While all appliances are bound to break, repair costs can often feel too much to bear, especially in complex things, such as air conditioners. So you have to be more careful and ensure not to repeat past mistakes in using, handling, and maintaining them.



And besides, you wouldn't want to be caught with a faulty AC unit when the weather is too hot. So what do you do? Check out the following AC maintenance tips, and look for a fast emergency AC repair service Miami - schedule your service call today!

Maintenance tips and tricks for your newly repaired AC

The following tips will ensure that the unit is in excellent condition for a long time:

Get rid of debris
Your AC will not give optimum coolness if it's dirty. You will notice how its machine may be noisy or takes longer before it can cool a small space. 

An AC clogged with dirt and dust will find it difficult to circulate a steady airflow. As a result, the cooling effect may only be felt in a limited area, or sometimes, none at all.

First, check the fan. You can use a brush, hose, or paper towel to get rid of any buildup. You should also check the outside unit. Clean the leaves, grass, or other foreign objects that may have accumulated in the unit or its vents.

Clean the coils of the AC
Dirty evaporator coils are required to work harder to absorb heat. Unlike a furnace that produces heat, an air conditioner doesn't produce cold air. 

It utilizes a coolant or refrigerant, which absorbs heat from the air, carries, and releases it outside. The circulation is continuous as long as the appliance is turned on. 

The cooling cycle is handled by two integral parts of the AC: condenser and evaporator coil. The latter helps reduce humidity by cooling your home's warm water vapor. 

A dirty evaporator coil can cause ice buildup and frost, higher temperatures and pressures, higher use of energy, and impaired cooling capacity. You can use a soft brush with no-rinse coil cleaner to eliminate all the grime and grit.
Empty the condensate drain line

The condensate drain line is typically located outside close to the unit. Inspect if it is working properly. 

Vacuum out the debris if it looks clogged. You may also pour a vinegar solution down the line to kill off bacteria and remove buildup.

Fix the fins
Your AC's efficiency can be compromised if the unit has crooked or bent fins. This also makes it easier for dirt to get into the internal parts. 

The instant fix to the problem is using a fin comb to straighten them out. You can also use a butter knife if the bent is minimal.

Choose a consistent temperature
There is more to air conditioner maintenance than keeping the hardware clean. You have to be cautious when using your AC.

Avoid changing the temperature too often or turning off your AC many times, thinking it will save you on your electric bill. In terms of energy efficiency, running the unit at a steady temperature for longer is better than switching it off and back on again. 

If not, the machine may need to work harder, resulting in quicker wear and tear. It will also take time to cool a room this way, so you might end up consuming more power than intended.

Minimize air leaks
Make sure to prevent air leaks since they will make the AC work overtime. The most common sources of leaks are baseboards, door frames, appliance entries, windows, outlets, fireplaces, and attic doors. Seal or reinforce these spots so the AC can do more while using less energy.

Level the AC unit
Keep in mind that it is not unusual for the concrete pads of an AC to sink into the ground over time. Another sign is water pooling by the base of the unit. 

You can fix the issue by wedging a board below one side and filling the gap with sand. Do the same thing on the other side. By doing this, the air conditioner will be sitting at a higher spot and, therefore, less prone to damage.

Regularly change the filters
The filters act like sieves that trap the dust particles to ensure you won't breathe them in. Filters also protect the interior of the air conditioner from damage caused by buildup.

Keep your AC in good shape by replacing the filters once per season. If you have a reusable filter, ensure that you clean them regularly. 

Check the manufacturer's notes on how to get this done. Use the most suitable filter cleaner for your AC model.

Inspect the pipe insulation
An AC's cooling effect will get affected by damaged pipe insulation. Regularly check the insulation that covers the coolant pipes. 

If they are in bad shape, replace them immediately for better efficiency. This is easy to do, and you won't need a pro to remove and replace the insulation.

Take note of the signs
Be observant of the signs that your AC might be having difficulty performing its functions. These include inefficient cooling, a hissing sound, and water droplets falling from the unit casing. 

You should also be alarmed and check where the problem lies when the wall seems moist or if your outdoor unit is too quiet when the AC is running. 

Act on the problems immediately and do not wait until they worsen. The longer you wait for the issues to get fixed, the higher the repair cost will be. 

Final Notes
A newly repaired AC isn’t a guarantee that it will last longer, especially if you won’t change your ways of using and maintaining the unit. You have to be more careful in handling the appliance. It is also crucial to perform regular cleaning and maintenance.

While you can do many DIY repairs and maintenance steps, you must refrain from trying if the problem appears to be complicated. In this case, it is best to hand the work to the pros.