5 Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips Homeowners Can (and Should) DIY in Cedarburg

Air conditioner maintenance may seem trivial, but it’s actually crucial to enhancing your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Bloch Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to help you with the bigger aspects, like cleaning and tuning working parts. But there are AC maintenance items you can—and should—check off your list yourself. Find those items below. And when you’re ready for a complete and comprehensive tune-up from our Bryant® pros, call us at 262-377-7072.

Your DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist

  1. Flip That Filter

Your air filter plays a big role in keeping your indoor air clean and healthy. It also helps your AC run smoothly. But over time, contaminants can build up on that filter. If it isn’t changed regularly, that buildup can block air flow and make your system work harder to circulate air. So, to avoid potential problems and AC repair, swap out that filter for a new one every one to three months.

  1. Clear the Area Around Your AC

Especially after winter, it’s common for leaves and weeds to pile up around your condenser. A simple but effective thing to cross off your AC maintenance checklist is to simply remove all that. It will help prevent your system from overheating and improve heat transfer efficiency.

  1. Flush Your Drain Line

Other things that can build up over time are contaminants like algae and slime in your indoor condensate drain line. Not only can they cause clogs if left unchecked, but they can also create musty and unpleasant odors. To fix, find the drain line—usually located near the indoor air handler—and flush those contaminants away with a cup of distilled white vinegar.

  1. Inspect Refrigerant Line Insulation

You’ve no doubt noticed that black foam “sleeve” on the copper pipe running from your AC into the house. That sleeve insulates the refrigerant line. And if it’s brittle or missing, it could lead to energy loss and higher utility costs. The good news is that’s a simple fix. You can buy a replacement sleeve at a hardware store and slip it on there to keep refrigerant cold and prevent energy inefficiencies.

  1. Unblock Vents and Registers

It might seem to make sense to close off vents in unused rooms to save energy. But the opposite is actually true. Closing or blocking vents can increase the pressure on your AC and potentially even damage the blower motor. Thankfully, this is a simple fix, too. Go around the house and make sure all vents and registers are both open and unblocked.

When to Call in the Pros

Though these are air conditioner maintenance tasks you can take care of yourself, there is a line you have to draw in the sand. When it comes to electrical components, handling refrigerant, or deep-cleaning internal coils, it’s best to call in our team of AC experts. The same goes if you hear grinding or unusual noises coming from the system, see ice on your pipes, or have energy bills that are really out of hand.

If that’s the case, Bloch Heating is here to help you. Just give us a call at 262-377-7072 or contact us online for service.

FAQs

  • Is Maintenance Really That Important?
    • Yes! Routine maintenance is like a doctor’s appointment for your AC—it keeps everything working as it should. Not only will our techs improve its energy efficiency, but they’ll also catch and fix minor problems that could one day cause a costly breakdown.
  • There’s Ice on My AC—What Should I Do?
    • If your system is freezing up or there’s ice forming on it, the problem could be a few different things. Blocked air flow, low refrigerant levels, and mechanical failure are just a few. Firstly, turn off your system and let it defrost. Then, check to see if your air filter is dirty or there’s debris covering the AC. If those steps don’t work, call Bloch for assistance—we’re glad to help out.
  • How Long Do Air Conditioners Typically Last?
    • The answer depends on a few different factors. Those include how well you have it maintained and whether it breaks down often. But in general, you can expect your system to last about 15 to 20 years.
  • My AC Stopped Working—Do I Have to Replace It?
    • Generally, the answer is no. At Bloch Heating, we always look to repair a system first before recommending a new installation. However, if your AC is 15 or more years old, needs repair often, or your energy bills are enormous, it’s likely time to consider a replacement.