The Best Summer AC Maintenance Tip Is Perfectly Simple
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We all know that HVAC care is self-care during the summer months, and now that it’s officially summer, your AC is getting a workout.
Before we get into that non-stop stretch of 100-degree days and we all start teasing each other over the weather (Is it hot enough for you?), you should ask yourself, “What can I do to take care of my home AC system?” As always, we are here to help with AC maintenance tips!
And what’s the best AC maintenance tip of all? Keep it clean.
Filters Don’t Catch Everything
Where there’s moisture build-up, there’s always the potential for organic growth (mold, bacteria, etc), and that can happen anywhere along the path of your HVAC system. This is why it’s so important to have your AC serviced regularly. Preventative maintenance will keep your system clean and free of foreign material. You can also invest in UV-C light for your ducts which can actually prevent mold or bacteria from growing.
Keep Outdoor Components Clean
This is mostly just a really weird photo of a bunch of snails on a compressor, but snails aside, all kinds of debris can land on or get stuck to the compressor and find its way inside the machine. It’s important to periodically give your outside unit a good cleaning.
Spray the fins with a hose (NOT your power washer). You should also remove the outer casing to see if the evaporator coils look dirty. If they do, your best option is to have the unit serviced by a professional. But if you want to do it yourself, you can follow the directions here.
Remember, You’re Breathing That
First, an interesting note: you’re not allowed to say the word “mold” when inspecting a home.
In the case of this photo, we’d have to say that there appears to be a “black foreign substance” on the vent. “Mold” is not super specific and also tends to scare people, possibly unnecessarily. So when you see something that might be mold, it’s best to have an expert test it to find out what exactly it is so they can advise you on how to get rid of it.
“Foreign substances” can grow on vents when they get wet. If you have vents that tend to form condensation and drip, it’s usually because the vent cover is getting too cold. And why would that happen? Probably because the vent isn’t properly sealed and cold air is escaping around the sides of the vents. When the warmer, humid air in your house hits that cold vent cover, condensation forms.
This is something you can fix yourself by using a spray foam sealant like Great Stuff and weather stripping to seal all the supply vents in your house. Here’s a simple video that shows you how.
If your vents are already properly sealed and you still have condensation, your house may be way too humid. This could be because your doors and windows aren’t properly sealed and too much outside air is getting in. You can invest in a dehumidifier and/or start working on resealing/replacing your doors and windows. A home energy assessment can help you figure out your next move.
The bottom line is a clean AC is a happy AC, and this summer in North Texas, you want a happy AC. If you have questions about AC maintenance and have a new home, check your home warranty plan first, then call your AC repair person.
