Proper Maintenance of Your Air Conditioning System

Introduction

As a homeowner, there are several simple steps that you can take to ensure proper maintenance of your air conditioning system and to extend the lifespan of your air conditioner.

It is important to recognize the type of air conditioner and the various components of your air conditioner.

Caution: Before doing any sort of maintenance work on your air conditioner, ensure that the unit is unplugged.

Air Conditioner PartsMost homes are equipped with a central air conditioner which is comprised of two parts, the condenser and evaporator. The condenser is typically found outside the home on a concrete slab and the evaporator is within the home, in the main duct junction above the furnace.

The central air conditioning system in most homes is connected to the home’s forced air distribution system which is responsible for both heating and cooling the home. You want to make sure to take care of the entire system as much as possible by conducting routine maintenance.

EvaporatorThe evaporator is found within the home, above the furnace. It may sometimes be inaccessible but should be cleaned once per year if it is accessible.

To clean the evaporator, first remove the foil-covered insulation at the front. Behind it, there will be a plate whose screws you should remove. Lift the plate off and use a stiff brush to clean the evaporator.

You will also find a pan below the evaporator. This pan carries the condensate and is constantly moist. A little bit of bleach can be used to prevent mould.

Following the thorough cleaning, you can re-assemble the evaporator.

Condenser

Since the condenser is found outside, it is susceptible to collecting dirt and debris.

One way to ensure maximum efficiency is to mow the lawn and eliminate weeds around the condenser. Plant growth may impede airflow.

Clean the condenser with coil cleaner, following the instructions on the label.

Remove dirt and debris using a soft brush. Be sure not to use a hose as this will turn the dirt into mud which will get stuck between parts.

Ensure that the concrete slab on which the condenser is placed is level.

Protect the condenser from harsh winter elements by covering it up.

Coolant Lines

Freon is the coolant that is typically used in air conditioning systems. Inadequate Freon levels results in minimal cooling. You need to seek the help of a professional if there is a problem with Freon.

However, it is possible to repair coolant lines yourself. First, evaluate the coolant lines that run from the condenser to the evaporator that is inside the home. Determine if the insulation is poor. If so, you can replace the insulation by following the instructions on the packaging.

Maintenance for Window Unit

Smaller homes and apartments are usually equipped with a window unit air conditioner which functions similarly to central air conditioning.

Dirt is your primary target when cleaning a window unit. Once per month during the hotter season, it is important to remove the front grille and clean the filter using a solution of mild detergent and water. Ensure that the filter is completely dry prior to re-assembly.

Clean the evaporator and condenser coils of your window unit with a vacuum cleaner.

If you discover that your switch is faulty and there is indication of burning at the switch terminal, you can easily replace the switch yourself.

To increase the lifetime of your window unit, also make sure to remove it from the window during the winter months or cover the outside with a durable plastic cover.

If you a detect a problem with your system that you cannot fix, then a professional service agency that specializes in air conditioning and heating systems should be contacted. Regardless, proper and routine maintenance that you can do yourself can prolong the onset of problems and increase the life of your air conditioning system.

This presentation was created on the behalf of http://airdynamicsolutions.com/