Save Money and the Environment

Posted on: 16 May 2017

Just like all other operational machines, air conditioners have to undergo a certain routine maintenance schedule for them to continue serving your needs for a longer time. If this is not done, the heating and cooling needed in your home during summer and winter seasons are completely compromised. They system might even breakdown and stop functioning at all. Some steps involved in its routine maintenance are so simple and may not even require a professional to perform them. Equip yourself with these tips to help you save time, money, and give your air conditioning unit a longer life span.

Check the Condenser Regularly

Most air conditioners have the condensing unit placed on the outside of your house. The unit has a fan, compressor, and condensing coils. During the cooling process, the unit blocks heat to the surrounding area by inducing the fan to blow around the condensing coils. Make sure to check any obstructions on the fan that may affect air flow to the condenser.

Any plastic bags, dried leaves, and unwanted materials stuck on the condenser and coils should be removed. Use a brush to remove this materials and debris from the units for effective functioning. Always remember to disconnect power supply to the unit when performing this maintenance.

Check and Clean the Filters and Evaporator Regularly

 Air conditioners have evaporator units that are fitted with removable filters. These filters trap any dust to prevent clogging of dirt on the coils of the evaporator. The filters should be removed and washed with soap water to remove all the dust and maintain them clean at least on a monthly basis. Some cooling units may come with electrostatic filters to act as secondary filter systems for the evaporator unit. Make sure to replace them with clean ones on a regular basis.

A vacuum cleaner or a wet piece of cloth will help in cleaning the coils of the indoor evaporator if they are dirty. Dirt within the evaporator affects the cooling capacity of the entire unit by blocking air flow to the rooms.

Check Ductwork and Remote Control

For central air conditioners, check ductwork system to ensure that all the ducts are well sealed and airtight. Repair any cracked joints with a sealant. This will ensure efficiency of the air conditioning unit.

For units that have a remote control system, ensure its proper functioning by using it to control the unit and checking its display. Change batteries to avoid draining the remote system by old batteries and corroding its terminals.