If you want your air conditioner to work efficiently and for many years, you need to service it frequently. Air conditioners comprise of multiple mechanical parts, including filters, fins, and coils, all of which have to be in good working condition. Each of these components has to be properly maintained if you want your air conditioner to remain energy efficient and to perform optimally. The following is a simple guide on how and when to service your air conditioner.
Servicing air conditioner coils
Your air conditioner evaporator coil should be inspected at least once every year, and it should be cleaned frequently. Although the filters do a great job of reducing the amount of dirt that can reach the evaporator coil, the little amount that gets there tends to accumulate over time. The accumulated dirt ends up insulating the coil and reducing airflow, and this makes it harder for the coil to absorb heat. When you clean the evaporator coil, you restore the efficiency of the air conditioner.
Condenser coils are more susceptible to dirt because they are located outside, so they should be cleaned more often. As much as possible, you should try to reduce the amount of debris, falling leaves, cut grass and dirt within the vicinity of your condenser unit.
Servicing air conditioner filters
Of all the parts of the air conditioner that need frequent servicing, filters are the most demanding of them all. As you operate the air conditioner, the filters tend to get clogged with dirt, and this reduces airflow and the overall efficiency of the system. Depending on the type of filter and extent of the clogging, you can either clean the filters or replace them altogether. It’s estimated that clean filters can improve the energy efficiency of an air conditioner by up to 15%.
Air conditioner filters should be cleaned and replaced every month, or at least every other month during the seasons when the system is in use. However, it may be necessary to clean or replace the filters more frequently if the system is used more often, if your home is in a particularly dusty area, or if you have pets that tend to shed a lot fur. Filters are usually located in walls, in furnaces, in the ceiling space, or within the body of air conditioner itself. When servicing central air conditioners, check the whole system and make sure that you don’t overlook the filters that are located within the return duct.
Servicing coil fins
To increase efficiency, the fins of condenser and evaporator coils are designed with a light aluminum material. The downside of this design is that the fins can easily bend and obstruct airflow in the coils. When this happens, you can use a tool known as a fin comb to fix the bent fins.
Servicing condensate drains
The condensate drain of the air conditioner can get clogged and blocked after prolonged periods of use. This interferes with the system’s ability to remove moisture from the house, and it could lead to the discoloration of your interior décor. To clear the condensate drains, use a tough piece of wire to remove the debris that is causing the clog.
It’s usually best to get a professional to service your air conditioner. Servicing regularly not only makes your cooling system more efficient, but protects your investment in the first place. Get in touch with us if you’d like a quote to service your air conditioner.