One of the musts for any home during the summer is a well-functioning air conditioner. Here are ten tips to keep your air conditioner running efficiently all summer long.
Understand How Your House Air Conditioner Works
Maintaining your unit requires understanding how it works. In general, central air conditioners have two major parts: the outdoor unit (compressor/condenser) and the indoor unit (evaporator) that is located in a central duct near your furnace. When you have a heat pump instead of a furnace, the indoor unit is in the air handler. To understand the best way to clean your AC unit, please refer to your unit’s manual and/or contact your HVAC consultant.
Cleaning the condenser
One great way to keep your AC running cooler is by cleaning your condenser. Cut power at your circuit breaker for your AC unit or at the box. Take a few screws off the front panel to clean any debris off the coils. Debris can accumulate at a great amount over one season, so completing this task each summer can help ensure your air conditioner unit will function at its highest capacity. Once you remove the screws off of the panels, using a snowbrush or a powerhead from a hardware store. Lightly and in a downward motion, remove the debris from the coils of the unit. After completing, replace the panels and restart the units’ power.
Check the air filter
During the cooling season and the heating season, your furnace’s air filter traps dirt, pollen, dust, and other particles. The bigger the particles that accumulate on the air filter, the slower the air flow will be, which makes the HVAC system’s blower work harder. Each month, inspect the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty.
Check the air vents
Use a pipe cleaner to clean the louvres that cover the openings to your air conditioner vents. The pipe cleaner is most likely to pick up dust, but if it also gathers black fuzz, it may indicate mold. Consult a professional to inspect the vents.
Keep it Clean
Make sure the fins of your AC unit are clean by vacuuming and brushing them with a soft-bristle brush. Note: There may be a risk of breaking or crushing them due to their fragility. The metal box can usually be unscrewed and lifted off of many units. Please consult your owner’s manual for directions. Lift off the box carefully to avoid bumping the fins.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
The use of a programmable thermostat is necessary in today’s climate. With a programmable thermostat, you can set specific temperatures throughout the day and have those adjusted automatically when you need it most, so you can keep cool without constantly adjusting the dial.
Replace a cracked, frayed or sagging belt
The belts that drive electric blowers are often found on furnaces. Every year, turn off the power to the unit, remove the front cover, and make certain the belt is snug and without cracks.
Hear strange noises?
You should have a fairly quiet HVAC system. Whenever you hear clanging, banging, or any other unusual sounds, it may signify trouble. Schedule a call with an HVAC professional if you hear any such noises.
Fix Fins
With gentle pressure from a dinner knife, realign bent or crushed fins. Insert the knife no more than 1/2 inch.
Fix a Sinking Home Air Conditioner Pad
As time passes, concrete pads under heat exchanger and air conditioner units tend to settle. It’s fine if the pad sinks so long as there is no strain on the copper coolant tubes or electrical lines, and the unit remains dry and level. However, if it continues to sink and pulls the lines tight or if water puddles around the unit, you need to take action. Here’s how to fix it.
Be sure to use these tips each summer to ensure an efficient and reliable air conditioner running in your home all summer long.
References:
https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/21-air-conditioner-maintenance-tips/
For more information on tips to maintain your exterior this summer, please check out www.propertylifemanagement.com.