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Keeping Your AC Running Smoothly
We all know the importance of regular maintenance for our cars - oil changes, tire rotations, and filter changes are essential to keep them running smoothly. The same principle applies to air conditioners. Understanding the value of air conditioner maintenance means understanding how your AC unit works and how proper maintenance can extend its lifespan.
In most cases, your central air conditioner is a system consisting of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected by copper tubing and electrical wiring. This system both heats and cools your home. It's crucial to keep all parts of the system in good condition to ensure your comfort, improve efficiency, and reduce utility bills.
The Outdoor and Indoor Units
The outdoor unit, also known as the condenser unit, includes components such as the condensing coil, compressor, fan and motor, and electronic controls. On the other hand, the indoor unit can be a furnace or a fan coil, housing the evaporator coil, blower fan and motor, and an air filter.
Here's how it works:
- The compressor in the outdoor unit helps circulate a refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units through refrigerant lines.
- Heat energy is extracted from the indoor air through the evaporator coil and released through the outdoor condensing coil.
- Cooler air is blown back into the home through ductwork, while heat energy escapes outside.
During normal operation, dust, dirt, moisture, and microbial growth can accumulate on internal components, leading to corrosion and decreased efficiency. Regular AC maintenance and tune-ups can prevent these issues and even help identify potential problems before they become major failures.
Keeping Your AC Clean
One of the simplest ways to save money and prolong the life of your AC system is by keeping the outdoor unit clean. Dust and debris can restrict airflow and affect performance. Here are four preventative maintenance tasks to keep your outdoor unit clean:
- Removing debris/foliage: Clear the area around the unit from any shrubs, flowers, or leaves that can restrict airflow.
- Vacuuming the coil fins: Your dealer will turn off the system and vacuum the coil using a soft bristle brush attachment to remove dirt and debris.
- Cleaning the coil fins: Your dealer will clean the coil fins with heavy-duty coil-cleaning chemicals and gently rinse dirt and debris from the top down using a garden hose.
- Cleaning the evaporator coil: It's best to leave this task to a licensed HVAC professional, as the indoor evaporator coil can be difficult to access.
The Importance of Filter Maintenance
Cleaning or replacing your AC system's air filter is one of the easiest maintenance tasks you can do yourself. The air filter helps improve indoor air quality by removing airborne particles and pollutants. It also prevents dust and dirt from accumulating on internal components, ensuring peak performance.
The frequency of filter changes depends on various factors, such as the type of filter, environmental conditions, and personal preferences. It's recommended to check and inspect your filter every 2-3 months. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations for filter maintenance. Here's how to clean or replace your filter:
- Turn off system power.
- Locate the filter along the sides, top, or bottom of the blower cabinet.
- Remove and inspect the filter for dust buildup or debris.
- Clean the filter with a vacuum attachment or replace it with a new one.
- Ensure the filter is positioned properly with the airflow arrows pointing in the correct direction.
- Replace the cabinet cover and restore power.
When to Call a Professional
While regular maintenance and some DIY tasks can keep your AC system in good condition, there are times when it's best to call a certified HVAC technician. These signs indicate that it's time to make the call:
- Inadequate cooling or the system not running at all
- Constant running for extended periods
- Frequent on/off cycling
- Icing up or freezing of copper refrigerant tubing or the outdoor coil
If you're experiencing any of these issues, a trained technician can evaluate your cooling system during an air conditioner maintenance visit. Don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted HVAC contractor for assistance. You can find a Carrier HVAC dealer in your area through our dealer locator.
Remember, regular AC maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your air conditioning system. Take the necessary steps to keep it clean and well-maintained, and enjoy a cool and comfortable home all year round!