Netherland Air Conditioning

Tips on Maintaining Your HVAC UnitSummer is in full swing and the heat index is at its peak which means your air conditioner is working overtime. A professional HVAC company like Netherland Air Conditioning LLC can come out and do the annual maintenance on your HVAC such as inspecting the unit and checking the ductwork but in between, there are air conditioning maintenance tips to keep your AC unit running more efficiently.   How Often to Replace Your AC FilterOne of the most important things you can do on your own to take good care of your HVAC system is to simply change your air filter on a regular basis. This keeps everything working properly and also helps to keep your energy bills low. Unfortunately, it is a task that is easily forgotten by many homeowners for months at a time, leading to higher energy bills and future maintenance issues. But how often should you change your air filter? How often should you change your furnace filter? Well, it depends. Here are some general rules and recommendations to help you figure out what time frame is best for your HVAC system.For central AC units, it is recommended that you check the filter every 30 to 60 days to see if it's dirty or dusty.  Keep in mind that your lifestyle can make a big difference, since people who have kids or pets might have to change their filter every month, while those who don't have too many visitors or animals might only need to swap it out every two to three months.How Often to Clean a Central AC UnitFor your air conditioning to work efficiently, it must be able to transfer heat from inside your home to the outside effectively. A coating of dirt, dust and other debris on the A/C coils can prevent this, by insulating the coils from the surrounding air and reducing the efficiency of the heat transfer process. To minimize energy usage and reduce utility costs, the A/C coils should be cleaned at least once a year.The Importance of Clean AC CoilsIt is estimated that dirty evaporator and condenser coils can increase the energy usage of your air conditioning system by over 30 percent. Additionally, reduced heat transfer efficiency can cause other problems, such as poor cooling performance, frozen evaporator coils and compressor overheating.How to Prevent Dirty CoilsTo keep the evaporator coils clean, it is important to check the air filter at least once a month and replace it as necessary. A dirty air filter can allow dust and debris to accumulate on the evaporator instead of the air filter, and it can also reduce airflow in the system, leading to other problems. To keep the condenser coils clean, keep an area of two feet around the condenser unit clean of vegetation and debris, including trash, tall grass, plants and overhanging trees or bushes. Remove large debris as it falls into the condenser coils, and when mowing, be sure to discharge clippings away from the condenser.Cleaning the AC CoilsThe fins on the evaporator and condenser coils are extremely delicate and can be bent with very little force. It is best to leave the majority of the cleaning to an air conditioning contractor, who will clean the coils during a routine maintenance visit. Ideally, air conditioning maintenance should be performed twice a year, though once is sufficient for some systems. Between visits, the condenser coils can be cleaned by removing large debris and rinsing the coils with a hose, after shutting the power off. The evaporator is often difficult to access, and should only be cleaned by a professional.More AC Unit Maintenance TipsMake sure nothing is blocking the unit.  Airflow is critical to cooling systems, so make sure that you don't have furniture or other items blocking the unit vents.  For your outside vents, keep a minimum of a 12-inch clearance around the unit. Constantly check for common problems. Weak airflow, icy coils, and leakages in all types of units could indicate either a blockage in your air conditioner or a clogged filter.Know when to call a professional.  If your HVAC is unable to maintain consistent temperatures, calling a technician is your best bet.  They can determine the issue and make the necessary repairs.  Monitor your utility bills.  If you see an increase in your monthly bill but your overall usage remains the same, one or more components of your system may not be working as it should.You can schedule an appointment for repairs or annual maintenance by contacting Netherland Air Conditioning LLC.  They are located in Semmes, AL.  They service the Mobile and Baldwin County areas.  Call for an appointment at 251-753-0302.