As the summer heat begins some countries can feel it more than others, but no matter where you are situated, it is critical that your AC remains running efficiently. Using air conditioning company tips and planning ahead for hotter temperatures can prevent unexpected issues from developing while helping save on energy costs.
Step one is to inspect your AC for broken hoses and wiring that could reduce its efficiency or place additional strain on its motors.
Check the Condenser
An air conditioning company may first look at your condenser. Turning on your air conditioner this summer, it would be a wise decision to see that the condenser be checked thoroughly and prepared for hotter weather conditions. A clogged condenser can significantly decrease energy efficiency as well as air quality.
The condenser is an outdoor component of air conditioning systems that uses a compressor to draw in hot air from outside and transfer it indoors to be converted back into liquid form by an evaporator.
When an AC system is turned on, its outdoor unit is usually installed on a heavy concrete or composite rubber pad designed to reduce vibration and keep its level. If this pad becomes cracked or no longer functional, however, this could seriously compromise its performance and damage your AC’s ability to function effectively.
At least annually or more frequently during long, hot summers, inspect the outdoor condenser of your air conditioning system for debris such as grass clippings, leaves, dirt or lint which could block its inflow and prevent proper functioning of the unit.
To clean the coils on an AC condenser, take off its louvred panels on the front and use either a soft brush or vacuum to clear away debris from visible sources. After this step is completed, spray off the inside of the coil with gentle water spray that won’t saturate its fins; additionally, if your AC has an outside grill this can also be removed so as to more easily access fins.
After performing a thorough cleaning, rinse the coil with water to ensure all foam has been removed before laying your condenser out in an open space and waiting until it dries completely before turning the power back on to your AC system.
If you own a ductless air conditioning system, it is crucial to regularly maintain its coils with a special cleaner and soft coil brush tools.
Replace the foam coolant line insulation between your air conditioner’s evaporator in your home and its condenser outside to help avoid dirt build-up, and improve its efficiency by keeping it free from clogging. This step will prevent future service calls for your a/c system.
Clean the Condenser
Condensers are essential components of an air conditioning system. By turning vapours into liquids and pumping them back into your house, condensers help ensure you remain cool on a scorching summer day.
Cleaning your condenser regularly will help your air conditioner operate more efficiently and reduce energy costs. Dirty condensers prevent air from passing freely through their coils, leading to higher utility costs and an eventually more expensive air conditioning unit in the long run.
Your best defence against buildup lies in performing some basic maintenance tasks every few months. The first step should be making sure that the air filter is in good shape to filter out dirt and debris from passing through your air conditioner, helping ensure smooth functioning.
2. Check the exterior of your condenser for debris such as leaves, sticks and other organic matter such as leaves. Use a shop vacuum or brush to sweep these off with ease from its unit.
Next, use a water hose and spray gun to clean the exterior coils of your unit. Be careful not to accidentally spray any interior coils as this could damage them further.
Self-contained air-cooled condensers feature coils made up of hundreds of vertical “fins”, or folds of metal with tiny holes for air intake. If one or more fins become bent or have become deformed over time, a fin comb may be needed to straighten them back out.
If the condenser coils have become covered with matting, you can attempt to clean them by using either a nylon bristle brush or a wire welding brush with nylon bristles to scrub. After doing so, simply blow out with compressed air from either a hose or compressed air canister and blow out all of the coils at the same time.
Vinegar-water solutions may also work to clean the coils of any dirt, dust or debris that has built up over time. Although this approach may work effectively, you may need to repeat it several times for it to completely purge the coils.
If you don’t feel confident cleaning your condenser on your own or can’t perform the task efficiently, hire an AC expert. They will ensure your condenser is cleaned appropriately to provide for more energy-efficient cooling for your home this summer.
Clean the Evaporator
As dirty evaporator coils can create issues for the cooling system and lead to increased energy usage and higher bills, it is vital that they are regularly maintained and cleaned out for peak performance.
Your best option for maintaining your evaporator’s cleanliness may be either doing it yourself or hiring an HVAC technician to do it for you. Either way, regular evaporator maintenance will help maintain efficiency within your AC system and avoid bigger issues such as frozen coils or condenser problems that might otherwise arise.
Cleaning an evaporator shouldn’t be difficult and should take less than 30 minutes. First, turn off the power at the breaker box, then remove any cover panels or protective grilles covering its coils.
Before spraying an evaporator coil with water and mild detergent solution, you need to first sweep away any debris clinging to it with a brush. Next, spray the solution onto the coils using either a garden sprayer or large spray bottle – leaving it sit for several minutes before wiping it off using a soft cloth to ensure no debris remains behind.
Once the evaporator coils have completely dried out, you can replace their covers and protective grilles as well as replace your air filter which should be changed every 1-3 months.
Drain pan and line are integral components of an air conditioning system, and must remain free from dirt, mould and mildew to function effectively. You should check these areas prior to turning on the system; however, for optimal results, it would be beneficial for a professional technician to clean them out first.
Your evaporator coils can also be easily cleaned by misting them with water and allowing it to soak for several minutes, allowing the misted water to dislodge any dust or grime clinging onto them before applying cleaner as usual until all areas have been thoroughly cleansed of dirt and grime.
Clean the Air Filter
Your air filter is one of the most critical components of your HVAC system, filtering out dust, lint, pollen and other contaminants before they enter the HVAC system and must therefore be maintained on an ongoing basis. Regular maintenance must take place.
Maintaining clean air filters is an inexpensive, simple maintenance task that will not only increase AC performance but also help keep you and your family healthier.
Filters that become dirty can impede airflow through your home and reduce the cooling capacity of air conditioning units, potentially leading to reduced comfort levels and unit breakdown. Therefore, it’s vital that they are regularly serviced.
Beginning this task early will help ensure you won’t end up with a clogged filter come summertime and help your AC perform at its maximum capability.
Filter cleaning can be accomplished quickly and efficiently with only a few tools and materials required. A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, sponge and solution of white vinegar or cleaning/water will suffice.
Once completed, thoroughly rinse and allow your filter to dry before reinstalling it in your AC unit. Regular maintenance should extend its lifespan by several months.
As air conditioning use in cities increases during the summer months, your air filter has to work harder to trap dust, lint and other particles floating through the air and should therefore be changed more often than usual compared to its use during other times of the year.
At least every month, air filters should be changed out to prevent clogging and ensure optimal operation of the AC unit. This is especially important in households where children or anyone suffering from allergies reside.
Filters that become clogged up can also lead to the buildup of ice on your air conditioning coils and evaporator, potentially leading to a unit breakdown. A dirty filter makes your AC work harder to produce cool air; thus it is essential that it be regularly serviced or replaced for optimal operation.