Maintaining Your Home Air Conditioner
- susan4434
- Jun 1, 2021
- 8 min read
In the hot days of summer in Northwest Arkansas, a comfortable home is a top priority. Cool air from a reliable working air conditioner is essential. Most air conditioning units can last 10 to 15 years if they are correctly maintained.
Not keeping up with an air conditioner’s maintenance is the most common reason Air Control gets called out to customers’ homes for repairs and replacements. Time, repairs and even replacement costs can be avoided when an air conditioner receives proper maintenance and care.
Thankfully, there are several easy ways to maintain a home’s air conditioner that do not require too much time, effort or money. If you follow the steps listed in this article to keep the home air conditioner, you should have an AC unit that can make it through the hot months for several years.
How to Maintain an Air Conditioner
Maintenance is the key to getting the most use out of an air conditioner and prevent breakdowns. There are five steps to keep an air conditioner running efficiently for a long time: inspection, cleaning, changing filters, checking the insulation and a yearly check-up.
Inspection
A general inspection of the air conditioning unit and surrounding areas is the first step in air conditioner maintenance. You do not have to be trained in air conditioning repairs and service to inspect a unit. Once you know a few things about the essential parts of an air conditioner, regularly inspecting the unit for any potential problems is easy.
For maintaining an air conditioning unit, inspect the following parts and areas two times a year:
· Surrounding areas
· Pad
· Overflow pan
· Outside lines
· Fins
· Belts
· Drain line
· Noises
Surrounding Areas
First, check the air conditioner’s general area. Clean a cluttered area from all household items, trash or debris. Clearing debris not only gives you or a service technician better access to the unit, but it also makes it easier to identify any issues that are going on with the unit itself without having to comb through a mess.
Pad
The area the air conditioner rests on is called the pad, usually a concrete area. Once the air conditioner’s area is clean of debris, check the pad’s overall condition. Make sure the pad is even and solid. Shifting of the pad’s surface may occur over time. A leveled surface for an AC is crucial because it:
· Keeps oil running smoothly in the refrigeration lines
· Helps oil and refrigerant stay together instead of collecting in coils and lines
· Prevents water from collecting in the drain pan
· Decreases vibration, which can cause an early breakdown of the AC unit
Overflow Pan
Next, inspect the overflow pan underneath the AC unit for any damage. If there is an excessive amount of water collecting in the pan, it may signify a clogged drain line. Usually, this problem requires an AC service technician to fix the issue.
If there is damage to the pan, such as holes or cracks, the drain pan cannot collect all of the water drained from the unit. A simple patch job can often fix this issue.
Outside Lines
Inspect the outside lines for any damage to the insulation surrounding the lines. This insulation protects the wiring from weather damage. Replace any damaged insulation.
Fins
Evaporator fins help air flow efficiently and smoothly by collecting dirt and debris from the outside and moving warm air away from the unit. There are two types of fins: condenser fins, the metal slats you can see on the outside of the AC unit, and the evaporator fins that surround the evaporator inside the air conditioner.
AC fins often get bent or clogged, which makes the AC unit work harder. If you notice the fins are bent, you can call an Air Control professional to fix the issue. You can also attempt to repair the bent fins yourself. To fix bent fins, follow these steps:
1. Turn off and disconnect power to the unit.
2. Remove any protective screening, such as the AC cover panel.
3. Use a fine brush or vacuum cleaner to clean away debris from the fins.
4. Draw a fin comb gently from top to bottom between the metal slats to straighten the fins.
5. Replace the cover and turn on the power to the unit.
Belts
If you have an older model air conditioner, it may have a fan belt for the blower. You will need to inspect the belt for any cracking or sagging. Be sure to turn off the AC power before checking the belts. Make sure the belt is in good condition fits tightly.
Drain Line
A drain line or drain tube carries water from the condenser coils inside the house to the exterior. Over time, mold and mildew build up in the tube and cause clogs, preventing water from going out. Inspect the drain lines twice a year for any clogging.
Noises
If the AC unit is making loud or strange noises, this could be a sign there is a problem with your air conditioner that requires professional service. During your regular inspection, check for any abnormal noises coming from the air conditioner. Every noise is unique and usually requires a different solution, so contact Air Control for a full inspection by an HVAC professional to identify and fix any noise issues.
Cleaning
Dirt build-up is the number one reason why an air conditioner breaks down. Cleaning is one way to keep the air conditioner working for a long time. Listed below are the AC areas that require regular cleaning.
AC Vents
A good cleaning of the AC vents twice a year will help the air conditioner run efficiently for a long time. Avoid the most common problems with AC units with basic cleaning.
Check that the air vents are not blocked, then wipe down the vents to clean them. Usually, only dust needs removing but call Air Control to schedule a professional cleaning and further inspection if you spot mold.
Outside Unit
Deep clean the outside unit yearly. Be sure to turn off the power to the unit before cleaning. Clean the external air fins with a fine brush.
For cleaning the inside of the AC unit, remove the top to the unit, and clean out any debris. Clean the fins with a fin brush, and then use a coil cleaning spray product to clean the inside of the outside-facing fins. Follow the directions on the cleaning product. Use a water hose, not a power washer, to rinse, since a power washer can damage the fins. Once clean, put the top back in place, screw to close, and turn the power back on.
Drain Lines
To keep mold and mildew from forming in the drain lines, pour one cup of bleach into the access hole on the outside of the house to the drain line in the spring. This process usually kills any mold or mildew before clogs form. You can also use a stiff brush to clean out the tube.
If you have a clogged drainpipe, you can either:
· Use a strong vacuum, such as a Shop-Vac with the paper filter removed to remove the clog. Attach the vacuum hose to the drainpipe securely. Run the vacuum for a few seconds to clear the clog. Then pour one cup of bleach into the drain access hole to clean the tube.
· Use a stiff wire brush to deep clean the tube of any clogs.
Changing Filters
One of the easiest ways to keep an air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently is to change the air filters regularly. The air filters capture dirt, pollen and dust. When the air filters’ surfaces are full, the HVAC blower has to work harder.
How often to change the filters depends on the type of filter.
· Replace an entry-level fiberglass filter every 30 days.
· Change out pleated filters that are four inches wide every three months.
· Washable filters are not common. They require regular cleaning, but not a replacement.
Air quality also determines how frequently an air filter needs to be changed out. If the home location has high levels of smoke, cooking, scented candles, new construction, or poor air quality, replace the air filters more frequently.
Check the Insulation
Insulation keeps heat inside the home during cold months and prevents too much heat accumulation in warmer months. Insulation is the best way to increase the efficiency of the HVAC system. Most people are unfamiliar with what level of insulation is needed or a problem with the insulation levels. To check the insulation levels, follow these steps:
· If you notice any air drafts, try to find the source of the draft. Often, drafts are located near pipe openings, electrical outlets and doors. Usually, fixing drafts is easy. Caulking or stripping can typically resolve most draft issues. Drafts coming from larger spaces, such as a fireplace, require a professional to fix the issue.
· Check that the home’s insulation levels meet at least the minimum recommended insulation levels. The builder typically installs the minimum insulation amounts, but if you have an older home, this insulation might be compacted and more insulation may be needed.
Insulation uses a R-Value rating. The R-Value measures how well the insulation can resist heat. A higher R-Value equals better insulation performance and varies by climate region. Northwest Arkansas is located in the 3 and 4 regions.
You can find out more about calculating insulation levels for regions 3 and 4 at Energy Star: energystar.gov. An Air Control professional can also visit a home to measure the existing insulation levels and make any recommendations for increasing the efficiency of the insulation.
· Check for any insulation blocking air vents.
· Measuring the insulation levels inside walls is difficult without a thermographic inspection or going into the walls. An Air Control technician trained to professionally check wall insulation can make recommendations for improving the insulation levels.
Yearly Check-Up
A professional yearly check-up of the home’s HVAC system is the best way to maintain a healthy AC and keep the AC running efficiently for a long time. A yearly check-up from Air Control involves cleaning, inspecting and adjusting the important components of the HVAC system, including:
· Venting system
· Burners & heat exchangers for corrosion and cracks
· Combustion for optimal fuel efficiency
· Blower assembly
· Electrical system control panels & boards
· Thermostat
· Clean condenser coil
· Clean condensate drain line
· Disconnect panel
· Measure refrigerant level
· Fuel pressure
· Flue draft diverter/motor volts and amps
· Blower motor volts and amps
· Blower capacitors
· Refrigerant for optimal cooling
· Compressor contactor
· Condenser fan capacitor
· Compressor capacitor
· Compressor voltage/amperage
· Fan motor voltage/amperage
Seasonal Check-Up
If checking the home’s air conditioner health regularly is too much work, Air Control offers a seasonal check-up plan through its Tommy Club membership. In the spring and fall, an Air Control technician will come to the home to inspect and clean the HVAC system. Tommy Club members also receive priority scheduling for emergency repairs, a 10% discount on needed parts and no after-hour fees.
Air Filter Service
Air Control also offers a service to change out a home’s air filters every month. Contact Air Control for more details about this program, including information on HEPA filters.
Caring for Window Unit Air Conditioners
If you have a wall unit air conditioner, you will want to check the unit’s performance at the beginning of spring and again in early fall. To maintain a wall unit air conditioner, follow the steps listed below:
· Check the filter for dust and dirt. Replace the filter, or clean the filter when needed.
· Inspect the output vents for dirt. Clean the output vents if needed.
· Check the electrical cord for any damage. Repair or replace the cord if needed.
· Schedule a service call with an Air Control professional to replace Freon levels.
Properly maintaining an air conditioner includes inspecting the unit and parts, cleaning, replacing filters and checking insulation levels. An air conditioner should be cleaned and inspected twice a year.
Although maintaining and cleaning an air conditioner doesn't require a lot of work, remembering and taking the time to complete the steps may be overwhelming for busy people.
Air Control offers a maintenance service twice per year, as well as an air filter replacement service. Call Air Control today to learn more about the maintenance program and how you can prolong the life of your air conditioner.
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