Air conditioning is so welcome in our hot and humid Wisconsin summers. In order to keep your AC system working efficiently and at its peak, there are some simple maintenance tasks you can perform. Proper maintenance will lower your electricity bills and keep you and your family comfortable. In this post, we’ll share what maintenance is most important and why.

Filters – Why They’re Important

Air conditioners and furnaces take in all sorts of dust and dirt that naturally floats in the air. As such, to reduce the amount of residue they take in, they’re equipped with HVAC filters. These filters trap all kinds of residue, but the filters can become completely blocked in the process. These filters need to be changed on a regular basis. You should change your HVAC filter at least every 3 months; if you have cats or dogs in your home, you should do it once a month. If you have a media filter, they should be replaced every 9 to 12 months; this filter is located inside your ductwork next to your furnace or air handler.

Filters – Where They Are

Your HVAC filter could be located in your return air vents or it could be located within your furnace. If you’re not sure, look up videos online for your particular AC or HVAC system. If you aren’t clear exactly what system you have, your HVAC technician would be happy to show you where they are. Certainly, if you have dealt with Dave’s Appliance, we would have that information for you, or could easily find it out for you.

Filters – How To Replace

Replacing the filter once you locate it is relatively easy. They’re designed to be taken out and replaced, so it should be pretty obvious. If you have any confusion about how to do it, again, there should be online videos guiding through your particular system’s process. Replacement filters are obtainable at many stores; Dave’s Appliance can supply you or point you to the place to go.

Condenser Area – Why It’s Important

Your AC’s condenser is located outside of your home. As such, it’s exposed to falling branches, kicked-up stones and dirt, bushes, and all sorts of overgrowth. In rare cases, overhanging greenery can fall into condensers, causing jams and general mechanical damage. Then there’s the chaos that creatures cause. Squirrels, mice, and even ants and other insects can chew on the electrical wirings or are attracted by the water. It can be hazardous to them and they can damage your outside unit.

Condenser Area – What To Do

You can prevent problems by keeping the area around your condenser clear of plant life and debris, and checking for evidence of chewing. At Dave’s Appliance, we recommend five feet of clearance on each of its sides. Also make sure that any trees or hedges in the vicinity are properly trimmed. Performing this basic outdoor maintenance should make it less attractive to creatures of all kinds.

Condensate Drain – Why It’s Important

When condensate drains are running at full speed during a hot spell, they are constantly removing water in the air; but when they are turned on less often, it means that your condensate drain can start to accumulate algae, mold, and gunk. It builds up faster than you might think, and a clogged drain can be a big problem.

Condensate Drain – What To Do

A simple way to keep your drain clear is to pour a cup of plain vinegar down it periodically. As the summer winds down and you use your AC less often, it might be a good idea to perform this task weekly. It certainly won’t do any harm, and it could save you a lot of hassle. If you’re worried about remembering to do this, contact Dave’s Appliance. We have some longer-lasting solutions to prevent these clogs.

Vent Covers – Why They’re Important

AC systems use a duct system to distribute the air that comes out of vents in the different rooms—on walls, ceilings, or floor. Keep an eye on your vent covers for any build up of mold. Excess humidity leads to mold, and you’ll want to take care of that immediately. Mold can cause those sensitive to it to become quite sick.

Vent Covers – What To Do

Simply cleaning with hot water and detergent should take care of the problem, unless there is a really significant mold build up. If so, use a cleaner designed specifically for mold issues.