Consistent maintenance is necessary for the filters, coils, and fins of an air conditioner to ensure its continued effectiveness and efficiency over its operational lifespan. Neglecting routine AC unit maintenance guarantees an ongoing deterioration in the performance of air conditioning systems, accompanied by a consistent escalation in energy consumption. Consult our technicians for additional suggestions on how to increase your air conditioner’s efficiency and comfort.
Cool Breeze Services recommends tips for maintaining your AC unit, as explained below.
Change Your Filters
Install a clean filter monthly during the cooling season for central and window units (or clean them if they are washable) to preserve the efficiency of your air conditioner.
For home air conditioning units, the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of the filter ranges from 1 to 12. A higher MERV indicates a more effective filtration system; however, it also requires more energy to pull air through. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between energy costs and air quality considerations. This step may held in your AC Unit Maintenance.
Fix AC Leaks
Leaks in ducts can result in a 30 percent reduction in airflow, and window air conditioning units are notoriously difficult to correctly seal. Detect leaks by employing the time-honored “smoke trick.”
Light an incense stick and place it at the interface between the window unit and the window frame for window units; for central air conditioning, position the stick near duct connections. If the smoke disperses, it indicates a breach. To seal small gaps in ductwork, use foil tape; for larger gaps, use duct mastic; for window air conditioning units, stuff foam between the device and the window frame, taping as necessary.
Use a Timer
You do not need to operate the air conditioner at maximum capacity while at work. Install a programmable thermostat for central units that allows you to adjust the temperature to higher levels while away from home and lower it when you return.
Modern window units include adjustable thermostats and built-in timers, or you can purchase one from a home improvement store for $10 to $20; just ensure that its voltage is compatible with your device. Do not turn off the system unless you are leaving for vacation; doing so will require the air compressor to exert additional effort in order to cool the house in the future.
Air Conditioner Coils
The evaporator coil and condenser coil of the air conditioner accumulate dirt as it continues to operate for years. A clean filter inhibits the rapid accumulation of dirt on the evaporator coil. Nonetheless, the evaporator coil will eventually accumulate dirt. This dirt reduces the coil’s capacity to absorb heat by obstructing airflow and insulating it. Every year, inspect and clean your evaporator coil as needed to prevent this issue. Additionally, outdoor condenser coils can become extremely filthy in the presence of dust or vegetation. Visibly inspecting the condenser coil for dirt accumulation on its fins is possible.
Minimize debris and dirt in the vicinity of the condenser unit for maintaining your AC unit. The lawn mower, dryer vents, and falling leaves are all possible sources of dirt and debris. A minimum of 2 feet (0.6 meters) of foliage reduction, detritus removal, and cleaning of the area surrounding the coil are all measures that contribute to ensuring sufficient air circulation around the condenser.
Remove Debris
At the exterior condenser/compressor, the fan housing must be removed. By employing a spanner or screwdriver, detach the fasteners and elevate the cage or fan grill from the upper section of the apparatus. Using a wet/dry vacuum or by hand, remove leaves and other detritus from the interior.
Clean the Evaporator Drain
The interior evaporator coil expels warm, humid air from the interior of your residence. Cooling the air as it absorbs heat from the air, the chilly coil returns the air to your residence. On the cool surface of the evaporator coil, the air’s relative humidity evaporates as liquid water that drips into a receptacle below. Water flows from the pan into a drain conduit, which is commonly directed to an exterior location such as a utility sink, basement floor drain, or utility sink.
Over time, mold and algae can accumulate and potentially clog the drain; therefore, it will be necessary to disconnect the drain if it is either clogged or flows very slowly. If the drainage system is outfitted with a drain float, a clogged drain may either result in flooding-induced damage to the floor or halt the system’s chilling process to prevent flooding.
Locate the discharge line exiting the evaporator coil enclosure initially. Typically, a 1-inch PVC conduit (white, gray, or black) serves as the drain. Proceed until you reach the point where it empties into the receptacle. Typically, the line empties into the exterior in close proximity to the condenser unit. However, in the case of attic units, it may also discharge into a utility sink, cellar floor drain, or down an exterior wall.
Once located, clear the receptacle using a wet/dry vacuum. In order to preserve the paper filter, it is advisable to remove it from the wet/dry vacuum. Connect the wet/dry vacuum hose to the discharge line’s terminus. A rag or duct tape may be utilized to seal the crevice. Turn the vacuum off after two to three minutes of operation. This will eliminate any burgeoning biological debris from the receptacle.
Clean the Fins
Using the brush attachment on a powerful shop vacuum, remove the outer covers and any exterior grime. Then, spray through the fins from the inside out with a gentle stream from a garden hose to remove any accumulated grime or debris from between them. Pressure washers should never be used on fins, as the pressure can cause damage.
Utilize a commercially available fin cleaning spray found at home improvement centers if the fins are exceptionally filthy. Follow and read the manufacturer’s instructions.
Straighten the Fins + Clean the Area
Due to the fact that any reduction in airflow through the fins can reduce efficiency, use a butter knife or a commercial fin-straightening tool to meticulously straighten bent fins. Be cautious so as not to damage the tubing that is embedded within the fins.
Change the Blower Filter
It is recommended that the filter in your HVAC system be replaced a minimum of twice yearly, specifically just prior to the onset of the heating season and again prior to the cooling season. Depending on the level of dust in your location, you might consider replacing it more frequently. Consistently substitute the filter with a fresh one that possesses an identical airflow rating. Moody advises, “Be wary of ‘air purifying’ or HEPA filters, as they can substantially reduce airflow in your system.” This may result in the indoor coil freezing due to the decreased ventilation.
The location of the filter enclosure on the interior AC is indicated by the entrance of the large fresh air return duct. A screwdriver might be required to unlock the door to the filter enclosure by turning the clasp. Proceed to eliminate the previous filter and substitute it with the new one, aligning the air-flow direction arrows on the filter with those on the unit. Lock and shut the door.
Condensate Drains
At intervals, thread a rigid wire through the discharge channels of the apparatus. The inability of a unit to reduce humidity is caused by clogged drain channels; the excess moisture that results may discolor walls or carpet.
Window Seals for Room Air Conditioners
Verify that the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame makes contact with the unit’s metal casing at the beginning of each cooling season. This seal can be compromised by moisture, permitting cool air to depart the residence.
Preparing for Winter
Cover or remove and store your room air conditioner during the winter. By covering the outdoor unit of a central air conditioner, debris and winter weather will be shielded from the unit. This will also help in your AC Unit Maintenance.
Hiring a Professional
Hiring a professional service technician for your AC unit Maintenance is necessary when your air conditioner fails to operae. A technician with the proper training will identify and repair issues with your air conditioning system.
The technician should:
- Check for correct amount of refrigerant
- Test for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector
- Capture any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system, instead of illegally releasing it to the atmosphere
- Check for and seal duct leakage in central systems
- Measure airflow through the evaporator coil
- Verify the correct electric control sequence and make sure that the heating system and cooling system cannot operate simultaneously
- Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary
- Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear
- Check the accuracy of the thermostat.