How should you care for your new air conditioner? Maintenance is essential for any AC system, even if it's brand-new. Take a look at what homeowners need to know about air conditioning installation, central system care, and the best ways to protect your HVAC investment.
Can Care Start At the Installation Appointment?
Yes, AC care can start at the installation appointment. Even though this type of service call is different from a routine maintenance visit, the HVAC contractor who installs your new central system will inspect the air conditioner and make sure everything works at peak performance before they leave.
Not only will the technician check the system after installation, they can also discuss the maintenance or care tasks that your specific air conditioner requires. These could include a maintenance schedule based on your home's cooling use and needs, the best air filter for your new system, or an air filter replacement or cleaning schedule.
What Do You Need to Know About AC Air Filters?
Again, the technician can help you to learn more about your system's air filter. However, they may provide you with a few options and you will have to change/replace the filter before the summer cooling season ends. This means you need to understand what the filter does, how it affects your new air conditioner's efficiency, and how to choose the best filter for your home.
The AC system's air filter does exactly what the name implies—it filters the air. This helps to improve your indoor air quality and removes pollutants, irritants, and allergens from your home. Over time, the particles, pet fur, dirt, dust, and debris the filter removes build-up. This makes it harder for air to pass through the filter. The harder it is to move air through the filter, the more the system needs to work. This can decrease energy efficiency and increase premature wear.
If indoor air quality was one of the main reasons you chose your new system, consider using a high MERV (minimum-efficiency reporting value ) or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a HEPA filter can remove 99.7 percent of 0.3 micron-sized particles (such as mold, bacteria, and pollen).
What Else Can You Do to Care for Your New Central AC System?
To maintain your AC investment make sure to keep your care/maintenance schedule, choose the right temperature setting for your home, and contact the HVAC contractor if you notice any cooling issues. A brand-new AC system shouldn't fail to cool your home, turn on and off constantly, or blow warm air from the vents.
If you notice any of these issues after installation, call the contractor as soon as possible. The longer you wait to schedule a repair, the more stress you put on the system. This can cause additional problems or increase wear and tear unnecessarily.
Reach out to an air conditioning installation service near you to learn more.
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