A whole home air conditioning system (AC system) is one of those modern luxuries that has rapidly become a necessity, especially if you live south of the Mason Dixon line. Maintaining your AC system is crucial, as this machine works hard during the long, hot summer months to keep you and your family cool. If you don’t look after it, build-up can cause it to slow down, work harder, clog and eventually require costly repairs.

A bi-annual service from a professional installer is essential, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about your AC system the rest of the year. To maintain your system in optimal health, and hopefully catch any issues before they become emergencies, put this Monthly Checklist on your home to-do list and help keep the air your family breathes healthy, cool and clear.

1. Check Your Filters

Most manufacturers recommend switching out your air filters every three months, but it’s important to inspect them more frequently—ideally, every month. If you see a lot of build-up, change them sooner. Build-up prevents the system from working efficiently and will end up costing you more money on Energy bills and more wear and tear on your system. According to the Department of Energy, replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your AC system’s energy consumption by 5 percent to 15 percent.

If you have pets or live in a sandy or dusty place, it’s likely you’ll need to change your filters more often. Also, if you are prone to allergies, installing fresh ones during allergy season could make a big difference.

2. Check Your Thermostat Batteries

It’s much less expensive to replace a thermostat than an AC system, and the issues with your system could just be due to this control mechanism. Make sure your thermostat is working properly and that the batteries are still good. Just take a moment to look at the screen, check the programs are still set and that there is no low battery symbol flashing on the screen. Most programmable thermostats will have a low battery warning a month or so before the batteries are completely drained.

3. Inspect Your Drains

Speaking of draining, humidity in the air that is pumped through your AC system converts to water on your evaporator coils in the indoor portion of your system. It is then drained out of the house typically through a floor drain, a utility sink or a drain plumbed through an exterior wall. This drain can get clogged over time due to a buildup of algae or mold. Check the drain once a month and if it isn’t flowing properly, use a wet/dry vacuum to clear it. Regularly pouring a bleach/water combination through the drain can help prevent this type of issue from occurring. While this level of maintenance is doable for a seasoned DIY, it might be more difficult for a novice. Stop and call a professional if you’re ever unsure how to proceed.

4. Check Your Coils

Also located in the air handler unit inside the house, your evaporator coils can become a breeding ground for mold. Wipe them down once a month when you check the drain, this will help to keep them dry. Use a mixture of bleach and water to clean them if you spot any mold or build-up.

5. Check the Condenser

Make sure the outdoor unit, known as the condenser, is kept clean and free of debris. Leaves, plant growth and other debris can restrict circulation, which will prevent cooling. Do a quick sweep around the unit and pull out any obvious debris that has become lodged in the unit’s fins. You can also hose the condenser down if it’s very dirty. Be sure to turn off power to the breaker first, remove the fan cage and then spray it with a garden hose inside and out. Don’t use a pressure washer, as this could damage the unit’s delicate fins.

Bonus Tip: Have an AC Pro on Hand

Don’t wait until your AC system gives out on Fourth of July weekend to find a professional AC company! Have a reliable company lined up that knows your system, so that if the worst happens you don’t end up spending a fortune for an emergency repair. Regularly scheduled check-ups and maintenance  can also help prevent last-minute breakdowns.

Guest Author Bio: Jennifer Tuohy is a mom and DIYer who has a passion for technology and green energy. Jennifer writes on a range of topics for The Home Depot, from alternative energy to HVAC installation and repair, all with a focus of energy efficiency and sustainability. For more HVAC solutions, visit the Home Depot website.

The post Keep Your AC System Healthy with a Monthly Checklist appeared first on Allconnect Connected Home Blog.