Air conditioners are an indispensable part of many households, however, this appliance can also be a great source of headaches and they are quite infamous for their regular breakdowns. To keep an AC unit running efficiently and to prevent the difficult to diagnose problems that often plague the units, it’s important to do regular maintenance not just in the months of heavy use. With a few simple and year-round preventative cleaning and maintenance measures, an air conditioner can run smoothly for years and not drive the energy bill too much.
Air Conditioner Filters
Probably the number one issue when it comes to maintenance is making sure the filters are routinely cleaned and replaced. When the filters become dirty they begin to clog the system’s cooling capacity significantly by reducing the airflow. Air that bypasses the filter because it’s blocked can often be dirty as well and may lead to dirt moving directly into the coils causing further issues. Some units contain filters that can be reused, while others need to be replaced. In either case, it’s important to clean the filters every month or two and even more if the unit is in heavy use. This simple step of keeping the filters clean lowers the energy consumption of the machine 5-15 percent.
Air Conditioner Coils
Air conditioner coils can also be a huge problem if they are not kept clean. A unit has an evaporator coil and a condenser coil, both of which should be checked every year. Cleaning and replacing filters goes a long way in helping the coils stay clean, but they will still collect dirt that reduces the airflow and the ability to absorb heat. Also be sure to pay particular attention to the outdoor condenser coils as they are exposed to many environmental sources of dirt including dryer vents, falling foliage, and lawn mowers. Checking regularly for debris when it accumulates and trying to reduce sources of dirt and debris are the best maintenance options.
Coil Fins & Condensate Drains
According to The AC Man of Houston, a provider of affordable AC repair, the aluminum fins that sit on the evaporator and condenser coils are quite fragile and can be bent easily. When bent, they block the airflow through the coil, reducing cooling efficiency. There’s a ‘fin comb’ available from air conditioning wholesalers that you can use to restore the fins to their original position. For keeping the drain unclogged, the easiest method is to run a stiff wire through the drain channels occasionally.
Window Seals
When the cooling season begins each year, it’s important to check the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame. If the window frame is no longer making contact with the unit’s metal case, it’s time to fix the seal. During the off months, moisture may have crept in and damaged the seal that will allow the air to escape from the house.
Off-Season & Winter Maintenance
Even if the air conditioner isn’t running, it’s still important to take some precautionary steps to keep the unit ready for the upcoming year. An inside unit can either be covered up or removed entirely and stored until it’s needed again. For outside units, covering the unit up is the best way to prevent the harsh winter weather and debris from causing damage.
Professional Maintenance
Air conditioning units can be tricky and sometimes it’s necessary to hire a certified service technician. A qualified technician will check the unit for refrigerant levels, make sure their are no leakages anywhere in the system, inspect the electrical units, and do a general tightening of all essential parts.
This article was contributed on behalf of The AC Man of Houston, your number one choice when looking for affordable HVAC installation. Check out their website today for more information!
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