Air conditioners work hard to keep your home cool and comfortable during summer. But like any appliance, they need regular maintenance to run their best. With a little care, your air conditioning system will keep you cool all summer long! Many homeowners and business owners don’t realize that their air conditioners need regular HVAC maintenance. Just like your car, your air conditioner needs tune-ups to keep it running its best. By investing a little time and money into AC maintenance, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to maintain your air conditioner so it stays in good shape for years to come.
Understanding Your Air Conditioning System
Air conditioners work by circulating cool air through your house or office. There are two popular types of air conditioners: central air conditioners and window AC units. Central air conditioners are typically used in larger homes or businesses, while window units are more common in smaller room spaces. No matter what type of air conditioner you have, the basics of how it works are the same.
Air conditioners have five main parts:
- The refrigerant: This cools and dehumidifies the air as it circulates through the system.
- The condenser: This releases the heat from the refrigerant.
- The evaporator: This absorbs the heat from the air in your home or office.
- The compressor: The compressors pump refrigerant through the system.
- The expansion valve: This regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator.
Each of these parts needs to be in good working order for your air conditioning units to function properly. The air quality in your property depends on it! That’s why it’s important to have your air conditioning system serviced by HVAC professionals at least once a year. If you need help finding a qualified technician in your area, contact a local air conditioning contractor. They will be able to help you find a technician who can provide the HVAC services you need.
Common Air Conditioner Problems
There are a few common problems that can occur with air conditioners. These include:
Refrigerant leaks
HVAC systems should be checked for leaks every year to prevent problems. If your air conditioning unit is leaking refrigerant, it needs to be repaired immediately. Refrigerant leaks can cause serious damage to your AC system and can be dangerous to your health. A trained HVAC technician will be able to check for leaks and repair them.
Dirty coils
The coils on your air conditioner can get dirty over time. This can cause the air conditioning system to work harder than it needs to, eventually leading to a breakdown. An HVAC technician will be able to clean the coils and restore them to their original condition.
Clogged filters
The filters on your air conditioner can also get dirty over time. If the filters are not replaced or cleaned regularly, dirty or clogged air filters can restrict airflow, cause your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to, and cause the HVAC system to break down. An HVAC expert will be able to replace or clean the filters as needed.
Thermostat problems
If your air conditioner’s thermostat isn’t working properly, it may not be cooling your house or office evenly. The temperature in your space will be more comfortable and consistent if the thermostat is working properly. Thermostats can also be calibrated by an HVAC professional so that they are more accurate and make sure the controls are working properly.
Drainage issues
If your air conditioner is not draining properly, water can build up around the AC unit and eventually cause damage. A trained technician will be able to check the drainage system and make any necessary repairs.
Regular Maintenance is Key
The best way to avoid air conditioner problems is to have your HVAC system serviced by a trained professional at least once a year. From your ducts, vents, and coils to your air filter, thermostat, and more – each part of your air condition system needs to be checked and maintained on a regular basis. This can help prevent small problems from turning into big ones.
Tips for Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
Now that you understand how your air conditioner works and some of the most common problems, let’s discuss how you can maintain your AC unit. You can do a few simple things to keep your air conditioner in good shape. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your air conditioner and keep it running its best.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance Checks
Just like your car, your air conditioner needs tune-ups to keep it running properly. The best way to keep your air conditioner running its best is to schedule regular HVAC maintenance checks. During a maintenance check, a technician will clean the coils and fans, inspect the air conditioner unit for any signs of wear and tear, and perform any necessary repairs. HVAC technicians have the necessary tools and equipment to properly maintain your AC unit.
Change the Filter Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your air conditioning system is to change the filter regularly. Your air conditioning system’s filter helps remove dust, dirt, and other airborne particles. If the filter becomes clogged, it can restrict airflow and cause your air conditioner unit to work harder than it needs to. As a general rule of thumb, you should change the air conditioner’s filter every three months.
Keep the Area Around the Unit Clear
Another important tip is to keep the area around the air conditioning system clear. If the air conditioner’s coils and fan are obstructed, it can cause the unit to overheat and break down. Make sure to keep any furniture, plants, or other objects at least two feet away from the air conditioner.
Check for Leaks
One final tip is to check for leaks. Over time, the air conditioner’s coils and connections can develop leaks. These leaks can allow coolant to escape, reducing the unit’s efficiency. If you notice any leaks, be sure to have them repaired as soon as possible.
By following these tips, you can keep your air conditioner running its best for years to come. Regular maintenance and proper care will extend the life of your air conditioner and keep it running efficiently.
How to Clean Your Air Conditioner’s Filter
Cleaning your air conditioner’s filter is an important part of maintaining your air conditioning system. The filter helps to remove dust and dirt from the air, which can clog the coils and cause the unit to work harder than it needs to.
- To clean the filter, start by turning off the power to the unit.
- Next, remove the filter from the unit. Locate the filter either behind the front grille or in the unit’s owner’s manual.
- Once you have located the filter, remove it from the unit.
- Vacuum any dust or dirt from the filter.
- Wash the filter with warm water and mild detergent.
- Use sanitizing solution to clean the filter.
- Rinse the filter thoroughly and allow it to air dry.
- Allow the filter to dry completely before putting it back in the air conditioner.
- Once the filter is dry, replace it in the unit and turn the power back on.
By following these steps, you can clean your air conditioner’s filter and help to keep the unit running its best. Regularly cleaning the filter will also help extend the unit’s life.
How to Clean Your Air Conditioner’s Condenser Coils
The condenser coils work by releasing heat from the refrigerant inside the coils to the outside air. Over time, the coils can become dirty and covered in dust. If your coils are dirty, you’ll need to clean them before they can work properly. If the coils are not cleaned on a regular basis, they can become less effective and cause the unit to work harder than it needs to.
Here’s how to clean your air conditioner’s condenser coils:
- Turn off the power to your air conditioner. This is usually done at the breaker box.
- Remove the fan cage, so you have access to the coils.
- Vacuum the coils with a soft-bristle brush attachment to remove any dust or debris.
- Use gloves to remove large debris from the coils.
- Use a garden hose to spray down the coils, and be careful not to bend or damage them.
- The protective grilles and fins on the coils can become bent. Use a soft brush to clean them and straighten them out if necessary. You can also use a fin comb to realign the fins if they’re severely bent.
- You can use foam coil cleaner, available at most hardware stores, to clean the coils. Simply follow the instructions on the can.
- Rinse the coils thoroughly and then allow them to dry completely.
- Reassemble the fan cage and turn on the power to your air conditioner.
Cleaning your condenser coils regularly will help keep your air conditioner running efficiently for years to come and cut down energy costs.
How to Clean Your Air Conditioner’s Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils work by absorbing heat from the indoor air, which cools the air that is circulated throughout the home. Dust, dirt, debris, and pet hair can all accumulate on the evaporator coils, which can impede their ability to absorb heat. As a result, the air conditioner will have to work harder to cool the home, leading to higher energy bills and decreased efficiency.
- Turn off the power to the air conditioner. This will usually be a switch near the unit, but it may also be a breaker in the main electrical panel.
- Remove the access panel from the air conditioner. This will give you access to the evaporator coil.
- Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently remove any dust or debris from the coils. Be careful not to bend or damage the coils.
- Scope out the area around the coils for any debris or dirt that may have fallen during cleaning. Remove any debris with a vacuum or brush.
- Use a coil cleaning solution to remove any remaining dirt or grime. Follow the instructions on the cleaner.
- Rinse or spray the coils with clean water to remove any remaining cleaner.
- Allow the coils to dry completely before putting the access panel back on and turning the power back on to the unit.
The evaporator coil should be cleaned every three months to ensure optimal air conditioner performance. The efficiency of your air conditioner depends on it.
How to Clean Your Air Conditioner’s Drain Lines
The drain lines are located inside the air conditioner, and they remove moisture and condensation from the evaporator coils. Over time, these lines can become clogged with dirt, mold, mildew, and algae. As a result, water will back up into the unit, which can lead to leaks and water damage. In extreme cases, the air conditioner may shut down completely due to clogged drain lines.
- Turn off the power to the air conditioner.
- Locate the drain lines. These are typically located near the condenser unit.
- Remove the hose that is connected to your drain line and check the lines for any blockages.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove debris blocking the drain lines.
- Flush the lines with a bleach solution or vinegar and water solution. Make sure to use gloves and eye protection when working with bleach.
- Reconnect the hose to the drain line and turn on the power to the air conditioner.
Cleaning your air conditioning unit’s drain lines is a simple and easy way to keep your unit running smoothly and prevent water damage. This task should be done one to three times per season or as needed. If you have any questions about how to clean your air conditioner’s drain lines, contact licensed HVAC contractors in your area.
Conclusion
Cleaning your air conditioner is an important part of maintaining your ac unit. By taking the time to clean the filters, coils, drain lines, and other parts of the unit, you can improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan. Not to mention, you’ll save money on energy bills and repair costs down the road. So don’t forget to add air conditioner maintenance to your to-do list this summer!
Contact an Air Conditioning Technician Today
Breezin HVAC is the leading provider of air conditioning services in the New York and New Jersey areas. Our team of certified HVAC technicians is available to help you with all your air conditioning needs. They have all the knowledge and experience needed to keep your air conditioning system running smoothly all summer long. From installations to repairs, our experts are here to help. You can contact us online or give us a call today to schedule an appointment. Our customer service representatives are standing by to answer any of your questions. Your HVAC systems are in good hands with Breezin HVAC!