Air conditioner maintenance is very important to keep in mind if you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of summer with a lot of hot air in your home. This is basically because your air conditioner will probably be running non-stop during the hot summer months.
If you’re used to living in a cool, temperature-controlled environment, you know how uncomfortable it is to have to repair a malfunctioning air conditioning unit when it’s really hot outside.
To prevent your A/C from breaking down prematurely, there are some basic but essential steps to keep in mind year-round.
Changing the air filter
Changing the air filter regularly is the key to keeping your air conditioner running efficiently.
A clogged filter will limit air flow and make the machine work harder, so you’ll spend more money to cool your home.
Change or clean the filter about once a month and make sure the replacements are the correct size for your specific unit. A pleated or wrinkled filter will trap more debris than a flat one, so keep that in mind when you buy the filter.
The most common mistake is not checking the filter or doing so when the heat starts. Remember to check them in winter as well, as I said at the beginning once a month.
Clean the coils
The A/C unit will also run more efficiently when the coils are clean. Because the coils are located outdoors in integrated central air systems, you can hose down the unit and easily remove dust and dirt from the coils. Just be sure to unplug the unit before applying water. The coils should be cleaned once a year.
Changing the filter frequently will help keep the coils clean.
As long as you change the filter regularly, the coils will stay clean and can last you for 10, 12, or even 14 years. If our air conditioner runs with a bad filter, the coil will act as a filter and become loaded with dirt, dust, and pollen.
There must be no obstructions around the air outlets.
Reduced airflow wears out the HVAC (ventilation, heating, and air conditioning) system. To make sure it’s operating at optimal capacity, remove any objects that are blocking the air vents. This includes everything from clothes hanging in front to pet hair.
Clear the space around the outdoor unit.
The same goes for the outdoor air conditioning unit: it will be more efficient if you keep weeds, plants, and debris from accumulating around it.
Use a soft broom to remove debris that has accumulated on the fins, and a hose to wash the condensing unit from time to time.
Unclog the condensate drain pipe.
When the Air Conditioner is running, it is generating humidity and condensation passes through the condensate drain tube. If the drain tube gets clogged, mold can appear or it can flood and cause damage. But you can remove it yourself. This drain is usually located outside the unit or inside a cabinet.
To clean it out, use a vacuum and dry it over the drain opening. Wrap an old towel around the drain location and vacuum dry to make sure it is as airtight as possible. Vacuum for a minute or so to remove the clog. Looking for a reliable air conditioning service? Check out their page for further info.
Calling a service technician to service your Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner is more than 8 years old, you can have a service technician perform a maintenance audit. A complete appointment should last approximately 30 to 60 minutes and costs between 50 to 100 Euros.
