Essential Maintenance for an Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is one of the most neglected systems by many people. Due to its design of being tucked away and isolated, it is easy to forget about it. The whole system that includes heating, ventilation, cooling, and air conditioning requires a little more attention. It should be at the top of your priorities, as it can get expensive if regular maintenance is not done. Create a culture of checking your system from time to time, not when your air conditioning stops working. With constant maintenance, your air conditioning will be long-lasting and efficient. This article gives tips you can follow and practice to maintain your air conditioning system:

  • Clean the Air Filters

It is necessary to clean your air filters. They are the easiest to maintain and clean.

ac maintenance performed

When cleaning, check your manual for guidance on how to access the filter. If you are not able to clean them, you can replace them. You are encouraged to change your filters after 3 to 4 months. It should happen regardless you are using your HVAC frequently or not. Filters play a crucial role in an air conditioning unit. They help pass air in the system, so if not cleaned or replaced, the air can get blocked due to dust and other dirt. Remember, a clogged filter can reduce airflow in the house. It can even lead to allergens, which can cause allergies to people inside the house. Not only that, but it can also affect other parts of the unit if the dirt falls onto them. Cleaning will enable your air filters to run smoothly and efficiently.

  • Clean and Straighten the Fins

Fins tend to bend or crush with time, and when this happens, they can cause blockage of airflow. It is necessary to align them every 3 to 4 months. You can gently align them using a knife by applying pressure to them. When doing this, make sure not to put the knife more than half of it into the fins. You can use a fin cleaning spray or a fin comb to clean them. Another strategy is to stream water from your hosepipe, and spray it to the fins from the inside out to clear the build-up dirt and debris.

  • Always Check the Coils

Under the air conditioning unit, there is the evaporator and the condenser coils. Over time, the two tend to collect dirt and debris, and they risk being blocked if not cleaned. Cleaning the filter might keep it dirt-free but with time, it will still have unwanted dirt. Dirt on the coils affects heat absorption on the air conditioning system. To avoid any issues, be sure to check the coils frequently, at least twice a year.

  • Check the Drain Channel

The drains need to be monitored after a while as they can be clogged with ease. Like any other drain channels, they are bound to clog up with time, especially from dirt and other objects. It is better to constantly check from time to time and clear out the debris. If the matter is not taken care of, the blocked channels will prevent your air conditioning unit from reducing humidity. You can use a stiff wire to eliminate any clogged dirt on the drains. If not, check your manual for instructions on how to clear the obstructed drains.

  • Monitor the Exterior of Your AC Unit

The outside AC unit comprises condenser coils. The condenser coils can absorb lots of dust and dirt such as leaves and brambles considering it is not enclosed. Add it to your routine to examine the condenser unit, mainly because it is easier to forget about it, causing dirt to accumulate and become a huge problem that will affect the whole conditioning system. The clogged channels might prevent your AC from reducing humidity in the system and that does not sound good for the air conditioning unit.

With the following tips, you will be able to extend the life of your air conditioning unit. Do not just ignore it until when it suddenly stops. Like any other service machine, the air conditioning unit needs maintenance. Every issue that builds upon the air conditioning unit can lead to a big problem that will be difficult or expensive to solve. It is best to deal with every issue immediately, and that means regular inspecting it. Maintenance will keep your air conditioning system healthy and safe to use. If you are not in a position to maintain the AC on your own, you might want to consider hiring a HVAC expert to do it on your behalf.