AC Repair, Maintenance and Finding a Service Provider

ac unit

An air conditioner functions better when its parts such as fins, filters, and coils are properly maintained.

Not only does it make the AC unit function better, but proper maintenance also ensures that your unit will last and perform better over the next coming years. Lack of ac maintenance may also mean that your air conditioning unit will not be as great as it used to be when you first purchased it, and at the same time, your energy consumption will generally increase.

Air Conditioning Filters

While all AC parts are equally important, AC filters are one of the most overlooked parts, and many people don’t the importance of regularly cleaning them. When your filters are dirty, the airflow will get clogged, meaning that the unit may have difficulties blowing out cool air, significantly reducing its efficiency. A clogged filter may also mean that the dirt may just pass through the filter, go straight to the evaporator coil, reducing the performance of the AC unit which may also cause more issues in the long run.

ac filter

To make sure that you don’t have to go through this issue, cleaning and/or changing clogged filters will improve your air conditioner’s efficiency and even help you save up to 15% of energy.

Depending on your AC type, the filter may be located in different parts. Typically, they’re along the return duct, while some others are found underneath the grill.

Some AC units have disposable filters, while some others need to be cleaned once it’s all clogged up. You’ll find that there’s a wide range of AC filter types depending on your AC brand and type. Filters need to be replaced or cleaned ideally every two months during the hot summer season. If you’re using the air-conditioner more often, you’ll need to pay more close attention to it have it cleaned or replaced more often. You may also have to replace this often if you have a lot of dust or pets inside the house.

Air Conditioner Coils

It’s normal for your air conditioner coils to generate dust and dirt – especially if you’ve been using your AC unit for years. A clean filter helps lessen the dirt buildup on these coils, but at the end of the day, even with clean filters, there’s still a slight chance that dust may still build up. If the evaporator coil is surrounded by dust, it won’t be able to effectively absorb heat, making your AC run more inefficiently.

What’s the solution? Check your evaporator coil once a year and clean it whenever necessary.

As much as possible, perform possible steps to make sure that the dirt and debris won’t accumulate around the condenser unit. Your AC unit should not be placed in areas that could accumulate falling leaves, debris, or foliage trimmings. There should be at least 2 feet of airflow surrounding the area so that the condenser’s airflow won’t be blocked.

AC Coil Fins

ac unit in need of air conditioning repair

Both the condenser and evaporator coils contain aluminum fins. Most of the time, the fins have a tendency to bend, which eventually causes airflow blockage. To prevent this from happening, you can get one of these “fin combs” that can be purchased from air conditioning wholesalers. This comb will make sure that the fins are back to their pristine condition, prevent air blockage.

Condensate Drain Lines and Pump

Most units have drain channels, and it’s normal for water to flow through these drain channels. What this does it that it helps prevent the unit from acquiring humidity and moisture. Sometimes, these drains may get blocked, and if not taken care of immediately, may cause wall and even carpet discoloration.

Seal Window Type AC’s

Once the weather starts to feel dry and humid, conduct an inspection and make sure that the air conditioner’s seal from its window frame is still intact. This is to make sure that cool air won’t escape from your room or home.

Getting Ready For Winter

You have two options: you can either cover your AC unit or completely remove it and put it in storage. You may want to protect your AC’s outdoor unit during the winter season to protect it from debris.

When Professional AC Repair Is Necessary

Most of the tips mentioned above will help your conditioner remain in its tip-top condition. However, when you feel like your unit requires more than just simple maintenance, finding a reliable and experienced technician plays a crucial role in a quality AC repair.

AC repair technician

It is important that the AC technician is able to:

  • Inspect the unit and the refrigerant levels.
  • Conduct an inspection to see if there are leaks.
  • CI a leak is found, make sure the remaining refrigerant is properly evacuated rather than releasing it in the environment prior to repairs.
  • Closely inspect for leaks from window seals and AC units.
  • Check all electric connections making sure they are tight and clean, and that a non-conductive coating is applied whenever necessary.
  • Make sure that the thermostat isn’t malfunctioning and gives accurate readings.

AC Repair and Maintenance Tips

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