How to Maintain Your Central Air Conditioning System

Written on: July 15, 2024

An Owner’s Guide

Maintaining your central air conditioning (AC) system is essential to ensure it operates efficiently, extends its lifespan, and saves you money on energy bills. Regular maintenance can also prevent costly repairs and keep your home comfortable throughout the year.

Here are some practical steps for maintaining your central AC system:

1. Regularly Change or Clean the Air Filters: One of the simplest yet most crucial maintenance tasks is changing or cleaning the air filters. Dirty filters can obstruct airflow, reduce efficiency, and increase energy consumption. Depending on your system, you should check the filters every month and replace or clean them every 1-3 months. This is especially important during peak usage periods in the summer.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean: The outdoor unit, also known as the condenser, is exposed to the elements and can accumulate dirt, leaves, and debris. Ensure the area around the unit is clear of obstructions, and periodically clean the unit by turning off the power, removing debris, cleaning the fins with a soft brush or vacuum, and washing the unit with a hose.
3. Check and Clean the Evaporator Coil: The evaporator coil, located inside the indoor unit, can also accumulate dirt over time. This dirt reduces the coil’s ability to absorb heat. Check the coil annually and clean it if necessary. You can use a soft brush to remove dust and a no-rinse coil cleaner for a more thorough cleaning. Important: Ensure the power is off before you start.
4. Inspect the Condensate Drain: The condensate drain line can become clogged with algae and mold, leading to water damage and increased humidity levels in your home. To maintain the condensate drain periodically inspect the drain link for any blockages and use a mixture of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 16 parts water) to flush the drain link. This will help prevent algae and mold buildup.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance: While there are many maintenance tasks you can perform yourself, it’s essential to have a professional technician inspect and service your system annually. A professional can check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical components, calibrate the thermostat, and check the system’s overall performance to identify potential issues before they become significant problems. Keep reading to find out what’s included as part of a Brideau maintenance inspection.
6. Ensure Proper Airflow: Blocked or restricted airflow can reduce your system’s efficiency. Ensure all vents and registers are open and unobstructed. Keep furniture, curtains, and other objects away from vents to maintain proper airflow throughout your home.
7. Seal and Insulate Ductwork: Leaky ducts can cause your air conditioning system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and uneven cooling. Inspect your ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps with duct tape or mastic sealant. Additionally, ensure your ducts are adequately insulated to prevent energy loss.
8. Monitor and Adjust the Thermostat: Using a programmable thermostat can optimize your air conditioning system’s performance. Set the thermostat to higher temperatures when you’re away and lower when you’re home. This reduces the system’s workload and saves energy.

Regular maintenance of your central air conditioning system is vital for its efficiency, longevity, and your comfort. By following the steps outlined above and scheduling annual professional check-ups with Brideau, you can ensure your system runs smoothly, prevent costly repairs, and enjoy a cool and comfortable home throughout the year. Investing time and effort in maintenance now can lead to significant savings and peace of mind in the long run.

The Benefits of Professional AC Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the best way to make sure that your AC is running at maximum efficiency, thereby reducing your cooling costs. In addition, maintenance makes it more likely to catch small problems like minor wear and tear before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.

Here’s what to expect when Brideau Energy provides a tune-up for your cooling system. Our skilled technician will do the following as part of the maintenance inspection:

• Clean the evaporator coil.
• Inspect refrigerant levels and pressure.
• Lubricate the fan motor and other moving parts.
• Inspect the condenser-fan motor and blades.
• Inspect and clean the condenser.
• Check all electrical contacts, capacitors, and wiring.
• Check the compressor connection and current.

And if you have our Silver Air Conditioning Maintenance Service Plan, your annual tune-up is included, plus you get priority service and 15% discount on covered parts and labor.

Choose Brideau

At Brideau Energy, the comfort of your home is our priority. We have served the residents of Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire since 1987. Whether you need an AC installed, repaired, or tuned-up, you can count on us. And be sure to ask about money-saving rebates and financing for energy-efficient improvements.

Contact Brideau Energy today. We’ll keep you cool!