Any homeowner knows that it’s important to take good care of your home, whether it’s making sure your roof doesn’t leak or that you don’t let the lawn grow overgrown and full of weeds. But what about the things inside your home? Are you taking proper care of the appliances and electronics you depend on every day?

Depending on where you live, air conditioning may be something you rarely think about until you’re stuck in the house without it. Even in the middle of summer, an A/C unit that doesn’t work properly can make your home unbearably hot and uncomfortable—especially if you don’t catch the problem early enough. The good news is that most A/C maintenance tasks are easy to do yourself, and many are recommended on a regular basis to keep your unit running efficiently and effectively for years to come.

Protect your AC unit from damage

Summer can be extremely hot and humid in North America, which means your air conditioner will be working hard to keep you cool. It’s important to give your AC unit regular maintenance throughout its lifespan to ensure it lasts as long as possible. An important part of AC maintenance is protecting it from potential damage. If you take proper care of your unit and make sure to check regularly for potential issues, it’ll last longer and perform better over time.

Clean the coils regularly

The most important AC maintenance task is keeping your unit’s coils clean. Over time, dust and other particles can get trapped in or around them, making it harder for air to flow freely through. As a result, your AC has to work harder to do its job and makes more noise in an attempt to keep you cool. Clean your coils at least twice per year by using canned air or brushing off any dirt with an old toothbrush. If you’re uncomfortable cleaning up around your coils on your own, enlist help from an HVAC professional; they should be able to clean them properly without breaking any of their warranties.

Replace the filters often

When it comes to air conditioning maintenance, many people put it off until they need AC repair and then try to get everything done in one day. This leads to some problems later on down the road; typically with reduced efficiency and higher costs when repairs are needed. That’s why replacing your filters regularly is so important. A clean filter will remove dirt and debris before it can clog up your unit and cause longer breakdowns or worse. Typically, filters should be replaced every three months or once every 1,000 hours of use. It’s also important to check whether you need high-efficiency filters as these will save you even more on energy costs in years to come!

Use a cover during winter months

During winter months, you should always use your air conditioner with an indoor unit cover. This will help to keep snow, dust and debris from being drawn into your air conditioner. A clogged air filter can cause damage to your unit; keep it clean and functioning properly at all times. You can also prevent rodents or critters from entering inside by placing guards around openings in your home’s exterior walls. An AC tune up in Richland Hills TX should be completed annually if you live in an area that sees consistent winter temperatures of over 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This is necessary because cold weather damages air conditioning systems faster than warmer temperatures do; keeping on top of annual maintenance will help extend its life expectancy significantly.

Service your unit after every two years

Most AC units operate with minimal maintenance, but they do need regular tune ups to work their best. Service contracts may not cover these basic and essential services, so it’s important to learn how and when to service your unit yourself. By servicing your unit after every two years, you’ll prevent costly malfunctions that can force you into an emergency repair situation during hot summer months.

So when should you get your AC tune up in Southlake TX? If there’s dust on the coils or water dripping from inside, then its likely time to schedule in some AC maintenance. If on another hand your system is making loud noises or irregular cooling cycles then most likely repairs are needed and should be addressed right away by a trained professional before damage is done.

Check refrigerant levels regularly

The first step to AC maintenance is knowing what kind of refrigerant your system uses. Some systems use R-22, an ozone-depleting substance that’s been phased out. You may have either R-410A or R-22 in your system—these are all relatively safe to work with (as long as you don’t do anything stupid like try to drink it). The safest thing to do is bring in an expert if you’re not sure about whether you’ve got a modern coolant or one that needs to be phased out, but if you want to take matters into your own hands, checking refrigerant levels is an easy place to start.

Invest in installing surge protectors or uninterruptible power supply systems

Sure, surges can bring your air conditioning unit to its knees, but so can extreme temperatures, in which case an uninterrupted supply of power to your AC system is essential. For optimal results, schedule annual AC tune up in Richland Hills TX and commercial heating in Aledo TX with a professional technician; if you do notice issues with sudden temperature changes in your home and plan on spending more than $1,000 on repairs or replacements, make sure to hire an authorized HVAC contractor. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends scheduling tune ups every three years; you might find that investing in surge protectors saves you money on unexpected AC expenses.

Ensure that vents are clean and unobstructed. Check air filters at least once every month, or more often if you notice dirty air blowing from your vents. Unclog drains to prevent moisture from building up inside your unit and causing damage. Clean coils and registers of dust with a hose or vacuum. Also, make sure no objects are blocking airflow. Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances in rooms where your AC is running.