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An air conditioning system is a good investment that allows you to be comfortable in your home during the hot seasons. The last thing you need during hot weather is a broken air conditioner that may need repairing or replacing, which might incur costly expenses.
However, like any other machine, it can break down if it’s not well maintained. As a result, you may need to adopt some maintenance tips to keep your system running efficiently. These maintenance tips can help you avoid dirt buildup, grime, and dust that causes your unit to get damaged.
By cleaning and inspecting your air conditioning, your system won’t have to work harder or use more energy due to the buildup, helping you save energy bills. In addition, maintaining your air conditioner can prolong its life.
Although you can do most of the maintenance on your own, you can still reach out to the professionals, especially if you don’t have time to perform it. The professionals can conduct air conditioning maintenance on your system and give you a comprehensive diagnosis.
Meanwhile, if you are ready to start your maintenance, discussed in this article are some maintenance tips that you can consider:
1. Wash and Fix the Fins
Fins are located right below the cover of the air conditioner and are meant to protect the condenser coil.
However, they can easily be bent or clogged, thus blocking airflow through the coil. So, to ensure they remain in good condition, consider getting a fin comb that straightens the fins and restores their efficiency.
In addition, you may also choose to remove unwanted grime on the outside by removing the lid and cleaning it with foam cleaner from the inside going out. But when washing and fixing the fins, ensure you are careful to avoid damaging them further.
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2. Inspect The Filters
Filters are a critical part of the air conditioner. They require more maintenance due to their constant use and exposure to a dirty and dusty environment. And although having a quality filter will keep the grime away, it may still get clogged.
Also, having clogged air filters can block the airways, which can strain your unit to work harder, leading to increased energy bills.
It may also freeze the coils since not enough air is moving through them to dissipate the condensation. As a result, you may not get your desired temperature from your air conditioning or have a furnace failure.
So, to avoid having clogged filters, you’ll need to maintain them by replacing the filter with a clean one. And by replacing a clogged filter, you may lower the energy consumed by your air conditioner by five to fifteen percent, saving you energy costs.
Alternatively, you can opt for reusable filters and clean them when necessary to avoid replacing the filter now and then.
3. Clean The Debris Off Coils
The evaporator and condenser coil can collect dirt after using them for some time. The dirt accumulated may reduce its airflow and the ability to absorb heat as it insulates the coil.
So, consider checking your evaporator coils and cleaning them every year to avoid experiencing problems and lowering their efficiency. To clean your coils, begin by removing the cap and taking a shop vac inside the condenser.
Consider clearing the surroundings of the condenser unit for your outdoor air conditioner to allow adequate airflow.
4. Check Insulation of Coolant Pipes
Coolant pipes are responsible for transferring refrigerant through the air conditioning system. As a result, they should be covered by a thick insulation layer. However, exposure to harsh weather elements such as the sun can destroy the protective linings.
And with destroyed protective linings, the refrigerant won’t get transferred effectively. So, you should check on insulation regularly and have it replaced if necessary.
5. Clean The Drain
When your air conditioner releases condensation and water, your AC drains fill with it, leaving it susceptible to mold. And once your drains get clogged with mold, everything might get backed up.
Obstructed drains may hinder the unit from lowering humidity and discolor the walls and carpets due to excess moisture. Thus, use AC pan pills to clean and unclog the system when the buildup has already formed.
Bottom Line
As discussed above, an air conditioning system can continue running without losing efficiency if it’s well-maintained. And an efficient unit can lower your energy bills.
However, if you perform regular maintenance and find significant damage, consider getting a professional to check and fix it or replace the damaged part. In addition, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat and replacing cracked or brittle weather stripping for a more optimal air conditioning unit.
