When temperatures rise, having a properly maintained and working AC system can be a real lifesaver. According to one study, only 43 percent of Americans have their air conditioning systems serviced every year.

Maintaining your AC can be the difference between a system that works great, and one that fails you when you need it most.

Read on for a guide that will help you practice the right maintenance for your AC and heating system.

Care for Your Fins

The metal fins on your outdoor AC unit should be kept straight and clean. Gently “pry” them straight using a butter knife if you notice any that are bent out of shape.

You should also keep the fins clean at all times by vacuuming them with a soft bristle brush attachment. Make sure you’re gentle since the fins can be bent or crushed very easily.

Maintaining Your AC: Change the Filter

One of the easiest things you can do to maintain your AC and heating system is to change the air filter regularly. In most cases, you should replace the filter every 30 days, although some manufacturers recommend it every 60 or 90 days.

A clean air filter will keep your entire system running more smoothly since a dirty, clogged filter can bog things down. This one simple act of maintenance is perhaps the easiest and fastest thing you can do to take good care of your system.

Clean the Drain Tube

Keeping the condensate drain tube clean and free of clogs is a key part of maintaining your AC. The condensation from the AC coils contains mold, mildew, and bacteria that can form thick, nasty sludge.

If the condensation drain tube gets clogged, it can bog down your system and create a wide range of issues. If you don’t know how to unclog it, consider servicing your AC by contacting our team today.

Examine Insulation

Some components of your AC unit use insulation that can eventually rot or become damaged over time. Look at the insulation every so often to confirm that it’s still in good condition.

If the insulation looks cracked or like it’s falling apart, then it’s time to replace it. This is a simple and affordable step that most homeowners can do themselves to extend the life of their outdoor AC unit.

Keep the Unit Clean

A dirty unit will make your entire HVAC system run less efficiently. Fortunately, you can easily clean it to keep everything in good working condition.

Simply use a gentle foaming cleanser and a soft bristle brush to wipe down the fins, unit, and other components. This easy step will help your system run more smoothly.

Practice Good Maintenance Today

Maintaining your AC is easy once you know where to start. Practice these maintenance tips and get your unit serviced once a year to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.

If you need HVAC service, be sure to contact Cliff’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. so we can help you today.