Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips You Should Know
As a homeowner, there are several air conditioning maintenance tips that you should be aware of, to ensure your unit runs smoothly and keeps you and your family cool!
Trust us – we know from personal experience – the last thing a homeowner wants is a malfunctioning air conditioning unit in the middle of summer’s heat.
Below are some maintenance tips to keep your air conditioner working.
Easy AC Maintenance Tips to Follow
Fortunately, there are some easy air conditioning maintenance tips you can follow to maintain your unit to help it last longer and prevent an emergency call to your local HVAC company this summer.
To help, here are 10 things to check before calling an HVAC technician.
Use these tips and tricks to keep your air conditioner running smoothly!
Before we get into the air conditioning maintenance tips, first, let’s talk about how your air conditioner works, so that you become familiar with its parts.
Understanding How Your Home’s Air Conditioning Works
Air conditioning systems began when Willis Carrier invented the first modern air conditioning unit on July 17th, 1902.
While all modern air conditioners are available in various sizes and brands, they all operate on the same basic principle as the earliest A/C unit did:
air conditioning gives off cold air inside a home or building by removing heat and humidity from the indoor air. The unit then returns the cold air to the home and transfers the heat outside.
Air Conditioning Parts
Usually, your central air conditioning will have two basic parts:
- Outdoor unit. This is the compressor/condenser that is installed next to your home.
- Indoor evaporator. This is in a central duct by your furnace.
Air Conditioning Process
Before we cover the air conditioning maintenance tips you need to know, let’s talk about the A/C process. A standard A/C unit utilizes a special chemical, a refrigerant, a compressor, a condenser coil, and an evaporator coil. These parts work together to convert the refrigerant from gas to liquid and back.
- To start, the compressor raises the pressure and temperature of the gas and transfers it to the condenser coil, where it is changed to liquid.
- The refrigerant transfers indoors and goes into the evaporator coil. At this point, the liquid refrigerant evaporates and cools the indoor coil.
- Then, a fan will blow the indoor air across the evaporator coil and the heat will be absorbed into the refrigerant.
- Next, the cooled air is pushed throughout the home while the heat is transferred back outside to the compressor and outdoors.
- Finally, the refrigerant will become liquid again.
A/C Maintenance Tips
As you may have guessed, the optimal time to perform maintenance is in the spring before you need to use it for summer.
By maintaining your unit before the heat of summer rolls in, you can be sure your AC will work more efficiently when it needs to.
This will save you money and keep your home cool. Since components of your air conditioning unit are both outside and inside your home, you should dedicate time to both sections.
6 Outdoor Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips
Your condenser unit may look hard to perform maintenance on, but keeping this component clean and running efficiently is rather easy if you follow these steps:
1. Turn the Unit off
Before you begin any maintenance work, the first and most crucial step is to turn off your air conditioning unit. This can be done by locating the power switch on the unit itself or shutting off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the unit.
Cutting off the power supply not only ensures your safety by reducing the risk of electrical shock but also allows you to perform a thorough and deep cleaning without any operational interruptions.
2. Clear the Debris
Once the unit is powered off, it’s time to tackle any debris that may have accumulated. Start by removing the cap or grille of the condenser unit to gain access to the interior. Use a shop vacuum to meticulously clean out leaves, dirt, and other debris from the inside.
This step is vital as debris can impede airflow, reducing the unit’s efficiency and potentially causing damage over time. By keeping the condenser clean, you can help maintain optimal performance and longevity.
3. Clean the Fins
The fins on your air conditioner play a crucial role in protecting the condenser coil and facilitating efficient heat exchange. Over time, these fins can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can hinder performance. To clean them, use a gentle stream of water from a hose to rinse away any buildup.
For a more thorough clean, consider removing the condenser lid and spraying the fins from the inside out. This approach helps ensure that any trapped debris is effectively removed.
4. Fix the Fins
Due to their delicate nature, the fins on your condenser unit can easily become bent, which can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. To rectify this, you can purchase a fin comb, a specialized tool designed to straighten bent fins.
Carefully drag the fin comb through the fins to realign them. This simple step can significantly improve the airflow and overall performance of your air conditioning unit.
5. Clean the Vents
After addressing the fins, turn your attention to the air conditioning vents. These vents can accumulate dirt, dust, and even small pests over time, which can obstruct airflow and reduce efficiency. Use a vacuum or a brush to clean the vents thoroughly, ensuring air can flow through the system.
This will help your air conditioner operate at its best, providing consistent and efficient cooling. Please read more about air conditioning vents for bugs in our article here.
6. Check Insulation on Coolant Pipes
The coolant pipes in your air conditioning system are insulated to maintain the refrigerant’s temperature as it circulates. However, exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors can degrade this insulation over time. Regularly inspect the insulation for any signs of wear or damage.
If you notice any issues, replace the insulation to ensure the refrigerant remains cold and the system operates efficiently. This simple A/C maintenance step can prevent potential cooling problems and extend the life of your air conditioner.
Indoor Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips
Keeping track of the indoor components of your AC unit is just as important as maintaining the outdoor parts. Here are some indoor A/C maintenance tips you should follow:
1. Clear the Drain
The condensate drain plays a crucial role in removing the condensation and water generated by your air conditioner. Over time, this plastic tube can become a breeding ground for mold and algae, leading to clogs that can back up the system.
To prevent this, use special A/C pan pills, which help keep the drain clear. If you already have a clog, use a shop vacuum to remove it and restore proper drainage.
2. Check your Filter
A clean and high-quality filter is essential for maintaining the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Filters trap dirt, dust, and other particles, preventing them from entering the blower and other components. It’s recommended to change your air filter every three months or more frequently if you have pets or allergies.
Regularly replacing the filter ensures that your AC unit operates smoothly and effectively, providing clean air and optimal performance.
3. Check for Leaks
Periodically inspecting your air conditioning unit for leaks is vital for its proper functioning. Look for any signs of moisture or refrigerant leaks around the unit. If you detect a leak in any of the refrigerant lines, it’s essential to contact a professional technician immediately. Refrigerant leaks can significantly impact the efficiency of your system and may require expert repair to restore optimal performance.
If you are uncomfortable performing maintenance on your air conditioning unit, please contact us to schedule a service appointment! At Modern HVAC, our A/C maintenance specialists are dedicated to providing quality work. Of course, our friendly technicians can also provide practical advice and additional air conditioning maintenance tips and tricks if needed!
More here on what to know about maintaining your air conditioner.
Choose Modern HVAC for A/C Maintenance Services
These A/C maintenance tips should keep your air conditioning unit in tip-top shape. However, a professional HVAC service is the safest and most effective way to solve your heating and cooling system problems. Modern HVAC offers air conditioner services in the Fox Valley area and guarantees quality work. This includes installation, replacement, repair, maintenance, and routine inspections.
Need help? Our air conditioning maintenance technicians can provide A/C maintenance tips and troubleshooting steps to get your air conditioning up and running again.
Contact Us
Give our team a call today at (920) 733-4713. Our A/C maintenance technicians serve the entire Fox Valley community. This includes the cities of Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Kimberly, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Greenville, Hortonville, and Darboy.
For further information about air conditioning maintenance., read our article about 10 common air conditioning myths that could be costing you money