Living in beautiful Crystal River or New Port Richey, FL, brings with it the blessings of warm weather throughout most of the year. However, that also means your air conditioning unit works hard to keep your home cool and comfortable. The efficiency and performance of your cooling system greatly depend on its maintenance. Here are some simple DIY tips to extend the life of your air conditioner, brought to you by Bay Area Air Conditioning.

1. **Keep Your AC Unit Clean:** The cleanliness of your outdoor and indoor units significantly impacts the efficiency of your AC system. Make sure there are no leaves, debris, or dirt building up on the outdoor unit. Similarly, clean indoor vents routinely to ensure good airflow.

2. **Change Filters Regularly:** The air filter of your HVAC system plays a crucial role in maintaining the indoor air quality of your home. As a general rule of thumb, replace air filters every 90 days. If you have pets or someone in your home has allergies, you may need to replace them more often.

3. **Check Thermostat Settings:** Make sure the thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature and isn’t turned down too low, which could cause the system to overwork. If your home has a programmable thermostat, set it to turn up when you’re not home and adjust down before you return.

4. **Inspect for Leaks:** Check for leaks in your AC system. Refrigerant leaks not only affect system performance but also can be harmful to the environment. However, fixing AC leaks can be complex and should be handled by professionals.

5. **Schedule Regular Maintenance:** Despite being handy with these DIY tips, a routine inspection by a HVAC professional can identify and rectify potential problems that might be difficult for homeowners to notice.

Practicing these tips will improve your AC’s efficiency and longevity. However, when you encounter something your DIY skills aren’t ready to handle, it’s time to call in the experts. Whether you need emergency repairs, routine maintenance, or a complete system overhaul, Bay Area Air Conditioning has got you covered. With decades of experience in both Crystal River & New Port Richey, FL, we are dedicated to bringing you quality and reliable service all year round. Remember, while DIY maintenance can help, relying on trained AC professionals guarantees optimal performance and safety. Contact us today to schedule your service visit.