In the scorching heat of the summer, if your AC stops working then it might be problematic for you to deal with the maintenance work. There is a plethora of reasons that impact the functionality of the AC and among them, indoor air pollution is one of the reasons that can impact the working of AC. Before the summertime is upon you it’s important to prioritize the maintenance work to keep your air conditioner in good shape for a longer duration. In this blog, we will delve into the details of AC servicing, its benefits, and how often it should be done for optimal working.
AC Maintenance: Everything You Should Know to Get it Serviced
When it comes to AC maintenance, the most important thing is the maintenance checklist so that as a homeowner you should analyze the condition of your unit for present and future repair work. Here is the AC maintenance checklist where some of the steps require the careful attention of the users while other steps are basic ones to ensure the best performance of your unit at all times.
Removal of Debris from AC Unit
Probably you don’t turn off your AC all year. That does not mean that the harsh weather outside does not take a toll on your AC . It does a lot if not maintained the right way. The indoor pollutants get into the fans of AC and you need to clean it after some duration.
You need to check the filters of Ac every month and if they need to be replaced then replace the clogged filters with new ones to reduce the consumption of electricity. The replacement of the ideal filter size should be done to ensure the optimal working OF Ac under all conditions.
Cleaning the Internal Unit
Unlike the replacement of filters, this cannot be done on your own. As the evaporator coil is inside the furnace unit so a lot of dust accumulates there. Use the torch light first to check that the evaporator coil has no cracks or bends. If it’s dusty clean it with the help of a soft brush and afterward make use of the no-rinse coil cleaner spray. This way you get rid of all the harmful deposits and improve the efficiency of your system.
In some cases, the evaporator drain becomes clogged due to the build-up of fungus and algae, instantly removing the dirt. In case this matter is prolonged there are increased chance of flooding which results in bad odor and if the situation further worsens the system will stop working.
Keep a Check on the Refrigerant Level
If you keep an eye on the performance of the unit and the system is not showing peak performance. That means that you are too hard on your system and could damage it further with proper maintenance. If warm air is coming from the vents, then it’s majorly the low refrigerant level problem. Your AC needs plenty of refrigerant otherwise the cooling capacity decreases with time.
The correct way is to turn off the AC and access the refrigerant level gauges. Attach the manifold gauge and set it to the service valves. Turn on the AC unit to analyze the pressure reading. For most of the system, the pressure reading should be in the bracket of 30-40 PSI. As the capacity of the system, you further need to calculate refrigerant levels based on the pressure and temperature.
Clearing the Air Conditioner Condensate Drain Line
If you don’t pay heed to the AC system condensate drain line then make sure to have a look at it and prevent it from clogging. The formation of the sludge and algae in the drain pipes leads to problems with the working of AC. And surprisingly it is not difficult at all to clear the condensate drain line. If you want to clean it yourself you can try out one of the following methods as per the availability of material and convenience
- Mix bleach with water and flush your drain pipe using this solution
- Make use of the vacuum to clear out the clogs in the pipe
- Use long wires to clear out all the debris in the pipe
Lubrication Of the Moving AC Parts
The moving parts of the AC that are in constant motion such as fans and motor sometimes break down due to continuous working. It is good to get them checked so that your vents will ensure proper functioning. In the internal examination of the AC qualified technicians usually add lubrication to these parts to help them run smoothly.
Benefits of AC Servicing
Are you still wondering what’s great about AC servicing? Here is the complete list of perks you can leverage after getting your AC service done from a reputable company.
Better Cooling – A well-maintained AC unit will cool down your space much faster and save additional money on electricity bills.
Longer AC lifespan– If serviced right the AC system will last for decades. As AC is an expensive investment you need to fix the potential problems at the earliest to prevent costly repairs later.
Cost saving at Every Step – Efficient system means better cooling so investing your money in maintenance work can reduce the chances of AC breaking down.
How often should you opt for AC servicing?
When it comes to the question of servicing the AC, the frequency of the maintenance process depends upon the following factors mainly:
- The type of air conditioner you have in your property
- Climatic Conditions in your area
- Age of Your AC Unit
Generally, it is recommended to get your AC serviced once a year. If you experience unusual problems during the summer season it is recommended to get it checked by professionals to prevent costly AC repairs down the road. Moreover, if you live in an area that is hot for a long duration of the year then it’s better to go for maintenance services every 6 months.
Conclusion
Although servicing is done after the duration of 6 months or a year there are certain things homeowners could do to ensure the peak performance of the AC unit. In this guide for AC Maintenance: Everything You Should Know, cleaning the filters and drain pipes should be done each month while the rest of the maintenance work should be done by a qualified technician.