How to Properly Maintain Your Air Conditioning System

An air conditioning unit requires regular maintenance to ensure the efficiency of the equipment. Neglecting necessary maintenance increases energy consumption and ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance. In fact, every year it goes without maintenance, it losses 5% of its efficiency.

If you follow our tips, you’ll be staying cool and save money by increasing its efficiency and preventing breakdowns.

Replace a dirty filter

As your AC unit runs, it accumulates dust and dirt, which can obstruct normal airflow and reduce the system’s efficiency significantly. That said, it is important to clean and replace the air filter every 3 months. However, it should be done more frequently when the air conditioner is in constant use. Be sure to turn off the power before pulling the filter to prevent dust from spreading throughout the room.

Some types of filters are reusable. Clean the filter with water and a small amount of laundry detergent.

Coil fins

Over months and years of use, the condenser and evaporator coils collect dirt. Make sure the coils are clean and free of debris. Use a garden hose to spray through the fins to get rid of dirt and debris.

The aluminum fins of the evaporator and condenser coils can easily bend. If the fins are bent, straighten them out using a fin comb. The coils should also be cleaned at least once a month during the cooling season.

Power cord

It is important to check the power cord on a regular basis to prevent larger problems. Over time, the power cord may become worn and fail to supply electricity to the unit.

Remove the control panels, unscrew the terminals and attach a testing wire over the lead wires to check the cord. Then, attach a VOM to the plug of the cord. You’ll know that the plug is functional if the meter registers 0. If it registers above 0, then it should be replaced.

Hire a professional

It is important to have your air conditioning system inspected at least once a year. Through regular inspection, a qualified technician will check the different parts of the air conditioner as well as identify and address certain problems. If left unchecked and unaddressed, these can lead to larger, more expensive problems.