Air conditioning is a wonderful modern convenience, but it has some requirements. The filters, coils, and radiating fins require regular maintenance so that the unit can function effectively throughout its service life. Ignoring the necessary maintenance can ensure a steady decline in air conditioning performance but a steady increase in energy consumption. Here are the major things to consider for air conditioning maintenance:
1. Air Conditioning Filter
The most critical type of maintenance for ensuring your air conditioner’s effectiveness and improving air quality is to repair or clean its filters regularly. A congested, dusty filter may obstruct normal airflow and decrease the system’s efficiency significantly. When regular airflow is obstructed, the air coming through the filter may introduce dust straight into the evaporator coil, reducing its thermal absorption efficiency, or the ability to conduct heat. Consider enlisting the services of a reliable Gateshead Air Conditioning Company that specializes in providing expert maintenance and repair services for all types of AC systems, including filter cleaning and replacement, coil cleaning, and more.
Using clean filters can reduce the air conditioners’ energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. If you suspect a leak, here is what to do on an evaporator coil leak related issue.
The filter is usually located at a specific position along the return pipe’s length for central air conditioning. The indoor air conditioner has filters installed in the grille facing the room.
Replacing or cleaning one or even more ventilation filters once per month (or maybe two) during the hot summers. If you’re using the air conditioning unit regularly, it becomes dusty, and if there are cats or other pets in the home, you may have to do it more frequently.
The easiest and most effective way to keep AC power running smoothly is to replace the filter once a month. This reduces the burden on the system. A dirty or clogged filter makes the air conditioner work much harder. It is easy to change the filter regularly, and it is not expensive.
2. Air Conditioning Coil
The evaporator and condenser coils collect dust after months and years of use. A clean filter prevents rapid fouling of the evaporator coil. However, it will continue to gather dust over time. This clogging reduces airflow, limiting its capacity to absorb heat. To prevent this issue, inspect and clean the evaporator coil on an annual basis.
If the outdoor environment is dusty or dusty, the outdoor condenser coil will also become very dirty. You can easily see the level of dust on its heat sink.
Dust and debris should be kept away from the condenser. It can come from various places, including dryer vents, fallen leaves, and leaf blowers. Clean the area around the coil, remove all debris, and trim the leaves at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) around the condenser to allow sufficient air circulation.
If you plant bushes around the device to make it invisible, make sure to leave enough space to allow it to work correctly. Regular pruning can solve the problem.
The AC coil and heat sink outside the device must be kept clean and free of obstructions. Leaves and other debris can sometimes accumulate around your equipment. If there is an obstacle, your device must work harder than it should. You can use a regular garden hose and broom. A high-pressure cleaner should not be used because the strong spray will harm the system. This regular, easy step will keep the air conditioning unit operating at peak efficiency.
3. Condensate Duct
The drainage channel also occasionally needs to be cleaned. A clogged sewage channel or duct prevents the equipment from lowering the humidity. The excessive moisture generated may discolor the wall or carpet. Consider hiring a professional service to conduct thorough duct cleaning. Purebreath uses high-quality cleaning processes and tools to ensure your duct operates properly. Click here to learn more.
4. Window Sealing Strip for Air Conditioner
At the beginning of each cooling cycle, inspect the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame to ensure it is in contact with the machine’s metal framing. Moisture may cause this seal to deteriorate, causing cool air to escape.
To keep the house cool, ensure all windows and doors are fully sealed. Visually inspect the pipe occasionally. If the duct is not properly sealed, cold air will escape before entering the home. The less air that escapes your house, the less your equipment will need to work.
5. Prepare for winter
In winter, cover the air conditioner or take it out and store it. The outdoor unit covering the central air conditioner can protect it from winter weather and debris.
6. Adjusting the Thermostat
If you are away during the day, set the thermostat to a higher temperature when you leave. This will reduce the amount of work your equipment does every day and extend its service life. Another advantage is that monthly utility bills can be reduced. Most modern thermostats enable you to pre-program the heating system to match your timetable, ensuring that the house is cool when you return. In the long run, optimizing the utilization rate of the system will maximize its service life.
7. Hire Professionals
If your air conditioner needs something other than regular maintenance, hire professional maintenance technicians who can easily identify and resolve your air conditioning system’s issues. There are several benefits of regular AC maintenance.
The technician should:
- Check to see if the amount of coolant is accurate.
- Use a leak detector to find out if the refrigerant is leaking.
- Collect all the refrigerant that must be discharged from the system instead of illegally venting it into the atmosphere.
- Check and seal pipeline leaks in the central system.
- Measure the airflow through the evaporator coil.
- Verify that the electrical distribution sequence is accurate and that the heating and cooling systems are not operating simultaneously.
- Examine electrical circuits, wipe and tight the connections, and, if possible, apply a non-conductive protective layer.
- Check the accuracy of the thermostat.
Conclusion
Well-trained HVAC technicians can detect most problems before they become serious problems. Regular maintenance calls cost about $100, but the advantages may far outweigh the costs. A typical service call will include various tests to ensure the regular operation of the internal parts of the equipment, filter checks, and they will add refrigerant as needed. Your technician may also clean the sewer and thoroughly clean the equipment from the inside out.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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Thanks alot for such awareness