Keep Cool This Summer: Essential AC Maintenance Tips

Montana Summers Can Get Really Hot

We're not in the hot hot months yet in Montana, but temperatures keep climbing every day. Before you know it, it will be hot enough to fire up the air conditioner.

Before you do that, there are a few things you should take a look at to make sure your air conditioner is in tip-top condition for the sweltering Montana heat. You don't want to get stuck with no AC when it's rocking 100 degrees.

How Can You Tell If Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair Or Replacement?

According to Lifehacker and Aireserv there are a few tell-tale signs your air conditioning unit may need some help.

• It stops blowing cold air or the air isn't AS cold
• It's making loud strange noises
• It's leaking water
• It's turning on and off a lot
• You're getting unusually high energy bills, even accounting for regular AC use

Check These Things Before Calling A Professional

• It could be a power supply issue due to the masses running a lot of A/C
• Is it the right unit for the amount of space you're trying to cool?
• Have you changed the filter? This should be done yearly
• Are the coil fins bent or dirty?
• Is something blocking the unit from proper air flow?
• Is the condensate drain blocked?
• Do you have it set on the proper setting?
• Is it broken broken, like the compressor or the refrigerant is leaking?

How To Decide If You Should Repair Or Replace Your Air Conditioner

• If it's over 8 years old, it's usually cheaper to replace rather than repair because parts becomes an issue
• If the repair cost of a newer unit is more than half the cost of the unit originally

Sources: KVVR/Lifehacker/Aireserv