Maintaining your air conditioning system properly can extend its lifespan and save money on repairs, as well as keep you comfortable on hot summer days.
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Clean the Filter
Filters in air conditioning systems are one of the simplest yet most essential elements. They work to keep your home cool and healthy by filtering out dust, dirt, and other pollutants from the air; but they can become clogged up with grime or other debris which forces your unit to work harder than necessary. This can be a serious problem; you can visit this site for more information about how heat affects our thinking.
Make it part of your routine to check on the cleanliness of your filter regularly – this may prove more challenging than expected, but keeping it tidy can help your system run more efficiently while saving you money on energy costs.
Start by turning off the power to your AC system and finding its filter (its location will depend on what kind of AC unit you own). Large central systems usually place their filters behind a return vent while smaller models may house theirs within intake slots on either the ceiling or floor.
Once you locate the filter, remove it by pulling on it with either your fingers or a rag. For help on how to do this, consult your manual.
First, wash the filter with soapy water. Not all filters can tolerate being submerged in liquid; read your air conditioner’s filter’s instruction manual carefully for guidance on how best to safely and effectively wash it.
After washing, allow the filter to dry completely before placing it back into its housing. This may take several hours; to speed things along you could place newspapers underneath or lean it against a fan with low settings.
Reinstall the filter back into your unit with its airflow arrows pointing in the appropriate direction, secure its cabinet or panel cover securely, restore power, and turn back on your system before turning it back on again.
Clean the Condensate Drain
Condensate drains are lines designed to evacuate excess moisture that collects around an air conditioning evaporator coil and on your property or makes your air conditioner work harder than necessary.
As long as the condensate drain is working correctly, excess condensation from your air conditioner will flow from its indoor unit through the evaporator pan and out to a pipe that leads outside. If this drain becomes blocked or clogged up, however, this could cause excessive amounts of water to back up into your pan and even flood your home if left untreated.
If the line is clogged, use a wet vacuum to clear away any obstructions. Be sure to do this in short bursts by connecting the hose directly to the opening in the pipe while moving up and down swiftly with quick bursts of the vacuum hose.
Cleaning the condensate drain regularly is essential to prevent water damage, mold growth, and poor indoor air quality. You can click the link: https://health.ri.gov/healthrisks/mold/ for more information about the risks of mold growth. Cleaning the drain is a simple and straightforward task that you can complete before calling in a service technician for repairs.
Clean the Evaporator Coil
An evaporator coil is a large copper or aluminum tube fitted with fins that is designed to absorb heat from the air, cooling your home by condensing water vapor from the air into liquid refrigerant – this process is known as evaporative cooling and ensures you remain comfortable during hot summer days.
Evaporator coils in your air conditioning unit can become dirty over time and accumulate dirt, dust, and debris that need to be cleared away in order to prevent these problems from surfacing. Therefore, regular maintenance must be performed on them in order to stay clear.
To do so, locate and dismantle the evaporator coils from their protective cover panels and grilles using a screwdriver. After taking this step, set aside any removed coils so they can easily be put back once finished with their work.
As instructed on the container of cleaner, spray it directly on your coils and allow it to sit for several minutes as directed on its label. This should allow it to do its work and leave your evaporator coils free from built-up dirt, dust, and debris.
Once the cleaner has had time to do its work, use a garden hose to flush your evaporator coils clean of any lingering residue using an adjustable spray nozzle or use a soft towel for drying purposes.
Clean the Fins
Fins are delicate metal components designed to protect the condenser coil of an AC unit. When bent, they can impede airflow and force your AC to work harder than necessary to cool your home. Therefore, regular fin cleaning is recommended to ensure an effective HVAC system.
First, ensure the fins are free from dirt, leaves, or any debris that could clog them. This is especially important when exterior fins come into contact with trees or shrubs – trimming back branches around your unit will create space for fins to flourish.
Use a brush to carefully and slowly scrub away any adhered-on debris from the fins using a nylon brush, starting from the top and working your way down toward the base of each fin. This action will not only get rid of accumulated dirt but will also reshape them for improved airflow.
After clearing away most of the debris, fill a spray bottle with your chosen cleaner and soak a brush in it. Gently scrub evaporator coils from the inside out using this solution before rinsing them completely with garden hose water.
Once the cleaning process is completed, it is time to replace the filter and restore power to your air conditioner. If you’re unfamiliar with how to do this properly, call an experienced HVAC technician like the ones found at crestheatingandcooling.com who can come directly to your home and perform maintenance for you.
Performing proper maintenance on your air conditioner unit is a great way to ensure you are getting the highest value for your money. You can perform these tasks yourself or seek out the help of a professional to ensure they are done correctly.
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