Maintaining your AC unit should not be a tedious job.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how much you can save by giving just the right amount of tender, loving care to your AC unit. The best part is that you won’t have to spend a fortune on pricey tune-ups, repairs, or any other outrageous air conditioning maintenance service.
But before giving you these tips, let us first discuss the importance of air conditioning maintenance, AC problems you need to watch out for, and some safety tips before proceeding to the actual routine.
So, let’s dive right in.
Why Is the Maintenance of Air Conditioners Important?
Following a regular maintenance schedule will help you identify the early warning signs of a malfunctioning air conditioning unit.
Aside from this, having your AC unit maintained can help you save money and prevent health issues, especially in the event of a refrigerant leak.
Unfortunately, many air conditioning experts offer unnecessary upgrades and treatments to unwary clients to profit. You may prevent this by developing a fundamental understanding of air conditioner maintenance.
What Are The Most Common Air Conditioner Problems?
Overuse and under maintenance may cause your air conditioner not to function correctly. Immediate action on AC system problems is necessary to reduce the risk of flooding and prevent the unit from experiencing extreme temperature variations.
So what are the most common AC problems you need to look out for?
Insufficient Maintenance
Not regularly cleaning your filters and coils will lead to the dysfunction of your air conditioner, particularly premature damage to your compressor or fans.
Electric Control Failure
Compressor and fan controls wear out when the AC unit is repeatedly turned on and off. This usually happens in an oversized air conditioning system.
Refrigerant Leaks
If the AC refrigerant is low, it was installed improperly or leaks. Simply adding more refrigerant won’t fix the problem.
Keep in mind that your air conditioner will operate at its utmost efficiency when the refrigerant charge precisely matches the manufacturer’s specification and is neither undercharged nor overcharged.
Refrigerant leakage may also cause environmental damage.
Drainage Issues
Humidity can also affect the overall function of the air conditioner. If not positioned level, room air conditioners may not drain correctly.
Sensor issues
Behind the control panel of room air conditioners is a thermostat sensor that gauges the temperature of the air entering the evaporator coil. If the sensor is displaced, this may cause the air conditioner to operate randomly or cycle continuously.
Safety Tips for Air Conditioner Maintenance
Before doing anything to your AC unit, check out these safety recommendations before we look at maintenance procedures:
Learn how to use your circuit breaker.
Always turn off the electrical connection to your air conditioner before opening it. This can pose a serious hazard to you and mechanical risks to its huge moving parts, especially if you are using central air conditioners.
Use a respirator.
Air conditioner filters capture hazardous particles. As you change the filters inside your unit, keep yourself protected from harmful particles by donning a breathing mask.
Call a professional if you're unsure of your actions.
While most of the maintenance advice we’ll give is relatively simple, a few are a little more complicated. Feel free to call service experts if unsure that you can carry out the instructions correctly, as this can prevent harm to the air conditioner. In that case, Cool Guys Mechanical is always at your service.
10 Maintenance and Care Tips for Your AC Unit
Now that we have laid out the foundations, here is a checklist in no particular order of what you need to do to properly maintain your air conditioner.
Keep your unit clean
Regularly carrying out this routine is relatively easy. Rinse the AC unit first. As it dries, vacuum the fins and brush off any leftover particles. Be sure to use a soft-bristle brush when you do this.
Repeat these actions at least once a month for the best results.
Clear the clogs in the condensing system
Condensers in air conditioning systems can attract dirt, leaves, and other buildups. Clear away obstructions, clean the fan blades, and tighten any slack screws or nuts.
Shield the condenser
Never wrap anything around your condenser. Covering your condenser can be hazardous whether you are using it or not.
Cover the top of the unit with a weighted piece of plywood once the summer weather has passed.
Replace the air filters
Air filtration is one of the most overlooked AC maintenance routines. Fortunately, this can typically be resolved quickly.
You should turn off the electricity to the central unit before executing your AC system’s yearly maintenance. After roughly 30 minutes of inactivity, remove any dirt or dust from the appliance. Finally, swap out the worn filters for fresh ones.
Examine refrigerant lines
Every refrigerant pipe should be given a careful examination. Ensure that the appropriate coolant insulating layer is applied to each tube. Take note of any defects, such as holes, cracks, or punctures. A fresh insulation sleeve must be used in place of the tube.
Check your insulation
Over time, insulation can readily be damaged.
Examine any place with insulation covering it, and remove any rotten or damaged layers. Any insulation work should be handled by a qualified professional to ensure safety.
Make use of house fans
Whole-house fans draw hot air from higher up in the house and transform it into a nice, cozy breeze. Hang them from the top of any door or tall window to convert heat into a relaxing airflow.
Cover the windows with blinds
The ease with which warm air may enter your building may surprise you. Pay special attention to your windows if you want to manage the temperature in your house or place of business. Especially during the hottest day, keep them closed and covered with shades or drapes.
Invest in a fin comb
Over time, your AC system’s cage eventually bends. The condensing unit’s fins can be quickly straightened using a fin comb. A fin comb is a specialized instrument that reshapes the fins back into their original shape by running or scraping the comb across them.
Warning: To prevent getting cut, always wear gloves when performing this task.
Invest in a programmable thermostat
This is an essential component of your AC system. Any homeowner who uses programmable thermostats can reduce their energy costs.
Install one of these cutting-edge systems and set your cooling system to idle at different temperatures at specific times of the day rather than turning the dial to lower the temperature.
How to Hire Professional Air Conditioning Contractors?
There are some instances when your air conditioner requires more than routine maintenance. One of which is its failure to cool down your indoor temperature. A skilled technician will identify and address issues with your air conditioning system.
Here is a to-do checklist you should take note of:
- Verify the proper amount of refrigerant.
- Use a leak detector to check for refrigerant leaks.
- Ensure the heating and cooling systems don't run simultaneously and that the electric control sequence is accurate.
- Instead of forcibly releasing any refrigerant that has to be removed from the system, capture it and seal any leaks in central systems.
- Inspect electrical terminals. Clean and tighten connections. If necessary, apply a non-conductive coating.
- Evaluate the evaporator coil's airflow.
- Check the thermostat's accuracy.
Ready to set up your preventive maintenance schedule? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. For inquiries about our air conditioning services, visit our website.
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