There is nothing more pleasant than getting home to a cool atmosphere in summer. Your Air conditioner are designed to ensure that you’re living in cool comfort when the temperature rises.
However, there is a great need to constantly maintain your Direct AC to help it function effectively. Otherwise, your AC will become ineffective at lowering the temperatures and can consume a lot of energy.
That’s why it’s important to keep your air conditioner working at peak performance with regular upkeep and maintenance. Here are some highly valuable maintenance tips to help your air conditioning system function optimally.
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Clean your AC filters regularly
One of the simplest things you can do to help your air conditioner keep your home cool is clean or replace its filters every month. The filter gets dirty as it traps dust, allergens, and other debris. For this reason, an AC filter needs to be cleaned to remove excess particulate matter that can hinder its functionality over time.
If you live in a wooded area, it’s particularly important to check for leaves and other debris that can get stuck in and around the unit. That means it’s not cooling as efficiently and effectively as it could be, and this could cause major problems, including ice buildup on the unit’s evaporator coils. Consequently, this reduces your AC’s ability to cool your home and also increases energy costs.
Clean the condenser coils
The outdoor unit of a central air conditioning system contains the condenser coil, which absorbs heat from the room and releases it outside. It can get very dirty as it sits outdoors exposed to the elements. This dirt limits its ability to release heat, causing your unit to use more energy and work harder to cool your home.
What’s more, the coil is likely to freeze up when it gets very dirty, which is an expensive repair. To clean the condenser coils, you’ll need a spray bottle or garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment and mild dish soap or commercial coil cleaner.
You can also use bleach if there’s mold growing on the coil.
Tighten loose electrical connections
There should be no exposed wiring or connections on your air conditioning unit. In case there are, then they will need to be tightened or repaired by a professional.
Loose electrical connections can cause overheating and potentially even fire. They can also cause the AC unit to work harder than it should, which can shorten its lifespan and lead to breakdowns.
If you have no experience tightening loose electrical wires, it is highly advisable to hire an expert from a reputable AC company like Direct AC.
Clean your AC’s exterior
Another crucial AC maintenance is cleaning the exterior. The exterior of your air conditioning unit is prone to dirt, dust, and debris, just like anything else outside. The best way to clean it is with a hose and a rag. Spray down the unit, making sure that you get between the fins the thin metal slats and both sides of them.
Turn on the nozzle and spray dirt from the top downwards, careful not to bend or damage any fins. It’s also important not to spray water directly into any of the unit’s openings as this could cause electrical problems. Use the rag to wipe away any excess dirt or grime that was loosened by the hose water.
Straighten fins on the condenser and evaporator coils
If your air conditioner is not working properly, the most common cause is a dirty air filter. But if you’ve changed the filter and it’s still not running right, there could be another problem: bent or damaged fins on the condenser or evaporator coils.
These coils are delicate, so you must straighten them with care, as even slight damage can compromise the system’s efficiency. First, make sure the unit power is off. Then remove any debris from around the unit. If you’re going to clean the fins, do so before you straighten them.
Have the condensate drain inspected
A condensate drain helps to ensure that condensation takes place in the system. However, a condensate drain can get clogged, preventing water drainage. If this happens, you need to hire an AC professional to inspect and repair it.
Use a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an excellent way to ensure that your air conditioner only runs when it needs to. It can help automatically lower the temperature when it is necessary, helping you save energy and money in the long run.
The idea is simple: set it to turn on before you get home, so you’re greeted by a cool house as soon as you walk in the door, but then have it turn off while you’re away, so you’re not cooling an empty house. These devices are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, but they can save you loads of cash on your energy bill.
Lubricate the moving parts
Before lubricating any moving parts, make sure the air conditioner is off. You don’t want to work on a part that’s moving. Remove the cover and look for an oil port near any moving part that might need oil.
You’ll see a small hole with a rubber seal around it, or a place to apply oil with an eye dropper or syringe. If you see one of these spots, you can apply two or three drops of motor oil.
Regular professional maintenance
It is imperative that your air conditioner system undergoes regular professional maintenance, usually every year, to keep the technology running smoothly and efficiently. If you don’t do it, there is a high chance that your system will break down.
Professional maintenance is important because it cleans out any debris and other material that could cause damage to the system. It allows technicians to adjust the filters and make other necessary adjustments to allow your air conditioner to run smoothly.
Bottom line
An air conditioner can help you enjoy a pleasant atmosphere in your home. Nevertheless, electricity bills can spike up when it comes to air-conditioning. Hence, an AC that doesn’t function as effectively can consume more energy and this can be costly in the long run. The above maintenance tips can enable your air conditioner to work at peak performance.
