5 Air Conditioner Maintenance and Servicing Tips You Should Know
Is your house never comfortable? Maintaining and servicing your ac unit is important to keep it working well. So, if that’s something you haven’t done in a while, take your running into this post as a sign it's time to work on your air conditioner.
It’s alright if you don’t know where to start with your air conditioner maintenance routine, just keep reading to learn.
1. Take Care of the Air Filter
First, you need to take excellent care of the air filter on your air conditioning unit. Cleaning your air filter keeps it running optimally, making the air conditioner last longer and ensuring it circulates fresh air throughout the home. It’ll filter allergens and dust better when clean.
Here’s how you can easily clean your air conditioner’s air filter:
Turn off your air conditioner.
Remove the filter.
Check for damage and expiration dates.
Use a hand or mini vacuum on the filter to remove dust.
Use a microfiber cloth on the filter.
Rinse the filter.
Soak the filter in an equal mixture of warm water and white vinegar for one hour.
Rinse the filter again.
Let it dry, then reinstall the filter.
This cleaning process only works for permanent air filters. Some air conditioners come with disposable filters that would fall apart if you got them wet. You can only use them for so long before you need to throw them away. Swapping to reusable air filters could help you save money.
It’s essential to clean your permanent air filters so they don’t blow out bacteria-infested air. It’s easy to clean an air filter, so try it next time you have a few moments to spare.
2. Check the Evaporator and Condenser Coils
Two important coils in your air conditioner make it run properly. You’ll want to check them every so often. It’s a good habit to do this when you clean the air filter, although you usually need to clean them annually.
You can clean the coils by following these steps.
Power off the air conditioner.
Remove the outer covers.
Use compressed air to blow away debris from the coils. You must be gentle.
Use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber towel to remove more debris.
Apply a coil cleaner with a microfiber towel. You can make your own with white vinegar and water.
Let the cleaner sit for about five minutes.
Rinse off the coils.
Let the coils air dry.
Wait until the coils are completely dry before putting the covers back on and turning on the unit.
You’ll have to do this for both condenser and evaporator coils. The evaporator coil is in the air handler unit inside the home. The condenser is in the outer portion of the unit since it releases heat outside. It should be free of leaves and other debris.
Keeping the air filter clean can prevent excess debris from getting inside the air conditioner. So, you can go longer without cleaning the coils when you know you’re already keeping the air filter clean.
3. Clean the Condensation Drain Line
It’s essential to keep the drain line clean on your air conditioner. If it gets clogged or fills with mold, you’ll have more problems on your hands to deal with. This drain sends out moisture into a drain pan, which you can empty with rags or a vacuum. Keeping the pan clean will also help the condensation drain line work properly.
Here’s how to clean the drain line:
Identify the drain. It’s usually a PVC pipe near the condenser unit.
Locate the cap on the drain line and remove it.
Remove any visible debris with gloves on.
Pour hot water and vinegar into the drain.
Allow it to sit for an hour.
Monitor the end of the drain line to ensure the solution clears it. You may need to add more.
Pour water through the drain line to clear out any residue from your cleaning solution.
Screw the cap back on after the drain line has time to air dry.
Flush the line every three months to prevent clogs and buildup.
4. Inspect the Ductwork and Insulation
Next, you’ll need to check the outer sections of the air conditioner to ensure it’s in good operating condition.
You should check the ductwork everywhere that you can easily see, including in your attic and any crawlspaces it passes through. Keep an eye out for holes and gaps, which will need to be resealed. Pay close attention to any areas with repairs because they may need more work done on them.
Damaged insulation can also be a problem. It allows the cold air to escape, so your air conditioner isn’t as efficient. If your air conditioner isn’t operating properly, this could be the problem.
5. Contact the Pros for Air Conditioner Servicing
Finally, you should reach out to local professionals for regular AC repair service. They’ll help you maintain energy efficiency and keep your unit running well for as long as possible. They can also find any potential problems with the air conditioner before they grow, so you can deal with them early.
Air conditioner servicing can help you save money on repairing the air conditioner later. So, it’s worth talking to qualified professionals. You can always ask them any questions you have about your air conditioner and how it runs. They can even perform an air conditioner inspection for you to ensure it’s running well.
Overall, don’t hesitate to reach out to the pros.
Maintain Your Air Conditioner Now
The sooner you start maintaining your air conditioner, the better. You’ll get a longer lifespan from it. Plus, a well-running AC unit will keep your home comfortable.
All of these tips will help you keep your air conditioner unit in excellent condition. You’ll want to inspect it regularly on your own and have the experts come to take a look at it from time to time. One of the best things you can do for your air conditioner is keep the filter as clean as possible, so start with that tip.