Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips to Prevent Water Damage

One of the best feelings is stepping into a beautifully air conditioned home after some fun in the sun on a hot, humid day. This is especially true in the thick, humid Florida heat. It's important to remember that while our air conditioner is taking great care of us, we need to take care of it as well. Not performing regular maintenance could lead to a breakdown, or even worse, a need for water damage restoration.

At Abba, we're compassionate about people and feel it's important to keep everyone informed on the latest offerings and technology available to homeowners today. Sharing this helpful information with the ones you care about most will help to ensure that they will receive the information they need to stay safe and comfortable.  

Step #1: Invest in the equipment you need to save big.

You'll not only save money, but you'll save your air conditioner unit some wear and tear when you invest in these important items:

• Replacement filters should be kept on-hand and changed regularly to avoid overheating and creating a potential fire hazard situation.
• A programmable thermostat is a must. Avoid making constant adjustments, hiking up your energy bill and creating a potential for mold to grow. 
• Replacement Insulation will be necessary to keep your costs down when the original layers become worn due to a loss in its R-value rating.
• Ceiling fans are an inexpensive tool that, when spinning counter-clockwise, help to circulate the cool air throughout the house while keeping the warm air from rising. Make sure to keep all the doors to your indoor rooms open in order to increase circulation and prevent excess moisture from pooling in ducts, which will lead to water damage. 

Step #2: Prepare your outdoor space to keep control of your space indoors. 

A little work will go a long way when you take these simple steps:

• Wash your AC unit a couple of times per month to clear spider webs, leaves and other debris. A simple spray down with the hose will do the trick.
• Clear away shrubs and flowers that are too close to your unit. Maintain a 2-foot clearance on all four sizes for maximum efficiency.
• Provide shade for the unit with a tall tree, awning or other shade source (don't forget the 2-foot clearance).
• Minimize leaks by windows, doors and cracks by caulking or sealing where needed. 

Step #3: Contact your favorite rehab and renovation company for annual maintenance. 

Determine if air duct cleaning is appropriate for your home. For some, it may be important and for others, perhaps it's not necessary. Regardless of age or model, we recommend you service your cooling system at least once per year, generally in the spring. So, when the time comes, make sure to schedule an appointment with your favorite rehab and renovation company. 

We hope these tips keep your air conditioner running well and leak-free. However, we also know that sometimes bad things, including home-based emergencies, happen to even the most well-intentioned homeowners. 

As Jacksonville, Florida's trusted water damage restoration experts, we'll be there for you when you need us the most. Don't hesitate to contact us to learn more about our water damage repair services. In the meantime, we'll continue to rebuild; lives, homes, families, and businesses of those in need, always putting people first.

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