An air conditioner’s coils, fins, and filters need regular maintenance for the unit to function efficiently and effectively throughout its years of service. Neglecting the required maintenance ensures a steady decline in your air conditioner’s performance while the energy use starts increasing.
Air conditioner filters
The most important maintenance task that will keep your air conditioner efficient is by cleaning or replacing its filters regularly. Dirty and clogged filters can block the airflow and reduce your AC system efficiency considerably. With the normal airflow obstructed, the air that bypasses the filter will carry dirt into the evaporator coil and may impair the coil’s heat-absorbing ability. Replacing a clogged and dirty filter with a clean one can lower your system’s energy consumption by 10% to 15%. Fro central air conditioners, filters are usually located somewhere along the return duct.
Most common filter locations are in ceilings, furnaces, air conditioner or walls. Some types of filters can be reused while others must be replaced. They are available in a lot of different efficiencies and types. Replace or clean your system’s filters every two or three months during the cooling seasons. However, filters may need to need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is constantly in use, you have furry pets in your house or are subjected to dusty conditions.
Air conditioner coils
The air conditioner’s condenser coil and evaporator coil can collect a lot of dirt over their months and years of use. A clean filter can prevent the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. However, the evaporator coil will collect dirt over time anyway. This dirt can reduce the airflow and insulate your coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this issue, check your evaporator coil every 6 or 8 months and clean it if it is necessary. Outdoor condenser coils can also be very dirty if the outdoor environment is very dusty or if there is any foliage nearby. You can easily see the outdoor condenser coils and notice if any dirt accumulates on its fins.
You should minimalize any debris and dirt near the condenser unit. Falling leaves, lawnmower, and dryer vents are all potential sources of debris and dirt. Cleaning the area around the condenser coil, trimming the foliage and removing any debris will ensure adequate airflow around the coil.
Hire a professional
When your air conditioners need a lot more than just regular maintenance or you do not have the time to clean the system by yourself, hire a professional. A professional service can clean your system much better than you would and much quicker. If you are looking for air-conditioned experts, check out Naylor Services.
Coil fins
The aluminum fins on the condenser coil and evaporator can be easily bent and block all the airflow through the coil. Most air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool that is called a fin comb that will comb these aluminum fins back into their original condition.
Condensate drains
Occasionally you should pass a stiff wire through your unit’s drain channels. Clogged drain channels can prevent a unit from reducing humidity in the air which can result in excess moisture that can discolor your carpets or walls.
