Posted by: Denver Air Conditioning
When performing maintenance on your air conditioning system there are five things you should always check. By taking care of your air conditioner, you will extend its life by a number of years, improve it's efficiency, and ultimately save big money in the long run. So what are the five essential checks?
Check the filters and indoor coil
Remove the air filters and clean them. To do this, spray the filters on both sides with a kitchen antiseptic spray and then rinse well with warm water. Ensure you remove any lint and other dirt which has built up on the filters.
If you have a ductless air conditioner, you will also be able to see the heat exchanging coil behind where the filters are located. Ensure this is not clogged with dirt or covered in hairs, If it is, give it a gentle vacuum with the brush attachment in the same direction that the aluminium fins run.
Check and clean the coil and air outlets on the outdoor unit
Remove any obstructions around the outdoor unit such as weeds and dead leaves to improve air flow, then wipe down the air outlet on the front of the system. Check that you get good air flow through the system and that the coil is free of obstructions.
Check for good air flow from both indoor and outdoor units
Ensure you have plenty of airflow from the indoor unit. Poor airflow is a good indicator of a blocked coil or failing fan motor. If your air conditioner is struggling to output a reasonable amount of air, it may be time to book it in for a professional service.
Check for signs of rust or corrosion
If your air conditioner is starting to rust or show signs of corrosion, you will want to stop it progressing as early as possible. Minor rust caused from scratches etcetera can simply be painted over with a waterproof steel paint. Major rust or corrosion will require a professional to service the equipment as the system will usually require stripping down for the required repairs.
Check your system on both cooling and heating modes
Check your system on both cooling and heating modes. If your air conditioner fails to switch between the two different modes, it is usually a good indicator of a fault with the reversing valve which will require repair by a professional service engineer.
Why is it essential to maintain your air conditioning?
Put simply, the majority of air conditioning faults are caused by a lack of maintenance. Look after it properly and you will enjoy the benefits it has to offer. The key to keeping them working correctly is to simply keep them clean. Clean those filters and wipe off any dirt buildup on a regular basis and it will last for years to come.
If after checking the above your air conditioning is still performing poorly, you should call in a professional air conditioning service company as there is a good chance your system has a fault and is not operating correctly.
James Walton is an air conditioning and refrigeration repair and installation engineer in Auckland, New Zealand. He is actively involved in the HVAC industry and works for an Auckland based air conditioning company.
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