Cleaning Your Air Conditioner and Other Maintenance Tips
Is your A/C not cooling like it used to? Is it leaking water? Or have you noticed a sudden increase in your electricity bills? These warning signs may indicate that your air conditioner needs cleaning and inspection. For optimal performance, we recommend having it cleaned and inspected before the summer to prevent any malfunctions from occurring during the hottest time of the year. If you’re not sure what components need to be cleaned in order to get it working properly, follow these tips.
Why Air Conditioner Maintenance Matters
Enhances Efficiency and Reduces Costs
Regular maintenance of your air conditioner ensures it operates efficiently, saving you money on energy bills. An A/C unit that is running efficiently uses less power, translating to lower electricity costs. Furthermore, a clean filter allows the unit to work more effectively, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.
Extends Lifespan and Prevents Costly Replacements
Routine maintenance can extend the lifespan of your unit, preventing costly replacements. A well-maintained air conditioner can last years longer than one that is neglected. For example, a dirty coil can cause the compressor to work harder, leading to premature failure. All in all, regular cleaning and inspections reduce wear and tear and extend the lifespan of your A/C unit.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
Maintenance improves indoor air quality by reducing dust, allergens, and pollutants. The air filter traps these particles, but if not replaced regularly, it can become clogged, which renders it less effective. Clean filters and coils contribute to better air quality, which is especially beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
Reduces Likelihood of Breakdowns
Keeping your air conditioner in top shape reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns during peak usage times. Preventative maintenance helps identify and resolve issues before they become emergencies, ensuring comfort and providing peace of mind.
The Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Consistent Cooling and Comfort
Regular air conditioner maintenance ensures consistent cooling throughout your home, especially during summer. A system that undergoes maintenance keeps your home at a steady, comfortable temperature without frequent adjustments.
Prevents Major Repairs and Saves Money
Regular maintenance helps identify and resolve minor issues before they escalate into major problems, saving you from expensive repairs. For instance, a small refrigerant leak, if caught early, can be repaired relatively easily, preventing the inevitable cost of damages in the future.
Promotes a Cleaner Indoor Environment
A clean and well-serviced air conditioner contributes to a better indoor environment by filtering out contaminants and maintaining proper humidity levels. Proper humidity levels prevent conditions that might lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which can impact your home’s air quality.
Maintains Warranty and Protects Investment
Staying on top of maintenance can uphold the warranty of your unit, ensuring coverage in case of defects or issues. Most manufacturers require proof of regular maintenance to honour warranty claims. Neglecting this can void your warranty, leaving you responsible for repair costs.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Professional Attention
Certain issues require the expertise of a professional. If your air conditioner is making unusual noises, emitting strange odours, or failing to cool adequately, it’s time to call in a professional.
- Unusual Noises and Odours: Unusual noises can indicate serious problems like motor issues or loose components, and strange odours might suggest mould growth or burning electrical components.
- Inefficient Cooling and High Energy Bills: Frequent cycling can be caused by issues needing professional diagnosis. A sudden spike in energy bills often points to an inefficient system. Moisture around the unit can indicate a blocked drain tube or a refrigerant leak.
- Ice Buildup and Visible Leaks: If you notice any ice buildup on the outdoor unit or refrigerant lines, seek professional assistance immediately. Ice buildup can be a sign of low refrigerant levels or airflow problems.
Addressing these problems promptly with the help of a skilled technician can prevent further damage and ensure your air conditioner runs smoothly. Professionals have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix issues accurately, maintaining your unit’s warranty and extending its lifespan.
Cleaning Your Air Conditioner
Clean The Area Around The Outdoor Unit
Leaves, twigs, grass, and dirt that build up around the unit can block the airflow. So be sure to remove any debris that may have piled up around the unit. Airflow is very important, so check that any branches or vegetation is cut back to be at least three feet from the unit.
Periodically Clean the Coil on the Outdoor Unit
The fins on the outdoor unit may become clogged with dirt. Turn the unit off and gently clean it with a simple garden hose. Be careful not to use too much pressure as it may damage the fins. In some cases, a special detergent is required. This is best done by a professional.
The Indoor Coil
The indoor coils can also collect dirt and grime over time, reducing the airflow. Prevention is best, so purchasing a good air filter for your furnace or air handler and changing it regularly goes a long way to preventing potentially costly repairs. The evaporator coil is usually installed in the ductwork above your furnace, so it can be difficult to get access to. If you feel there is an issue, or it may be dirty, it is generally best to get a professional to look at it for you.
Unclog The Drain Line
Clogged drain lines will cause all kinds of problems and may damage your furnace. If you find water is not draining properly, find where the drain line ends and use a wet/dry vacuum to clear it out.
Change The Filter
Filters can easily clog up over time and impact the efficiency of your unit. Check your filter regularly, and if it’s dirty, replace it with a fresh one that has the same airflow rating. Typically, filters need replacing every three to four months, but this can vary.
Fix The Fins
Bent fins can prevent proper airflow as well reducing capacity and efficiency. These fins can bend over quite easily so care should be taken when working near the unit. Most service technicians carry special fin combs that match the spacing and can be used to straighten them out.
Check Insulation
Don’t forget about the insulation around your outdoor A/C lines. Proper insulation prevents condensation where you don’t want it and can help to improve your unit’s efficiency. Visible frost or ice on the lines is an indication of a problem. If you see this, the best thing to do is shut the unit off and call for service.
Match The Right Size with The Right Air Flow
The size of your A/C matters. A unit that is too small will not provide enough cooling on really hot days. An oversized air conditioner will cool but may be ineffective at removing humidity. Proper airflow settings are very important and can have a negative effect on the efficiency and performance of your air conditioner. As part of regular maintenance, the service technician should check the blower settings.
When in Doubt, Get It Inspected By A Professional
If you don’t fully understand how your A/C unit works, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. An expert will know what to look for when they inspect your unit. When you need to repair a central air conditioner, you can rely on Top Hat Comfort’s speedy service to keep you comfortable all summer long. Our team of professional service and repair technicians will clean and maintain your unit to keep your HVAC system operating as optimally as possible. We also offer emergency air conditioning repair and replacement services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for your convenience. Contact us today for your free quote!
