Air conditioners with a ductless system rank among the most cost-effective and efficient cooling options for homeowners in the United States. With that being said, ACs still cost homes across America a staggering $11 billion annually. Regular repair and maintenance of these HVAC units can, however, significantly reduce energy costs and save you a lot of money in the long run.
This piece will highlight some valuable maintenance tips for air conditioners with a ductless system to minimize energy costs throughout the year.
Maintenance Tips for Ductless HVACs
It’s easy to overlook your air conditioner during your regular house maintenance. This is especially true for ductless system air conditioners because they are barely visible. Failing to take care of your HVAC unit properly may, however, shorten the life span of your AC and greatly decrease its efficiency. It is, therefore, very important to exercise the following maintenance tips for longevity and greater efficiency of your air conditioner.
1. Clean the Outside of Your Air Conditioner
Cleaning outside your AC is very easy, and you can do it in a flash. All you need is some water, a clean wiping cloth, and a safe cleaning agent and you’re good to go. You can wipe your AC whenever you do some general cleaning or whenever you want. Regular cleaning will prevent the build-up of dust and debris on your air conditioner, which could enter into your unit and affect sensitive components of your AC. To avoid damage to the internal components of your AC and subsequent repair costs, consider cleaning your AC twice a week if possible.
2. Give It Some Breathing Space
Crowding stuff around your AC beats the whole logic of owning one. Air conditioners work best unobstructed to allow the free flow of air. Make sure you don’t have any furniture, artwork or electronics blocking your air conditioner for efficient cooling. At least four feet of space in every direction will work well for most air conditioners. Remember, spacing away from your AC helps the unit function efficiently and reduces energy costs significantly.
3. Get the Filters
If you’ve done a thorough job cleaning the outside of your AC, then you may want to get the inside too, starting with the filters. Filters are a crucial part of your ductless system AC that needs to be constantly cleaned and maintained. Failing to do so could greatly decrease the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Removing and cleaning the filters is not as difficult as you think. Open up your AC and gently pluck the filter out. Use a clean and dry cloth to wipe the filter completely, ensuring you get all the dirt, dust and grime off the filter. You can even use an electric blower to ensure you completely get rid of the dust on and inside the filter. If your filters are too dirty or damaged, then it makes sense to replace them, to retain air quality inside your home.
4. Don’t Forget about the Coil and Condenser
The ductless system components found outside the house are not to be overlooked. These components form an integral part of the ductless system and require periodic cleaning and maintenance. Since the coil and condenser are outside units, they are prone to more dust and dirt from outdoors. Too much dirt and dust on these outside air conditioning components could spell serious problems for your entire system.
A garden hose works great for spraying the dirt and dust off. You can even use your hands to get rid of any debris while checking for any bends on the fins.
5. Call a Professional
It doesn’t hurt to call a professional to check out the system for you. A professional will do the necessary repairs and maintenance, and give you some sound advice on how to better take care of your system too.
It’s high time to wear gloves and start cleaning. Remember, a little regular cleaning could save you a ton of money and help your air conditioner run smoothly for ages.
