A poorly maintained air conditioner can't cool your home efficiently, so it has to work harder, which uses more energy.

• Breakdowns Ignoring repair needs can lead to complete system failure. Prompt repairs can prevent further damage and costly replacements.

• Frozen coils A frozen evaporator coil can draw excess power and trip your breaker. If you notice ice on the coils, turn off your unit and contact a professional right away.

• Reduced airflow Airflow helps your air conditioner's filters remove air pollutants and boost its efficiency. Decreased airflow can prevent cooled or heated air from reaching the areas of your home that need it, resulting in uneven temperatures.

• Shorter lifespan Neglecting maintenance can shorten your air conditioner's lifespan by several years. A system that runs without maintenance season after season may stop working suddenly. 

Other consequences of neglecting your air conditioner include decreased comfort levels, health problems, unpleasant odors, and a reduced warranty. 

Here are some tips to get the most out of your air conditioner:

• Clean/Replace the air filters Air filters trap dirt and other particles, so it's important to clean/replace them regularly. You can check your filters monthly and change them as needed.

• Close windows and doors Keeping windows and doors closed prevents warm air from entering and cool air from escaping, so your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard.

• Raise the thermostat Increasing the temperature a few degrees allows your air conditioner to work less while still keeping you comfortable. You can also consider using a programmable thermostat to cool your home only when needed.

• Clean the coils The coils get dirty over time, so it's important to clean them regularly so your air conditioner can operate efficiently.

• Clear the condenser Remove any leaves, debris, or weeds that have gotten inside the condenser, and make sure the drain holes aren't blocked.

• Clear the condensate drain line A clogged condensate drain line can cause your air conditioner to shut down, so it's important to keep it clear to remove excess water and moisture.