Your air conditioning system requires regular maintenance for the unit to operate efficiently throughout its years of service the professionals at Orlando AC Repair. Overlooking needed maintenance will lead to a steady decline in air conditioning efficiency while energy usage steadily increases. In this article we take a look at the key points to a routine maintenance for your home air conditioning ensuring a steadily efficient running system along with minimal energy rise.
A/c Filters
The most important task that will guarantee the efficiency of your ac unit is to regularly replace or clean its filters. Dirty filters obstruct normal airflow as well as reduce a system’s performance dramatically and will add additional strain on the blower motor which may cause premature failure. With typical air flow blocked, air that bypasses the filter may carry dust straight right into the evaporator coil as well as hinder the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. Changing a dirty, clogged up filter with a clean one can decrease your a/c’s energy usage.
For central air conditioning conditioners, filters are generally located at the air handler on the return side. Occasionally filters may be installed in wall surfaces or ceilings.
Some types of filters are washable and once cleaned can be reused; most others must be replaced and available in a variety of sizes and ratings. Change or wash your filter monthly throughout the air conditioning season and no longer than 3 months during off season.
A/c Coils
The air conditioning system has two coils evaporator coil which is located inside as well as a condenser coil located outside we will begin with the evaporator coil. Keeping the filter clean protects against the evaporator coil from getting dirty too quickly. However in time dust will build up on the coil and it will require proper cleaning with a cleaning agent.
Outdoor condenser coils could tend to get very dirty a lot quicker due to the outside environment such as dust, leaves and grass clippings. You could can easily visually inspect the condenser coil for any buildup of dirt or debris gathering on its fins. A dirty or plugged condenser coil restrict air flow thru the coil causing it to with run hot
Washing the coil from the inside out with a garden house around the coil, removing any sort of debris inside, and cutting vegetation back at least 2 feet to allow for adequate air movement around the condenser will keep it running effectively and efficiently.
Condensate Drains
Periodically pass a stiff cable via the system’s drainpipe networks. Clogged drainpipe stations avoid a device from lowering moisture, and the resulting excess wetness could stain wall surfaces or carpeting.
Cleaning the condensate drain
When your ac is running humidity which passes thru the evaporator coil condenses on the coil and is removed as water via the drain line which runs from the air handler to the outside. Over time the drain will buildup algae and mold potentially plugging the drain. When a drain is plugged the water has no way to escape and may cause flooding in your home.
To clean the drain first, locate where the drain is outside the drain is usually a one-inch PVC pipe (white, grey, or black). Most often the line drains outside near the condenser unit, but it can also drain into the main property drain.
Once located, use a wet/dry vacuum to clear the drain. Hold the hose of the wet/dry vacuum to the end of the drain line. You can use duct tape or simply hold a rag around the gap. Turn on the vacuum for 2-3 minutes then turn off. This will clear the drain of any growing matter.
To insure your system is properly maintained we recommend filter replacement every month to 3 months depending on the conditions and type of filter and cleaning of the coils and drain line semiannually.