It holds true that keeping a maintenance schedule can greatly help with your air conditioning unit. But there are also advantages you can get from performing some routine maintenance chores. Apart from giving yourself the best chance at staying cool, you will also get to avoid the possibility of emergency breakdowns. Above all, you will be able to save a lot of money.
By performing some of these air conditioning installation and maintenance tips, you can keep your AC unit running smoothly. It is time you keep your home cool all season long. Here are some helpful tips you need to add in your air conditioning maintenance checklist. Make sure to keep them all in mind!
#1. Clean and/or Replace Filter
Whether you have a wall mounted air conditioner or ceiling mounted air conditioner, it is imperative that you regularly clean your unit’s filter. In fact, it is considered one of the most important AC maintenance chores you need to do every now and then. A general rule of thumb is to perform it at least once a month, though it is also advisable to do it during high seasons (e.g. winter or summer).
Your unit’s air filter should be located inside the blower compartment, which is situated in the air handler or furnace. Some units may have their filters installed behind the return air. It is best that you check your unit’s owner’s manual in order to determine the location of the filter.
#2. Keep It Clean
Remember that as time passes by, your AC unit tends to accumulate dust and debris, among many elements. This is where you need to vacuum its fins while using a soft-bristle brush. Keep in mind, though, that they are fragile; hence, they can easily be crushed or bent. So, it is important that you perform this air conditioner maintenance chore carefully. Do not rush it as well. Like the aforementioned, you may also want to check the owner’s manual to better understand the right way of performing this task.
#3. Check Wiring and Components
Let’s say you have a multi-split air conditioning and you want to perform one of the things found in your air conditioning checklist. It is essential that before you start doing so, the unit’s power must be turned off. From there, you can easily remove the access panel and check if there are signs of overheating. In most cases, the latter would give in melted insulation on your unit’s wires. It is also possible that they are either blackened or bruise.
In addition, remember to check all electrical connections and ensure that they are tight. If you have an electrical test meter, you should be able to check your unit’s capacitors to see if there are electrical anomalies. If you are unsure of the issues pertaining to your AC unit, always contact professional air conditioning installers. It is better to let someone with expertise perform the job than doing it yourself.
#4. Check the Condenser Unit Fan
This is also where you need to turn off your unit’s power first. Once done, you can start by checking the fan that is mounted on top of the unit’s outside condenser. By doing so, you will know if everything is in good condition. If necessary, replace the fan blades, especially if you see chips or cracks. Otherwise, you will be doing more harm than good.
Checking your unit’s condenser fan is one of the most important air conditioning maintenance tips, as it ensures optimal performance. If your unit has been with you for several years already, you may want to put oil on the fan motor bearings to help with the overall performance.
#5. Call for Professional AC Maintenance
Always remember that proper maintenance of your air conditioning unit will bring you great benefits. From saving both money and energy, you can also ensure that your unit will keep your home cool throughout the season. Nonetheless, there are various reasons why it is better to seek professional AC maintenance. For starters, you might not have an idea or two about what exactly is preventing your unit from performing its optimal best. Also, it is possible that you will have to replace parts and/or components and you do not have the tools or expertise to do so.
More importantly, professional technicians have the knowledge when it comes to AC maintenance. They know exactly how to assess your unit in order to find out the root cause of the problem is. You will also love the fact that they tend to perform additional maintenance tasks, all of which are necessary for keeping your unit in perfect working condition.
Well, there you have – remember to keep all of these air conditioning maintenance tips in mind. Do so and you should be able to prolong the lifespan of your unit.
