It’s Easy!
When was the last time you thought about maintaining your air conditioner? In order for your air conditioner to function properly, its filters, coils, fins and drains require regular maintenance. Without this maintenance, your air conditioner will not only not function properly, but it will also use more energy (costing you more money). Knowing some simple air conditioner parts and functions will make maintaining your air conditioner as easy as turning it on!
Filters
The most important maintenance task when maintaining your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Replacing a dirty filter can lower your unit’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Filters are generally located along the length of the return duct. While some types of filters are reusable, others must be replaced. Clean or replace your system’s filters every month or two during the cooling season. If your air conditioner is in constant use, in dusty conditions, or collects fur from pets, you may need to replace your filters more often.
Coils
To avoid dirt collection and reduction of airflow, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary. When the filter is clean, it is harder for the coil to collect dirt. Outdoor condenser coils can easily become dirty if the environment is dusty or covered by foliage. You can easily see any dirt collection on the fins of the coil. If possible, you should minimize the dirt and debris near the conducer unit. To maintain adequate airflow around the condenser, clean the area around the outdoor coil and trim foliage back at least 2 feet.
Fins
There are aluminum fins on both evaporator and condenser coils. The coils are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil. In order to keep this from happening, purchase a “fin comb” from a tool/hardware store to comb these fins back into original condition.
Drains
Sometimes, a unit’s drain channels get clogged. This prevents a unit from reducing humidity. The excess moisture that results can potentially discolor walls or carpet. To keep the channels from getting clogged, you should occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels.
Enter to Win!
Maintaining your air conditioner increases its efficiency, saves you money, and extends the life of your unit. And when you have an idea of what needs to be done, maintaining your air conditioner can be easy! But when your air conditioner needs more than regular maintenance, give us a call. Our well-trained technicians can find and fix problems in your system to keep you COOL!
Want to be part of our Premier Service Club? Enter to win a FREE membership HERE or by clicking the image below!
