An air conditioner, like a car, is a device that must be serviced and maintained on a regular basis. Even though an air conditioning system looks to be in good working order, ongoing maintenance and care are required to keep it operating as intended.

There are five main reasons why you should maintain your air conditioner. Boosting performance, enhancing indoor air quality, limiting the transmission of airborne viruses and germs, prolonging the lifespan of an air conditioner, and improving energy efficiency to save you money are some of the benefits.

Moreover, there are several things you can do on your own to inspect and clean your air conditioner. We’ll go through a few of these do-it-yourself air conditioning maintenance suggestions here. We’ll also go over a few easy activities you can do to save time, money, and headaches during the life of an air conditioning system. These chores will assist you in providing the finest possible maintenance for your air conditioning devices.

If Your AC is Not Blowing Cold Air…

Clean your air conditioner filters. Air conditioner filters are designed to trap dust. However, they could become clogged with time, which can cause your air conditioner to work harder and be less efficient at cooling your house.

Cleaning your dust filters once or twice a month is advised, but more often than that in a year is ideal. It’s typically as simple as popping up the plastic cover, removing the filter, and shaking them outdoors.

If they’re extremely nasty, you may wash them in warm, soapy water, but make sure they’re totally dry before putting them back in the unit. Check your owner’s manual to find out how often filters should be changed.

If Your AC Creates Noise and Smells Bad…

If your air conditioner begins to make strange noises or emit a foul odor, it could be due to dirty air filters, a loose internal component, a malfunctioning fan, or a poorly fitted grille.

If the filters already had accumulated much dirt, they would be working harder than usual. To avoid the issue, constantly check and clean the filters.

If the noise is louder, such as shrieking, hissing, hammering, or grinding, turn off your air conditioner. The noise could be a hint of a more severe problem that requires the assistance of a specialist. If a specialist inspects your unit and cannot resolve the issue, it may be better to upgrade your air conditioner. 

Air conditioners typically have a lifespan of six to twelve years. If your unit has a bad odor, it could be due to dirt, mold, or mildew inside that is circling through the air it blows out. The first thing you should do is change the filters in the air conditioner. If the odor persists, the insulation may be damaged, and you will need to contact a specialist.

If Water is Leaking from Your AC…

Moisture in the air condenses naturally on the cool components of your air conditioner, just as it does on a cold drink in hot weather. However, if water is leaking and pooling, it is an issue and a safety hazard.

This, too, might be due to a grimy filter, but it could also be due to a blocked or broken drain line, a pump failure, unclean or defective coils, faulty installation, or a refrigerant leak. Turn off the electricity to your air conditioner and inspect the filters for dust or damage.

You may also inspect the evaporator coils within the interior unit. If they are unclean, they might freeze and cause water to overflow. To gain access to these coils, turn off the air conditioner and remove the front panel. If they’re only somewhat unclean, clean them with compressed air, a soft brush, or a towel dipped in warm, soapy water. If they’re significantly dirty, you should contact an HVAC specialist to do the proper cleaning.

In general, while you can try the two options on your own, water and electricity aren’t a good mix, and troubleshooting is best left to professionals. Calling a professional expert to diagnose the problem, whether it’s refrigerant leakage, faulty parts, or it’s just time to replace your AC, is the best choice.

If Your AC is Not Cooling Your Room Enough…

Your air conditioner must be the correct size for the room you’re attempting to cool, but insulation, location, and orientation all play a role. Cool just the rooms that are being used, and keep doors between chilled and uncooled sections closed.

If your windows face north or west, they will let in a lot of heat, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Install some shade, such as inside curtains or blinds and outdoor sails, awnings, or deciduous plants, to allow less heat to penetrate through your windows throughout the summer.

Insulating your home is one of the most effective ways to create a buffer between you and the intense heat outside. Improve your home’s ceiling, wall, and floor insulation and block any draught holes in door and window frames if possible to help seal your room up like an icebox.

If you have a split-system air conditioner, place the outside unit on the south side of the house or in a shady area. It will perform better in the shade than in direct sunlight.