Your Ultimate Guide to DIY Air Conditioner Tips and Tricks

When it comes to maintaining home comfort, your air conditioning system plays a backbone role. From knowing when to replace your AC to performing regular maintenance, there’s a lot for any homeowner to be aware of. Here are some DIY tips to help you get the most out of your air conditioning system, particularly in expansive areas like Buffalo, Amherst, Williamsville, Cheektowaga, Snyder, or Eggertsville, NY.

1. Maintenance Must-Dos: Regular maintenance and service of your AC unit can help in increasing its life and reducing energy bills. Clean or change your AC’s filters every month during the cooling season. Outdoor unit fins should also be regularly cleaned and checked for any blocks.

2. Intelligent Installation: If you’re installing an AC unit, choose the location wisely. Place it in a shaded spot on your home’s north or east side. Essentially, direct sunlight on the unit will reduce its efficiency by as much as 10%.

3. Replacement Requirement: AC units generally last 10-15 years. However, if your AC is frequently requiring repairs, it could be more cost-effective to replace it. A significant sign your AC needs replacement is if it’s no longer efficient in cooling your home, even after professional servicing.

4. Seek Professional Help: While regular maintenance can be done at home, intricate tasks such as dealing with the internal mechanics or technicalities should be left to professionals. Go with professional AC repair services when dealing with refrigerant leaks, sensor issues, electric control failure, or any repairs beyond basic cleaning.

5. Thermostat Settings: During summer, set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.

6. Seal those Ducts: Make sure the ducts that carry cool air from your AC throughout your home are properly sealed. Leaky ducts can lead to a significant loss in your AC’s efficiency.

7. Insulate Properly: Proper insulation can dramatically curb your energy costs and make your home more comfortable. It also plays a significant role in reducing the workload on your AC system.

8. Use Ceiling Fans: While AC is a primary source of cooling, consider supplementing it with a few strategically placed ceiling fans. This will circulate the cooled air around your home more effectively.

9. Opt for Energy Star: If you’re planning to buy an AC, check it’s an Energy Star-certified model. These units have higher SEER ratings, meaning they are more efficient.

Maintaining an AC system certainly requires effort, but the payoff in comfort and savings is well worth it! Follow these DIY AC tips to maintain the longevity and top performance of your AC unit.

Remember, if you’re unsure about doing any of these tasks yourself, calling on a professional from a reliable AC service near you is always a smart choice. Maintain, repair, or replace, the key is to keep cool and keep your AC performing its best!