Summer's coming! I want to share a couple of quick things on air conditioning maintenance:
1. Start inside the house. Always make sure your air filter is replaced monthly. Buy the cheap ones and replace them every time you pay your mortgage, which is hopefully every month. This will help with air conditioning in general.
2. Keep the fins clear. Take a hose to it and water it down. Use your backpack blower to blow it out. You can even take the metal grates off (make sure to turn the unit off first if you're going to do this) and really clean those fins. Get all the cottonwood, garbage, and debris out of there.
3. Ensure that the copper line that runs from your AC into the house (the AC condenser line) is insulated. This line comes with black foam that tends to deteriorate over time. Keeping it insulated will help your AC run more efficiently.
4. Make sure your AC is level. When the AC unit is uneven, it forces the motor to work harder and less efficiently.
These quick tips will help your AC run significantly better all summer long.
