Regular maintenance is necessary for the proper functioning of air conditioners. Air conditioners typically lose 5 percent of their efficiency each year if they don’t undergo maintenance regularly. However, a few maintenance procedures are all it takes for them to perform dependably and economically for a long time.
Two types of air conditioners: The central A/C system and a room air conditioning system. The following is a breakdown of the maintenance procedures required if you want to keep your system functioning optimally.
Maintenance Tips for Central Air Conditioners
Central ACs have two components that require proper, regular maintenance. The condenser is the first of these components. It is usually situated outside the house and often placed on a concrete pad. The evaporator coil is the second component and is mounted on the main duct directly above the furnace.
Central A/C units are tied into the airflow system, so the evaporator coil distributes the cool air throughout the house using the motor, blower, and duct system used for heating. If the system is functioning properly, but the house is not getting cooled, the problem can be traced back to the airflow system.
Evaporator Maintenance
The evaporator coil is situated in the main air duct junction above the furnace. The junction is accessible if it has foil insulation at the front. The evaporator requires cleaning every year. Proper cleaning of the evaporator is as simple as following the steps below.
1. Remove the foil insulation found at the front of the main air duct junction. The insulation will probably be taped with duct tape. Remove the tape carefully since you will have to replace it once you finish cleaning. You will find the access plate directly behind the insulation. A few screws anchor the plate in place. Remove those screws as well as the plate.
2. Use a utility brush to clean the underside of the evaporator. If you are unable to access the back area, slide out the evaporator a bit. You can slide the tray even if it is connected by pipes.
3. Clean the tray located underneath the evaporator. It is the tray that carries condensation from the evaporator. Pour some chlorine bleach into the hole in the tray to remove and prevent the growth of fungi in the tray. If you find the tray with water, there could be a clog that you can remove using a heavy wire or coat hanger.
4. Put the unit back in place then reattach the plate. Tape the insulation into its original position.
5. Turn on the air conditioner and check for leakage. If you find any leaks, you can use duct tape to seal them.
It is important to note that evaporator maintenance should only be done when the power is switched off. You should also consider using a professional for some of the tasks such as unclogging and fixing leaks.
Condenser Maintenance
The condenser unit is typically placed outside the house. It routinely gathers airborne debris, dust, and dirt from surrounding trees and bushes. Inside the condenser is a fan that circulates air over the coil. The condenser requires cleaning on the intake side. Here are the steps to follow when cleaning your condenser:
1. Remove any weeds, vines, or grass that may be growing around the condenser since they could be obstructing the flow of air.
2. Use a coil cleaner to clean the condenser. The directions for using the cleaner are usually given by the manufacturer. Use water to flush the coil clean but don’t use a hose. Allow it to dry before you move to the next step.
3. Remove the dirt by using a brush to clean the fins. You may have to remove the outer grill to reach the fins. Don’t use a garden hose to clean the fins since the water could cause the dirt to clump, which would result in it compacting the fins with mud. Clean the fins carefully since the easily get damaged. If you find any bent fins, use a fin comb to straighten them out.
4. Check the concrete pad on which the condenser rests to make sure it is level. Test all sides of the unit using a carpenter’s level. If the pad has settled, place gravel or rocks underneath it to level the condenser.
It is important to note that condenser maintenance should only be done when the power is off. You should also check the direction of air movement before you shut down the power. If you don’t feel confident about performing some of the condenser maintenance tasks you should consider hiring a professional.
Maintenance Tips for Window or Room Air Conditioning Units
Room or air conditioning units are commonly found in many apartments and homes. Learning how to maintain them properly is important to ensure that they operate smoothly. Performing proper maintenance on these units prevents malfunctions in the future and ensures that they operate at optimal efficiency levels.
AC Filter Maintenance
The filter should be changed at least once each month during the warm months. If it is very dusty, you might have to replace the filter twice a month during the warm months. Fortunately, most room air conditioners come with washable filters resembling sponge rubber. Use water and a mild detergent to clean this type of filter then rinse it properly and allow it to dry before you replace it.
Window A/C Unit Power Cord Maintenance
Power cords do wear out over time. To test whether the power cable is worn out, remove the control panels then unscrew the terminals. Place a testing wire over bare lead wires. Attach a Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter set to the RX1 scale to the cord’s power plug. You will know whether the cord is functional if it registers zero. However, if it does not, you need to replace the cord.
Evaporator Coils and Condenser Maintenance
During the cooler months, you will need to clean the evaporator coils and condenser once a month. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean these components. You can use a fin comb to straighten out any bent fins.
Switch Maintenance
You will find the switch behind the control panel. It is used to turn the unit on. If the unit is receiving power but not running, the switch could be faulty. To correct the problem, take the control panel off then find the switch. Check the switch terminals for any signs of burning. If the switch is faulty, replace it with a similar type of switch.
Thermostat Maintenance for Window Air-Conditioning Units
Thermostat and drain port maintenance is critical to the proper functioning of room air conditioning units or window units. Follow the steps below to maintain the drain ports and thermostat correctly:
1. Remove the grill as well as the control panel. Attached to the thermostat is a special sensor bulb that extends from the thermostat to the evaporator coil. The sensor bulb’s function is to sense the temperature.
2. Carefully remove the thermostat since you will have to replace it in its identical position later on. You can tag the bulb’s location before removing the thermostat to make it easier to replace it.
3. Use a Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter set to the RX1 scale to test the thermostat. Attach the tester’s probes to the terminals. Turn on the temperature controls to the coolest setting possible. You will know that the thermostat is functional if the meter reads zero. If it registers above zero, replace the thermostat with the same type as the original.
It is important to note that thermostat maintenance should only be done if you are confident about doing it right. If you are not, you should consider hiring a professional to do it for you.
Drain Port Maintenance
Drain ports often experience clogging, and this often results in water leaking from the unit. To avoid clogs, clean the ports using a blade of a pocket knife or a short piece of the wire hanger. Do this at least once monthly. You should also check the considered side of the unit. You will find a drain port at the bottom edge of the frame on some models. If your unit has such a drain port, don’t forget to clean it when you are cleaning the rest of the ports.
Maintaining the Fan of a Window Air Conditioning Unit
If a window unit ceases to function, loose or dirty blades are often responsible. Tightening or cleaning the blades will remedy the problem of noisy fans. To maintain the fan of a window air conditioning unit, follow the steps below:
Open the cabinet then locate the fan. Use a vacuum and cloth to clean any debris or dirt. Check the fan for any signs of looseness. A setscrew is used to attach the blade to the shaft at the blade’s hub. Tighten this setscrew. If your unit has a round vent fan, insert a long blade screwdriver through the port in the fan to tighten the motor shaft’s fan. Apply some detergent-free motor oil in the oil ports.
Use a VOM set to the RX1 scale to test your motor. Disconnect the terminal wires then attach the VOM’s probes to the wires. You will know that the motor is functioning properly if it registers within the range of 3 to 30 Ohms. If it registers a very high number or zero, you should replace it.
If you want to replace the fan, start by removing the power wires, fan motor, and mounting bolts. Follow the steps in reverse to replace the motor.
Calling in a Professional
You can do a lot to keep your unit functioning properly as clearly shown here, However, it is important to hire a professional to take a look sometimes to ensure that everything functions optimally. Before hiring an air conditioning repair and installation service, ensure that they have positive reviews online and are properly licensed and insured.
The Bottom Line
Air conditioner maintenance is not complicated, but there are instances where replacement of your unit will be necessary. The process of replacement of an air conditioner is easy, but you need to consider several factors before you do it. Some of the factors you need to consider include the rooms to be cooled or the square footage of your house. Shop around for high performance, but low priced air conditioners. If your unit requires just a few parts, you will find them easily online. You should consider hiring a professional air conditioning installation and maintenance service to help you with this.
Proper maintenance of your air conditioning system will not only help you avoid paying for future repairs but also will help you lower your energy bills. With proper maintenance, your air conditioning unit can and will last for many years to come.
