Whether having a small window unit or a large central air conditioner, doing routine maintenance is considered to be key.
Regularly cleaning filters alone can reduce energy usage by 15%. To get the most out of the A/C, follow this air conditioner maintenance checklist and know when to call a professional.
Filters
Disposable filters, the kind most home owners have, are made of polyester or cotton paper sheets
Disposable filters, the kind most home owners have, are made of polyester or cotton paper sheets. Once they’re dirty, they need to be replaced. Depending on the manufacturer, they should be replaced every two to three months.
Permanent air filters are made of metal mesh and should be cleaned every two to three months.
To clean them:
- Remove filter from the unit.
- Use a soft brush, gentle cleanser and warm water to scrub.
- Shake out excess water.
- Put air filter back into position. The air flow will dry it more.
For those who have pets at home, they may have to clean and replace filters more often.
Evaporator Coils
Inside air conditioners, there’s an evaporator that traps heat and allows cool air to circulate in the home. They’re made of coils that can trap dust and make the A/C run too hot.
To avoid this problem:
- Turn off the air conditioner unit.
- Remove the access panel on the front of the unit to expose the coils.
- Spray coils with a solution of a gentle cleanser and warm water.
- Allow solution to absorb debris for five minutes.
- Wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Do this whenever replacing the filter and no less often than every 90 days.
Condensate Drains
A condensate drain or line is a metal or PVC pipe that allows condensation from the evaporator to escape. To find it, look for a small pipe that leads from your unit to outside. If it’s an outdoor unit, look for an exposed pipe that’s open at one end.
These drains can get clogged with mold, mildew and other contaminants.
To flush the line:
- Turn off the A/C unit.
- Pour a quarter cup of distilled white vinegar into the line.
- Allow to sit for 30 minutes.
- Flush line with water.
- Repeat this process every month.
Blower Fan
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is often two to five times worse than outdoors
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is often two to five times worse than outdoors. Because a blower fan is responsible for air movement in an A/C unit, it can be a leading contributor to indoor contaminant levels. Like clogged drain lines, a dirty blower can make the air conditioner freeze or overheat.
While home owners can use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean it without dismantling it, they must remove it to clean it fully. To protect the unit, home owners should hire a professional to do this. Call a technician if noticing abnormally loud sounds or unusually high utility costs.
When to call an Air Conditioner Professional
While routine cleaning and maintenance can extend the life of the air conditioner, contacting a professional before problems get out of hand is vital.
Home owners may need a professional if their air conditioner:
- Smells funny or mildewy
- Isn’t blowing cold air
- Makes strange sounds
- Blows out very humid air
- Is causing higher than normal energy bills
Van Drunen Heating and Air Conditioning
Van Drunen Heating and Air Conditioning of South Holland, Illinois, USA, have been keeping home owners cool for over 50 years. For those who are sweating over air conditioner maintenance, contact their team of air conditioner repair professionals for quick, customer-centered service.