What is regular maintenance on an AC unit?
The most critical maintenance job to ensure the effectiveness of your air conditioner is to regularly repair or clean your filters. Clogged, dirty filters obstruct normal airflow and dramatically reduce system performance.
The Importance of Home Air Conditioner Maintenance
The only way to avoid an unforeseen malfunction from disrupting your summer fun is to observe the maintenance schedule of the air conditioner. Not only can routine maintenance keep cold air circulating, but it can also save you money on your energy costs by having your air conditioner work more effectively and extending its lifetime through aircon cleaning.
Your home heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system needs regular maintenance roughly twice a year — once in the fall for the furnace, and once in the spring for the air conditioner.
Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist
Your air conditioner should be operated on an annual basis. Homeowners can at least change their air filters on a quarterly basis.
The most critical job of replacing the filters in your HVAC system is to keep your air conditioner working efficiently. The more you use your air conditioning (or heating) system, the more likely you need to replace the HVAC filter.
Some of the tasks are best left to the experts. It is wise to have a competent HVAC technician complete the following inspection steps:
Clean the Coils
Dirt and dust usually collect on the AC evaporator and condenser coils, limiting the flow of air in the device and its ability to absorb heat. Dirt and debris are carefully removed from the coils to keep AC running efficiently.
Inspect and Unclog the Drain
Occasionally, the drain of your HVAC system can be clogged by the build-up of mold and algae, which must be cleaned.
Straighten and Clean the Fins
There are aluminum fins on the AC evaporator and condenser coils that can be quickly twisted, preventing natural air flow to your HVAC system. Straightening and cleaning the fins restores optimal airflow and enhances the performance of your air conditioner.
Check and Test the Refrigerant
The HVAC professional will check to ensure that the proper amount of refrigerant is used and that there are no active coolant leaks or signs of potential leaks.
Check Airflow
Air flow is key to the functioning of your air conditioner. Your local HVAC technician will test the airflow through the evaporator coil, check the leakage in the duct, and seal any leakage detected.
Inspect Electric Controls and Terminals
If the control board does not operate correctly, the AC unit will not function. Your HVAC technician will check the control panel to ensure that the connections are tight and working.
When should I do my AC maintenance?
Experts recommend that air conditioning cleaning should be done at least once a year. (The same is true of the heating.) Spring is the best season. However, to ensure that the system continues to run effectively, you need to do some "housekeeping" regularly.
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