Air conditioning is an essential appliance in many homes. It’s useful not just for keeping your home cool and comfortable, but also for reducing humidity levels, which can be harmful to people with health conditions like asthma.
The best way to keep your AC running efficiently is with regular maintenance. Then, you can avoid a costly repair call when your system breaks down.
Basic AC Maintenance: Filters & Coils
The two most common repairs that you can do yourself are changing the air filter and cleaning the condenser & evaporator coils. Changing the filter regularly helps prevent problems like insufficient airflow and freezing compressors. Likewise, cleaning the condenser & ac coils removes built-up dirt, which can cause airflow issues.
A dirty ac unit may also lead to rust and corrosion, which can break down important parts such as the fan motor and a/c condenser coils. These components can last a decade or more with regular maintenance.
Refrigerant Levels:
A low refrigerant level can cause your system to run longer than it should and produce less cold air. It can also lead to higher energy costs.
Refrigerant leaks can damage your air handler and cause you to have to pay to replace it, and they can affect the performance of other parts of the unit as well. If you’re not sure how much refrigerant your system uses, have a professional test it.
In extreme heat or humid weather, the condensate drain and pan can get clogged with excess water. A clogged drain and pan can lead to high energy bills, because your a/c has to work harder to extract moisture from the air. If you have a drainage problem, check the weep hole on the ac pan every other day to ensure it’s not blocked and draining slowly. If it is, pour 1 tablespoon of household bleach into the weep hole to prevent fungus growth.
Dust & Dirt on Fins:
The fins that sit between the indoor and outdoor condenser coils are made of light-gauge aluminum that can be easily damaged if not cleaned properly. Brush them carefully with a soft bristled brush to get rid of the accumulated dirt, then use a fin comb that can be purchased at most appliance parts stores to straighten out any bent or broken fins.
Smelling bad:
A stale, musty or moldy odor is one of the most telltale signs that you have a problem with your ac. If the smell is severe or worsens, you should contact an HVAC expert immediately.
Frequent grinding, squealing or scraping noises are another warning sign that the air conditioner is wearing down and needs replacement. These noises typically occur with the fan motor, which pulls air across the condenser coils.
Faulty ac units are often the last thing you want to hear on a warm, sunny day. But the right Air Conditioner Repair service can make your ac unit work better than ever.
If your ac unit has a strong odor, it may be caused by mold, which can stale the air and lead to health problems for you and your family. To keep your ac unit free of these unpleasant smells, clean the ac’s ductwork and reseal it with weather stripping if necessary.