Air conditioners are designed to keep the living spaces cozy and comfortable. However, sometimes air conditioners can contribute to the dust in the house resulting in regular cleaning and frequent inspections from air conditioner repair services. As frustrating as it sounds, you should consider some important tips to prevent that from happening in the future.
AC Filter Needs Replacement
When it comes to your air conditioner making your house dirty, one of the first things you need to do is check the ac filter. The ac filters act as the lungs of the unit and will become clogged with dirt and dust with time. And, if the air filters are clogged, they won’t be able to keep the toxicants and contaminants away, which ultimately kills the purpose.
So, the air conditioner will only produce and distribute clean air as long as the filter is clean. Depending on the region and frequency of usage, you might need to clean and replace the air filters regularly. More importantly, the air filters will be needing replacement as well.
The only way to do that is by consulting the user manual and scheduling expert maintenance. Keep in mind expert annual maintenance is about not only keeping the air filters clean but also identifying and replacing and repairing worn parts beforehand.
Ductwork Is Leaky
Another major reason your air conditioner might be spreading dust in your house is if the ductwork happens to be leaky. Even though ductwork takes years to develop cracks or holes but if not maintained properly can also happen to new ones.
One of the major reasons ductworks tend to leak is rats, birds, and other animals taking accommodation if the air conditioner has been sitting dormant for a while. Furthermore, ductwork is usually located in the dirtiest of places such as under the floor, behind the walls, etc. Therefore, they are bound to be dusty and dirty.
However, that does not mean you ignore the maintenance. Ductwork maintenance is as important as air conditioner maintenance. If the case is otherwise, cool air will be escaping through the holes and cracks even before it reaches the house.
Intake Vents Are Clogged
Intake vents tend to get clogged just like the air filters. These vents are relatively bigger than the other vents in your home and you might also find them in your master bedroom or living room. Plus, intake vents are supposed to be dirtier than other vents as they suck in air rather than pushing it out.
Therefore, dander, pet hair, dirt, and dust can eventually accumulate and block the vent. This means that not only your home will turn up dustier and also sabotage the efficiency of your cooling system. Fortunately, cleaning the intake vents is easy as you simply need to remove the vents by unscrewing them.
To ensure thorough cleaning, make sure you are a professional.
The Outdoor Unit Is Installed In The Wrong Place
It is often that the problem is not with the air conditioner but with the surrounding areas. While installing the air conditioner, you should take out sufficient space for it to breathe. This means that you should keep the unit away from trees, shrubs, plants, etc.
If you live in a region that experiences extreme weather conditions throughout the year, it is easy for dead branches and leaves to end up inside the unit. If the situation is neglected, there is no doubt that dust will make its way inside.
That said, it is equally important for you to keep an eye on the inside unit to ensure nothing influences its performance.
Is Expert Maintenance Necessary?
Yes, expert maintenance is necessary to ensure your unit performs effortlessly for years to come. As mentioned earlier, expert maintenance needs to be carried out at least once or more by AC repair services Smithtown depending on the region, weather conditions, and usage frequency.
However, in the meantime, you should keep an eye out for unusual signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem. This helps you determine the root cause and fix the issue before it turns serious and expensive.
How Do I Find A Qualified Expert?
While searching for the right individual, you will come across many that are willing to offer their services at a price that is lower than the average market rate. You might be tempted to hire their services but there is always a risk. Experts who deal with air conditioners carry years of experience, skills, knowledge, and certifications.
There is doubt that their services are surely expensive but you should think of it as an investment. Instead of saving a few bucks and handing over your unit to an amateur, you should spend a bit more and ensure the unit’s lifelong health and performance.
In addition to that, considering the number of experts out there, it is not easy to find the right one. So, you need to ask around in your social circle for referrals or search the local market. Make sure to have multiple options before finalizing.
Ask the candidates about their experience and share your concern with them. Observe their response and see if they provide a logical answer. If not, it means they do not have the best interests in mind. Move on and keep hunting until you find someone who understands the anatomy of air conditioners.
Can I Perform Maintenance On My Own?
Yes, as a homeowner, part of the responsibility of ensuring the air conditioner remains clean and runs smoothly lies on you. In between the professional maintenance, you should perform weekly inspections and keep the components clean.
However, if you want to go deep such as cleaning the coils and condenser, you should consider a professional. Unless you have the tools and knowledge, you should not go near such components, as they are not only expensive but could also result in electrocution.
Plus, before cleaning the air filters and working on other components, you should turn off the air conditioner and ensure it is unplugged from the main power source.
How Do I Know If My AC Needs Replacement?
If your air conditioner is still making the house dusty after all the cleaning and maintenance, it means the unit needs replacement. At this point, the air conditioner will constantly break down forcing you to break your bank.
Instead of doing that, you should opt for a new unit. And before purchasing a unit, make sure to measure the area to pick the perfect size. It is a common mistake for homeowners to pick an over or undersized air conditioner.
Either way, you will be reducing the overall efficiency and increasing the energy bills. This is why, you should also consult an expert and do your research to make your money worth it.
Conclusion
Air conditioners turning your house dusty can create a lot of problems but avoiding them is easy as well. All you need to do is follow the tips mentioned above and perform regular inspections. This will help prevent complications down the road. If something looks bad, call in HVAC repair services Stony Brook who will thoroughly inspect your unit and suggest the repairs and replacements you need to carry out.
