Why is Air Conditioner Maintenance Important?
Wouldn’t you love it if your air conditioner’s lifespan increased and it had fewer issues throughout its lifetime? In this post, we cover just that. The thing is – your AC has to filter a lot of pollen, dust, and myriad other pollutants.
That’s why all brands recommend periodic maintenance, seasonal cleaning, and timely servicing to maintain your unit’s health as well as remove impurities. So, other than regular professional servicing, here are a few maintenance secrets that will elongate your AC’s lifespan and performance –
[If you don’t have an AC unit and plan on getting one, read all about air conditioner installation cost here.]
Maintenance Secrets That Help to Prevent AC Replacement
Regularly Clean/Replace Air Filters
Knowing when it’s time to clean the air filters and when it’s time to replace them is the key to a well-functioning AC unit. This is the single most important maintenance chore you can do. During peak seasons like the winters and summers, you should clean the filters every month or so. Do it once during spring and fall.
Clean the Outside Unit
The outdoor unit is most exposed to dirt, grime, leaves, and grass clippings. Over time, all this debris could take a toll on your system’s capacity. It could reduce the flow of air which is why regular maintenance and cleaning of the outside unit is super important.
To do that, you must shut down the power first at the main breaker panel of the house. You could always use a garden to clean the unit. The gentle pressure would push the debris out. Always begin at the top keeping the hose at a 45-degree angle before working your way down.
Avoid using a rough power washer otherwise as you may run the risk of damaging the unit. Remember, the coil fins are quite delicate. So, try not to damage and/or bend them while cleaning.
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Cleaning of Evaporator Coils
Over time, your air conditioner’s condenser and evaporator coils may become clogged with dirt. A clogged coil becomes insulated and has difficulty absorbing heat. It also causes reduced airflow for optimal functioning. If you live in a windy area or a place with a lot of construction work, the condenser coil may become very dirty.
Your best bet is to call an AC maintenance company to clean the coils. It may also be a part of your annual maintenance plan. [Check out this guide on things to consider when choosing an AC repair company.]
Inspect Regularly for Common Issues
To inspect the condenser unit, first, turn off the power. Remove the access panel and notice signs of overheating. Check for things like melted wire insulation and/or blackened/burned wires.
While you’re at it, be sure to check all electrical connections and see if they are securely in place. You could always use an electrical test meter to check the AC’s capacitors. If you do notice any issues but feel unsure or uncomfortable correcting on your own; always call in expert help to look into the issue.
Unclog the Rear Drain
A clogged rear-end drain causes the water to collect inside the AC. Since it has no room to leave, it starts dripping from any opening it can find. With no vent for the water collected in the room, it could give rise to humidity levels. So, make sure to unclog the rear drain at timely intervals.
Make Sure the Condenser Fan is Working Properly
Start by turning off the power supply at both the unit’s immediate power box as well as the main panel. After that, check the fans mounted on top of the outside unit. Make sure it looks fine.
If you notice any visible chips or cracks in a few blades, be sure to replace those. You can always buy them off of Amazon and other websites that sell AC supplies. Make sure the fan blades are a good match for your condenser.
Most online sites maintain an inventory. All you have to do is type in the model number and the system will show you all the available compatible options. If you have an old AC, you would need to oil the motor on a regular basis.
Go for Regular Professional Maintenance
This one is a no-brainer but it bears repeating. Ideally, you should go for AC tune-ups at least twice a year. Once in the summers and once during the wintertime. If you use the unit for heating in the winters, get the furnace checked before using it during colder months. Similarly, get it checked at the onset of summer.
AC professionals look for any debris and clean it out. They also oil/lubricate different parts of the system. Tuning-up may also entail cleaning out the drainage, replacing the filter, checking the refrigerant levels, etc.
Routine check-ups ensure that the unit continues to deliver optimal performance. It’s the key to having a unit that lasts for years to come.
Bottom Line
Regular maintenance leads to better AC performance while also reducing electricity bills. Poorly maintained air conditioners consume more power to cool the air. Sometimes unchecked gas leakage could also cause ineffective cooling.
Hopefully, these tips will help you avoid the most common AC troubles while elongating your system’s lifespan.
Description
Do you want to increase your AC life and functionality? Check out these maintenance secrets to avoid the most common issues for an optimal functioning unit.
