To squeeze out every last dollar that you invested into your cooling equipment, you need to give it regular maintenance: it extends the life of your system, cuts the need for repairs, increases its efficiency-and saves on utility bills-and adds up to a more comfortable home. Whenever dirt or debris builds up on your A/C’s parts, its ability to function efficiently is diminished. Part of good HVAC upkeep involves hiring an HVAC contractor to perform preventive maintenance. Key components of an A/C, like its coils, fins, condensate drains, and refrigerant should be inspected and cleaned. What a professional should do during maintenance The coils on the evaporator and condenser collect dirt. A clean filter can help prevent buildup, but eventually, dirt tends to congregate on the coils. This means your A/C’s airflow will decrease and the dirt will end up acting as insulation on the coils, which will affect its heat-absorbing functions and your comfort. The A/C’s fins require maintenance because they can easily bend; if this happens, airflow will be blocked as it makes its way through the coils. Condensate drains must be kept clean and clear of anything that might block the flow of moisture. Any blockage here will hinder the system’s ability to dehumidify the home’s air. Having an adequate supply of refrigerant is also important. Only a qualified professional should check and adjust refrigerant because both too little or too much refrigerant causes problems with the system’s ability to cool. What you can do between maintenance visits Keeping the A/C’s air filter clean is the single most important action you can take to protect your HVAC system’s health. 1? filters should be changed once a month during seasons of high use will help keep dirt out of the system. To keep coils clean on the outdoor unit, make sure that there is nothing immediately surrounding the unit that will interfere with them, like dirt, leaves, or grass. Keep your air conditioner in good shape with regular maintenance by a professional. In between expert maintenance visits, homeowners should keep their A/C coils clean and change the air filters. The experts at Pipe Works Services are available for consultation. Or check out our maintenance service agreement plans to protect your system. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Pipe Works Services serves Chatham, NJ, and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website.