It’s that time of year, where they say, “Love is in the air.” We’d like to amend that saying to “Love is in the air conditioner,” which is quite true if you ever lived in the Sunshine State. Much like any strong relationship, appliances require consistent care and maintenance. This ensures that nothing breaks or leaves you “brokenhearted” in the heat of Florida.
And what better way to commemorate this “relationship” than with a (metaphorical) ‘80s mixtape playlist?
Playlist of Love.
We’ve rounded up a couple of epic jams to help these tips and tricks stick. So (mentally) click play and turn the volume all the way up. Here are five ways to show your A/C some love:
Change the Air Filter – “In The Air Tonight” By: Phil Collins
Change your A/C filter quarterly, if not monthly, especially during times of heavy usage. Why? Because dust, pollutants and other particles can block your system from providing proper air circulation. Replace these filters regularly to make sure the only thing “In The Air Tonight” is clean air.
BONUS: Want extra-clean air and need a new A/C? You’re in luck! While supplies last, you can get a FREE virus-killing, bacteria-zapping, air-purifying REME HALO® system with the purchase and installation of a 16-seer or higher A/C with Badger Bob’s. That’s a savings of $1500!
Check Your Air Ducts – “Under Pressure” By: Queen & David Bowie
The filter is actually what most people think of when doing maintenance on HVAC systems. But air ducts are just as important to clean and pay attention to. Dirt and grime can build up over time and trap clean air from circulating, making your system work twice as hard to function regularly.
You’ll also want to make sure your registers or grilles (vented slots covering air ducts) are free from furniture or blockage. Obstructions can drive up air “pressure”, which ultimately causes leaks to form.
Clear Your Condenser Unit – “She’s Like The Wind” By: Patrick Swayze
Your condenser, the outdoor portion of the unit that releases hot air outside, is likely to accumulate debris such as leaves and dirt throughout the year. You’ll want to make sure to remove this debris or it could otherwise clog the cooling fins and lead to a dirty blower fan filter. And a failure will prevent them from blowing “like the wind,” resulting in costly repairs and decreased efficiency.
Clean and Monitor the Evaporator Coil – “Take My Breath Away” By: Berlin
You might be asking yourself, what is an evaporator coil? Well, it does the exact opposite of what a condenser does. It extracts hot air and moisture (aka humidity) from inside to be released outside. Talk about taking your breath away! This part keeps your home cool and comfortable, which is why it should be a priority on your maintenance checklist.
Dust and air pollutants from your filters and ducts get trapped in this coil because of the added moisture. Typically warning signs of a dirty or clogged coil can include decreased cooling capacity, increased energy consumption or a buildup of ice. Fortunately, there are a few methods to get rid of these stubborn particles. Compressed air or a coil cleaning brush are great for light blockage. But a commercial cleaning solution (usually a foam) or mild detergent will do the trick for more trapped debris.
Make sure to wear a facial and eye covering when cleaning or – better yet – give us a call to do it for you as part of our quality inspections.
Correct your Thermostat Settings – “What A Feeling” By: Irene Cara
When the temperatures warm up, we’re always eager to turn our thermostats down low. This might feel more comfortable but can cause increased energy consumption and stress on your unit. (And your wallet.) Think about gradually setting your thermostat and monitoring it to reduce usage when you’re not home.
You can program thermostats now based on your preferences and needs. It will be cool when you need it while decreasing wear and tear on your unit. And “What A Feeling” it is to save money.
The Badger Bottom Line
These tips on how to show some love to your HVAC system have been saving homeowners from costly repairs and dangerous situations. Hopefully, like a cheesy ‘80s mixtape, this checklist will stay stuck in your head throughout the years. If you have more questions or want to learn about additional ways to proactively care for your air conditioning, plumbing, appliances or electrical systems, give us a call or schedule a routine maintenance appointment.