HVAC Companies Advice: How to Maintain Your Air Conditioning Unit
Like many things in our homes, air conditioners are always getting used, but we only pay attention to them when it’s too late. That’s when we call the HVAC professional to come over and check on the air conditioner, and we try not to think about the bill. Most HVAC companies neglect to share with us the information about how we can maintain our own air conditioner. Based on an article from Networx, the following will tell you how to do it yourself.
Most of our air conditioners are only checked once a year by HVAC companies. But that’s not enough if you want your air conditioner to last a long time. You should check it more often, especially in the warmer seasons, when you use it more. Here we are going to show you how the maintenance team checks on your air conditioner.
Annual A/C Maintenance List:
1. Clear the outdoor condenser coils and the indoor evaporator units
The coil is created from the refrigerant lines and from the radiator-like fins that match the cabinet to your outdoor A/C. The evaporator is the interior equivalent to the outdoor unit, and has its own coil. There may be some dirt around this area, which will cause the system’s efficiency to be reduced, and might also cause stress for the mechanical parts.
2. Watch the refrigerant level
Having too much refrigerant can make the compressor work too hard, thus reducing the system’s efficiency and lifetime.
3. Check drain pans and condensate drains
These places should be checked, to see that nothing is interfering with the openings, so residue is not able to accumulate.
4. Check the outdoor fan motor and blades, as well as the indoor blower
5. Inspect all the tubing
6. Add lubrication to the moving parts
Old A/C systems contain some parts that need lubrication as time goes by. Nowadays, systems usually don’t need to be lubed, since these parts are sealed
7. Check all the electrical parts
All wiring, connections and electrical controls should be checked to see if anything is out of the proper place or damaged.
8. Clean the air filters
9. Perform a general test
When you call HVAC companies, tell them to do a general test of your A/C to check for malfunctions, unusual smells and noises, irregular temperatures and system pressure.
10. Inspect your ducts for leaks and debris
You should call a ductwork service person every once in a while to check for air leakage, debris on the air conditioner walls and other kinds of problems. This might be one of the main problems for A/C failures.
How Can You Help Maintain Your Air Conditioner During the Cold Months?
These are the months you just wish to get home and turn on the heat almost every day, but that’s why you should keep an eye out for your A/C. Check the furnace filters, remove dirt from the outdoor condenser, ensure that the unit is cleared of vegetation for 2 feet around it so the air can flow to the condenser coil without blockage.
If you need help with any of these procedures, just gives us a call and we will be glad to address whatever issues you’re experiencing. We serve Denver, CO and the entire Denver metro area, including Aurora, CO, Morrison, CO, Evergreen, CO, Broomfield, CO, Arvada, CO, Northglenn, CO, and Commerce City, CO.
(Article excerpt from Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist)
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