If you live in Reno, NV or anywhere near it then you probably know how high temperatures can make life quite miserable and how important it is to have an air conditioner always running at its best, especially this Summer. We can achieve that through proper and regular maintenance. Regular maintenance can prevent small problems from becoming more expensive ones. As they say, prevention is better than a cure. The same goes for your AC and other home appliances.

First you need to know how old your unit is. An old unit usually is hard to maintain and costs more to run. Replacing it with a high-efficiency model can reduce cooling costs up to 20% or more. Also, maintenance should be easy and cost less, especially in a high temperature area like Reno.

Cleaning you Air Conditioner

One of the most important maintenance tasks is cleaning your AC unit. Routinely replacing or cleaning its filters will ensure the efficiency of your unit. Your unit uses its filter to keep the air clean in your home; overtime it builds dust and may clog. A dirty filter blocks normal air flow and reduces your unit efficiency significantly. Remember that dust builds much faster than normal in a desert area like Reno.

Air Conditioner Check-Up

Common problems with existing AC are poor service procedures, faulty installation and inadequate maintenance. Before problems start you might want to check your unit for any irregularities and call your AC Reno technician if you notice one.

Check access panels and obstructions, be sure that all access panels are secured and in place. Remove obstructions around the exterior of your air conditioner unit.

Check all your unit’s controls. Compressor and fan controls can wear out. If one isn’t working you might want to schedule a visit from your air conditioner professional.

If your AC is low on refrigerant, it’s either undercharged at installation or it has a leak. If it leaks, again you might want to call your air conditioner Reno technician to fix it. Remember that the efficiency and performance of your unit is greatest when the refrigerant charge matches the manufacturer’s specification.