Keeping your air conditioner fully functional and energy efficient is critical for not only your ability to remain cool during the summer months, but also to make sure that you aren’t breaking the bank in the process (an inefficient air conditioning system can cost you thousands each month). In order to keep your air conditioner fully functioning, you should regularly execute air conditioner maintenance. To help you get this right, we are going to discuss the three basic air conditioner maintenance tips that everyone should follow.
Air conditioner maintenance tip number 1: Don’t leave your air conditioner running when you’re not using it
The longer your air conditioning system runs, the more stress it will undergo. By turning it off when nobody is in the building, you not reduce the amount of wear on your air conditioner, but you will also save a lot of money on your energy bill. This air conditioner maintenance task can be made very easy with the help of an automatic thermostat.
Air conditioner maintenance tip number 2: Regularly clean your air conditioner’s main working parts
As time passes, your air conditioner’s working parts will attract grime, dust, dirt and debris. In order to keep your air conditioning system functioning at optimal efficiency, these parts must be regularly cleaned. The two components that you can keep clean yourself are the condenser and the evaporator coil.
* Note: Before you touch any of your air conditioner’s components, SHUT THE POWER OFF by switching the exterior shut off box near the unit. An air conditioning system with a power supply connected to it poses a major electricity hazard.
Keeping your evaporator coil clean
Located inside of your home or business, this is the part of the air conditioning system that actually cools the air. However, its ability to do this can be inhibited by the dust and grime that inevitably collects on it. In order to clean your evaporator coil, you will need to open the access panel door covering the coil and spray it with a condenser coil cleaner, which can be bought at a local hardware store.
Removing debris from the condenser
Located on the outside of your home or business, the condenser is what maintains the temperature and movement of the refrigerant that your evaporator coil will use to eventually cool the air; it also uses a fan to force the hot air from outside away. Since it is outside, it is very susceptible to debris, which can impair its functionality. You can remove this debris by using the proper tool (usually a screwdriver or a wrench) to open the top cage, and then removing the debris therein by hand or with a wet vac.
Air conditioner maintenance tip number 3: Have your entire air conditioning system regularly inspected
Although there are some types of air conditioner maintenance that you can handle on your own, there are many others that you simply don’t have the tools or expertise to manage. For example, you won’t be able to identify energy efficiency and operational capacity draining duct leaks on your own. In order to make sure that all of your air conditioner’s parts are fully maintained, you need to have it undergo professional maintenance at least twice per year.
Your air conditioner is too important to ignore
One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is to wait until your air conditioning system is in need of major repairs or completely broken. You can prevent problems like this with regular air conditioner maintenance, as described above. For more details, contact your local air conditioning expert.