The most effective A/C maintenance is preventative maintenance, much of which you can do yourself. Regular preventative maintenance will extend the life of your air conditioner, which will operate more efficiently and less expensively. There are four A/C maintenance tasks that the DIY enthusiast can safely and relatively easily perform to save on service calls.
- Regularly changing air filters
- Cleaning the outdoor condenser coil, and keeping yard debris, such as leaves, weeds and cut grass away from it
- Cleaning the indoor unit
- Cleaning the evaporator drain tube
Filter maintenance
Check the A/C’s air filter monthly and replace as necessary. Some of these can be cleaned but most require replacement, which is relatively cheap. This will help to keep dust from collecting on the evaporator fins and air handler motor parts, with a reduction in efficiency. In some systems, there may be other filters to service. Check your service manual.
Cleaning the outdoor unit (condenser)
The condenser coils consist of tubes and thin sheet metal fins that are delicate. Annually clean the coils in the condenser by hosing with water. Then gently clean with an air-conditioner cleaner available from your HVAC supply source, taking care not to bend the fins.
Cleaning the indoor unit (air handler/evaporator)
Generally, the evaporator coil unit is not readily accessible. As possible, vacuum the underside. Alternatively, a professional cleaning every few years is appropriate.
Cleaning the evaporator drain tube
The air passing over the evaporator coil is dehumidified as it’s cooled. The condensate is drained to the sink or floor drain through an A/C drain. Examine to be sure the tube isn’t clogged by sludge. Periodically vacuum dirt from the A/C drain.
While the more common A/C maintenance tasks that have been described here are routinely performed by homeowners, these activities can sometimes require the attention of professionals when unusual conditions are presented.
Ibbotson Heating.& Air Conditioning Company has served its customers in the northwest suburbs of Chicago since 1946. Please contact us today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chicago, Illinois about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/C maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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