The weather is heating up and that means one thing: air conditioner season is officially upon us! Keeping your air conditioner in good condition is essential to keeping your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. For first-time homeowners, this can be an overwhelming task. You’re probably used to your landlord handling HVAC maintenance for you, but don’t worry. It’s simpler than you might think to deal with common problems, one of which is having ice begin to form on your air conditioner. If you’re not sure what to do when that happens, read on to learn how to remove ice from an AC unit.
How can you remove ice from your AC unit?

It’s important for every homeowner to know what to do when they seeĀ ice on AC unit, particularly since when ignored it can cause problems for your entire HVAC system. The first thing you should do is turn the unit off. Continuing to run your air conditioning system when there is already a buildup of ice will do more damage and may result in the need for extensive repairs. After turning off the unit, you should check your air filter to see if there it’s clogged or dirty. Clogged filters can often cause ice to form outside your unit and change it to a new one may resolve your issue. If it doesn’t, then the best thing to do is call an HVAC professional.
In order to avoid these issues, you should prioritize proper HVAC maintenance. There is a lot that goes into proper HVAC maintenance, but some of the basics include regularly changing your air filters, scheduling annual tune-ups, and cleaning your coils and vents. As previously discussed, a dirty filter can cause ice to form, but it can also have other negative effects. For example, it can cause the system to work harder than necessary and can even lead to a breakdown. You have to change your filters regularly. Many homeowners change theirs on a monthly basis to ensure peak performance.
You should have the unit itself inspected biannually, though it’s never a bad idea to have a technician come over if you suspect something may be wrong with your HVAC system. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is between ten and fifteen years. If you’re experiencing frequent problems with a unit that is over a decade old, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement. You can ask your local HVAC professional to recommend options if you aren’t sure which model is best.
What else can you do to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature?

Smart thermostats are a great way to make your HVAC system more effective. Additionally, a smart thermostat canĀ help you save money on your utility billsĀ by using the least amount of energy required to maintain your preferred temperature. Many models are even capable of learning your habits and adjusting the temperature automatically based on your schedule. Your smart thermostat will also monitor your energy usage. This can allow you to see where you can make changes to save energy. There aren’t many home upgrades that are affordable and provide such a big boost to your comfort and quality of life.
WindowĀ cracks and crevices can let in outdoor air,Ā moisture, and pollutants, which can affect the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition, window cracks can create an entry point for pests. If the crack is small, you can try to fix it with a sealant or caulk. This is a quick and easy fix, and it should last for a few years. If the window is old and in bad condition, you may want to replace it altogether. This is the most expensive option, but it will improve your home’s curb appeal and may even increase its value.
There’s a lot that goes into heating and cooling your home effectively and efficiently. Learning how to properly maintain your HVAC system is necessary, especially since there are common issues you may need to address. Ice on your air conditioning unit can be a cause for concern, but it is usually easily remedied. In most cases, changing your air filter will clear up the problem. Otherwise, you can have an HVAC technician diagnose and repair the problem. If you really want to get the most out of your HVAC system, you should think about upgrading to a smart thermostat.