Tags: Port Charlotte AC Maintenance, Port Charlotte AC Repair, Port Charlotte Air Conditioner Repair, Port Charlotte Air Conditioning, Port Charlotte Air Conditioning Installation

There’s nothing like a cool indoor breeze on a hot summer’s day.

Of course, this can only be accomplished with an efficient and clean air conditioner. A dusty and poorly maintained unit can cause all sorts of problems for you and your home—not to mention your wallet.

Your indoor air quality matters, which is why cleanliness and efficiency are important. But what happens when you haven’t been keeping up with your routine AC cleanings and maintenance? Keep reading to find out more.

Is Your Port Charlotte Air Conditioner Working Efficiently?

The truth is, if your Port Charlotte AC isn’t working up to snuff then it’s costing you money. According to the US Department of Energy Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), a clogged AC filter alone can cost you up to fifteen percent more on your energy bills.

But that’s not all—a dirty and clogged up Port Charlotte AC will also cause discomfort due to reduced airflow, allergy, and contaminant-filled air as well as higher maintenance and repair costs.

A clean Port Charlotte HVAC system will have your home running clean air at the perfect temperature all year round, which is why you need to schedule a professional to service your system at least once a year. Otherwise known as an Port Charlotte HVAC tune-up, this service will include:

• A Thermostat Check during which it will be calibrated to make sure it’s installed and working properly. Your technician will also check to make sure it’s not located near any heat sources.
• An electrical Connection Check during which your technician will inspect and tighten the connections to make sure that they are hazard-free. This will also prolong the life-span of your system.
• The Lubrication of Moving Parts which will ensure that any moving parts aren’t becoming damaged by constant friction. This prevents your Port Charlotte HVAC unit from unnecessary repairs and/or replacements.
• Draining Your Condensate Lines which clears out and clogs and mold that gather within the line that your typical wire brush can’t reach. Your technician will also check the line and the drain pan for any cracks and repair them as needed.
• Cleaning or Replacing Your Port Charlotte Air Filter while this is something you can—and should—do yourself, your technician may guide you towards a better filter for next time

Of course, services may also include the cleaning and inspection of other parts so you’ll have to check with your HVAC specialist.

Signs You Need a Port Charlotte HVAC Cleaning

If you haven’t been keeping up, aside from a climbing energy bill, you may be noticing other more or less subtle indicators that you need an Port Charlotte HVAC cleaning. Those indicators could be any of the following:

• Reduced/Inconsistent airflow from room to room
• There is visible dust on the vent covers
• Your home is always dusty regardless of how frequently you clean
• There is visible mold around your HVAC unit, vents, etc.
• There is noise coming from your air ducts
• Water leaks
• Higher indoor humidity
• Bad odors
• You’re experiencing allergy-related respiratory symptoms while inside
• It’s been more than a year since your last Port Charlotte AC servicing

If you don’t routinely clean your Port Charlotte AC filters or have your Port Charlotte HVAC system serviced, then you’re putting yourself and your home at risk for poor conditions that can have negative effects on you and your family’s health. Not to mention, if your Air conditioner freezes up and breaks down, it will be very expensive to replace it completely.

DIY Clean Air Conditioner Maintenance

While you should have your entire HVAC system serviced at least twice a year—once before summer and then again at the end of autumn—you should still make cleaning a regular part of your house cleaning. Here are a few of the things you should be doing to maintain your HVAC system in between your professional servicing appointments:

Clean Your Filters

This is single-handedly the most important thing you can do to keep your Port Charlotte AC clean and working properly. In fact, it’s your first line of defense in keeping your Port Charlotte AC clean and efficient because a clean filter can lower your unit’s energy consumption significantly.

Clogged and dirty filters block regular airflow, reducing the efficiency of your unit. Any air that comes back through the filter will carry the dirt and debris right into the evaporator coil, which will inhibit the coils from absorbing heat efficiently. This also means that any dust and debris clinging onto the filter are being released into your home, contaminating the air you breathe.

Depending on the type of Port Charlotte AC unit you have, you should be cleaning your filter every two weeks to two months. Some types are reusable while others must be replaced. If your Port Charlotte AC is in constant use or you have pets in the house, you’ll want to clean or replace your filters more frequently.

Clean Up the Coils

While a clean filter can keep dust and debris at bay, your evaporator coils and condenser will still collect them over time. As dirt and dust cling to your evaporator coils, they will become insulated and unable to absorb necessary heat from your working unit. It will also reduce airflow.

Your evaporator coil should be cleaned at least once a year, or more frequently if your unit is working overtime. The same goes for your outdoor condenser coils—be sure to clean up any dirt and leaves within the proximity of your HVAC unit. This includes keeping any foliage trimmed back at least two feet to allow the proper airflow around the unit.

“Comb” the Fins

It sounds silly, but the aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils can easily become bent. This blocks airflow almost completely. The good news is that you don’t have to replace this part each time the fins bend—You can purchase a tool called a fin comb that will help straighten out those fins.

You should inspect your fins whenever you perform a filter cleaning/replacement and come as needed.

Watch Out for Moisture

This means your condensate drains and your window seals for wall units. A clogged condensate drain can prevent your Port Charlotte AC unit from reducing humidity, which will result in excess moisture which equates to mold. It can also cause discoloration on your walls or flooring.

You also want to inspect your window seals at least twice a year to make sure that your window frame is maintaining proper contact with the metal casing of the unit. Over time, moisture can damage this seal which will allow the cool air from your home escape.

While the above are all things that should be made a part of your house-cleaning regimen, they do not replace the need for professional maintenance service.

Schedule Your Tune-Up Today

A clean Port Charlotte air conditioner will give you the perfect indoor atmosphere as well as peace of mind. If you haven’t had a cleaning or a tune-up done within the past year, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with a Port Charlotte Air Conditioning specialist today.