Tag Archives: Air Conditioning Maintenance

Prepping Your Air Conditioner for Winter

In Northwest Indiana, the summers are hot and the winters can be dangerously cold. This summer, our air conditioning units worked overtime, so let’s get them properly prepared for Fall and Winter so they work like new next season. Here are a few tips from Earl’s to help prep your air conditioner for the winter.

Clean Your Unit

The first order of business is to clean your compressor, which is the exterior portion of your air conditioner. This equipment is exposed to the elements year ‘round and gets battered by rain, leaves, sleet and snow throughout the year. As a result, the equipment becomes filled with branches, leaves, bugs, animal droppings, and much more. All you need to do is simply remove the debris with your water hose.

Cover the Compressor

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the unit, it’s time to prevent any further contamination by covering it. Make sure you let it dry out sufficiently after hosing it down, however. Usually 24 hours will suffice. If you’ve had problems with debris in the past, you may want to consider a form-fitting plastic or vinyl cover. WARNING: Make sure you never turn the unit on when it is covered!

Get an Inspection

Preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your system from costly repairs down the road. Before winter, it’s highly recommended that you schedule a furnace tune up, so you may also want to have Earl’s check your air conditioner as well. By identifying problems early, we can cut your maintenance bill and keep your air conditioner in tip-top condition as it weathers out the winter.

Although you won’t use your air conditioner for the duration of winter, remember the essential role it plays in your comfort during the rest of the year. When winter is finally over, don’t forget to give Earl’s a call to get it ready for the warmer months! You can contact us at (219) 942-9023.

Are You Changing Your Air Filter Often Enough?

Many homeowners don’t realize just how important their air filter is to a properly functioning HVAC system. But avoiding this important air conditioning component can do a lot more harm than good. Changing your air filter is a task that you can and should manage on your own, on a routine basis.

The air filter that comes standard with your HVAC system is placed there to protect the interior components of that system. It helps prevent dust and other potentially harmful debris from entering via return air ducts. So if the air filter is left ignored for too long, it will become congested and won’t allow for sufficient airflow or an effective cooling system at all. Continue reading

Avoid the Consequences of Skipping This AC Maintenance Task

Is it ever a good idea to skip air conditioning maintenance? The short answer is no! Even when one small component of your air conditioner isn’t functioning as it should, it can negatively impact your entire system. Within your system there are a number of electrical components, motors, coils, refrigerant, and more to help you stay cool.

One commonly overlooked part of your AC system though that should never be ignored is its air filter. Your air conditioner needs a clean and effective air filter in order to operate at its peak. And changing your air filter is a task you can and should do on your own, at least every 3 months—more if your home contains significant pet dander and/or cigarette smoke. Continue reading