Taking care of your AC is the best way to extend its life and reduce your energy bill. Learn some key maintenance tips for your unit in this post by Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services in St Croix Falls.

There's nothing like having an air conditioner unit at home. Regardless of how hot it gets during the summer or how sunny the days become, you can always keep your home cool and cozy with an effective A/C system. That being said, it's also important to recognize that having an air conditioner system at home can be expensive, especially when it isn't maintained correctly. Neglecting the maintenance of an air conditioner can cause its components to wear and become faulty; as a result, the system strains and consumes more energy to operate, thus causing the equipment to generate high utility bills. The best way to extend the life of an air conditioner and avoid spending extra money on electricity bills is to have it serviced once a year. If you want to learn a few helpful tips on keeping your air conditioner in top shape for years to come, keep reading the tips listed below by Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services.

Reach out to Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 to get a free estimate on the best cleaning and restoration services in St Croix Falls.

How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

First, Replace Your Filters

Air filters are responsible for trapping dust, mold, pollen, pet hair, and other airborne impurities. These filters help maintain a clean airflow in your home, which is critical, especially if someone in your family is prone to respiratory allergies. Over time, debris builds up in the filter screen until it becomes completely clogged. The dirtier a filter is, the more reduced the airflow into the unit; when that happens, the components must work harder to circulate air as they should. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, something as quick and simple as replacing your unit's dirty air filters can help you reduce the air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%. That being noted, make sure to change your air filters at least once every 90 days; to do so, follow the instructions described in your owner's manual.

Clean the Coils

You should know that your unit has two coils: the evaporator coil and the condenser coil; while the first one collects excess heat and moisture inside your home, the condenser coil has the function of expelling heat to the outside. Having mentioned that, it comes as no surprise that having dirt-clogged coils may decrease the unit's efficiency. To keep the coils clean, follow the steps below:

• Condenser coil:
  1. Start by disconnecting the power.
  2. Remove the top of the fan assembly following the instructions described by the manufacturer in your owner's manual.
  3. Remove any debris from the unit's bottom by hand.
  4. Check the fins to correct any slightly damaged areas with a fin tool (contact a professional if you find severe damage).
  5. Use a coil cleaner to remove dirt from the fins, and let its foam sit for 10 minutes.
  6. Rinse off the foam by spraying the fins with a garden hose.
  7. Finally, reassemble the top of the fan assembly and turn on the power.
• Evaporator coil:
  1. Disconnect power to the unit.
  2. Locate the coil (usually attached to the furnace).
  3. Use a flashlight to inspect the coils and carry out the following steps if they appear dirty; otherwise, reassemble the system.
  4. Brush the aluminum fins with a stiff nylon bristle brush, and place a piece of cardboard underneath to catch the dust and debris.
  5. Spray the coil with the cleaner and let the foam sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
  6. Rinse off the foam by spraying a little water with a spray bottle.
  7. Once the coil looks clean, reassemble the system and turn on the power.

If your home requires a reliable clean-up service after a fire, water, smoke, or mold damage, call Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 to get more information about the best cleaning and restoration services in St Croix Falls.

Keep the Condensate Drain Unclogged

As your air conditioner unit expels heat from your home, moisture condenses and turns into liquid; this is when the condensate drain comes into play, as it has the function of draining fluids to the outside. Over time, this drain can become clogged with debris; therefore, it's crucial to inspect it periodically to verify that it is draining water properly. If you notice that water is not draining as expected, insert a stiff wire carefully through the unit's drainage channels to unclog any possible blockage or call your air conditioner repair service.

Finally, Call a Professional

Several components and parts of your air conditioner require professional evaluation, so make sure to schedule a routine checkup at least once a year.

Contact experts at Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 if you require professional restoration or clean-up services after having an emergency or damage concerning mold, fire, water, or smoke. Don't forget they offer 24/7 services, so feel free to call them whenever your home requires the best cleaning and restoration services in St Croix Falls.