A new AC feels great. The air is cool. The house is quiet. You want it to stay that way for many years. The secret is simple care. Small steps, done on time, keep your system strong and your bills low. Malik Heating and Cooling is here to guide you. This easy plan will show you what to do and when to do it.
The first weeks matter
Right after install, give the AC a clean start. Keep boxes, tools, and dust away from the indoor unit. Make sure the outdoor unit has space around it. Do not pile bags or hoses near it. Register your warranty if you have not already. In the first month, check the air filter once. New work can stir up dust. A quick filter check helps the system breathe.
Set the thermostat the smart way
Choose a steady, simple set point. Try 76–78°F in summer and see how it feels. Use “Auto” for the fan. Do not bounce the temp up and down all day. Big swings make the unit work too hard. A smart thermostat can help. It learns your routine and eases off when you are gone. Malik Heating and Cooling can set this up so it is easy to use.
Keep filters clean
Your filter is the lungs of the system. Check it each month at first. Hold it up to a light. If you cannot see light through it, replace it. Many homes do well with a new filter every 60 to 90 days. If you have pets or dust, you may need changes more often. Use the right size. A filter that is too small lets dust slip by. A clogged filter raises bills and can cause ice on the coil. A clean filter is the cheapest fix you can make.
Do not block vents or returns
Air must flow. Keep rugs, sofas, and drapes away from supply vents. Do not cover return grilles with furniture. Open all room vents at least most of the way. Closing many vents can raise pressure and harm the system. If one room is too hot or too cold, call us. We can balance airflow or look for duct leaks.
Care for the outdoor unit
The outdoor unit needs air on all sides. Keep two to three feet clear around it. Trim bushes and pull weeds. Sweep away leaves. Do not stack bikes or bins against the case. In warm months, you can gently rinse the outside coil with a garden hose. Turn off power first. Spray from the top, not with hard pressure. Do not bend the fins. If the slab sinks and the unit tilts, let us level it. A level base protects the lines and keeps noise down.
Watch the drain line
Your AC pulls water from the air. That water should flow out a small drain line. Look near the indoor unit for a thin, white pipe. Make sure it drips outside when the AC runs on humid days. Once a month, pour a cup of white vinegar into the service port if one is there. This helps stop algae. If you see water in the pan or on the floor, turn off the system and call us. A blocked drain can cause damage fast.
Keep coils and parts clean
Dust on coils and blower parts makes the AC work harder. Light dust happens over time. Heavy dirt means you save money with a pro cleaning. Our tune-up includes safe coil care, blower checks, and a drain flush. Clean parts move air better and cool faster. That means less run time and lower bills.
Listen for changes
Your AC has a normal sound. Learn it. If you hear rattles, grinding, or loud buzzing, do not ignore it. If you smell burning or musty odors, call us. Warm air from the vents, ice on lines, or short starts and stops are warning signs. Early help can prevent a big repair.
Mind the home, not just the unit
Your house is part of the system. Close windows and outside doors when the AC runs. Use shades on sunny sides in the heat of the day. Run ceiling fans to feel cooler at a higher set point. Seal gaps around doors and attic hatches. Small home fixes reduce load and let the AC rest.
Plan a spring check each year
A yearly tune-up is the best gift for your new system. In spring, Malik Heating and Cooling will test electrical parts, check refrigerant levels, measure airflow, clean the outdoor coil, clear the drain line, tighten connections, and calibrate the thermostat. We also note any worn parts before they fail. One visit can save a season of trouble.
Protect your warranty
Keep records of filter changes and service visits. Do not open sealed parts or add refrigerant yourself. Most makers require licensed care to keep the warranty valid. We keep digital records for you. If a claim is ever needed, you are ready.
Keep the area safe and clear
Do not store paint, salt, or harsh cleaners near the indoor unit. Fumes can harm metal and coils. Leave space for service. A clean, open area lets techs work faster and reduces labor cost. When you mop or clean near the return grille, make sure dust and water do not get pulled into the system.
Seasonal steps for storms and heat
In big storms, check that the outdoor unit is free of branches and leaves. After a power hit, wait five minutes before turning the AC back on. This helps the compressor reset. During heat waves, pick a steady set point and leave it. The unit will keep up better than if you chase a lower temp each hour.
When to call Malik Heating and Cooling
Call us if your bills jump without reason, if rooms feel uneven, if the system runs but air is warm, or if ice forms on the copper lines. Call if water drips near the indoor unit or if the outdoor fan does not spin. Quick service saves money and comfort.
Final thoughts
A new AC should run smooth and easy. With clean filters, clear space, a safe drain, and one pro check each year, it will. These simple habits protect comfort and keep costs down. If you want a plan that reminds you when to do each step, ask Malik Heating and Cooling about our maintenance program. We will keep your new system feeling new for many summers to come.