Often people ask what AC maintenance means to me. Firstly, AC maintenance carried out regularly will keep air conditioning running efficiently. How to maintain air conditioner units is something we will discuss in this article. Basically, maintaining your A/C will save money by extending the life of the air conditioning unit.

Air conditioning units need regular maintenance to keep things running smoothly and to prevent breakdowns. Many homeowners are caught out by not paying attention to some basic regular AC maintenance techniques that can be applied to the air conditioning system at home.

While it is always the best policy to have a reputable engineer do the regular maintenance, the smaller jobs done between visits for proper professional checks can be used to tick the system over.

A/C maintenance pays attention to the filters, fins, and coils that are key to the smooth running of the unit. How to maintain air conditioner units is something that can be easily learned from your engineer or by following manufacturer’s instructions. For an air conditioning unit to run efficiently and effectively throughout its life, regular maintenance checks are vital. The result of failing to maintain your air conditioner will lead to a decline in operational performance and it will need more energy to run the system.

AIR CONDITIONING FILTERS

If you only do one thing then make sure it is learn how to maintain air conditioner filters. Routine replacement or cleaning of filters is one of the most important tasks you can perform to keep your system efficient. Dirty, clogged filters block out normal airflow and reduce the efficiency of the system significantly. With the airflow obstructed, air bypassing the filter could transfer dirt into the evaporator coil directly and reduce the coil’s capacity to absorb heat. Replacing a clogged up, dirty, filter with a clean one can make an incredible change and lower the energy consumption of your air conditioner by 5% to 15%.

Central air conditioners have filters located somewhere along the return duct length. Often filters may be found in such locations as walls, furnaces, ceilings, or within the air conditioner itself.

Some filters are reusable, others must be replaced, – and it depends on the type. Availability is in different types and different efficiency. Cleaning or replacing the filter in your A/C unit every two months or so while in operation will save you time and money. Filters need more frequent checking if the air conditioner is working in dusty conditions or in a home with furry pets or is switched on all the time.

AIR CONDITIONING COILS

How to maintain air conditioning evaporator coils and condensers is also important. Over months of use, coils collect and trap dirt. A clean filter will prevent the evaporator coil from getting dirty so quickly. Over time, the evaporator coil will eventually collect dirt. This dirt insulates the coil and reduces airflow preventing efficient heat absorption. Avoiding this problem means learning how to maintain air conditioner components and checking the evaporator coil yearly, cleaning when necessary.

Outdoor condenser coils become extremely dirty at times if the environment is dusty, polluted or there is dense foliage nearby. The condenser coil is easily seen and you can notice if there is a collection of dirt on its fins.
Minimising leaf fall, debris, and dirt near the condenser unit will help. Trimming foliage back around 2 feet (0.6 meters) will allow enough airflow around the condenser.

COIL FINS

The aluminium fins on condenser and evaporator coils are bent easily and can block airflow. There is a tool you can buy called a “fin comb” that will put these fins back into position.

Passing a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels occasionally will help things keep flowing. Clogged drain channels prevent the system from reducing humidity levels leading to staining of walls and furnishings in the home

PREPARING FOR WINTER

Preparing for winter is one of the most important AC maintenance tasks you can do. Cover your air conditioner and if it is outdoors, then a specially made cover will protect from the elements of winter.

HIRING A PROFESSIONAL

When you have learned how to maintain air conditioner units, you will become familiar when a more in-depth AC maintenance cycle needs performing and you can call your professional service engineer.