Summer is just around the corner, so it makes perfect sense to take stock of your air conditioner's current state. After a long winter, there's plenty of spring cleaning to be done to get your A/C system ready to tackle warmer temperatures.
Spring cleaning is all about taking care of those basic maintenance tasks that help improve your A/C system's overall efficiency and performance. If you're ready to dive in, here are a few tasks for air conditioner repair you can get started on:
Change Your Air Filter
It's by far the simplest and most important of all the spring cleaning tasks on this list. Think of changing your air filter as an insurance policy for your A/C system – leaving a dirty air filter in place makes it more difficult for the air conditioner to draw the intake air it needs to function, creating excess wear and tear as the system works harder to cool your home.
Experts recommend that you change or clean your air filter on a monthly basis, unless otherwise specified by your A/C system's manufacturer. Some manufactures go by a three-month interval, depending on the type of air filter used.
As you choose your next air filter, you want to be sure you pick the correct size and type for your system. An ill-fitting air filter can cause bypass leaks, while a filter that offers extraordinarily high levels of filtration may also unnecessarily block airflow due to its design.
Clean the Air Registers
You'd be surprised at the amount of dust and debris that's left behind as air passes through the registers. For this reason, it's a good idea to remove and thoroughly clean each and every air register in your home. Not only will this prevent airborne contaminants from migrating further into your home, but it also improves overall airflow. You should also take the time to vacuum and wipe down the area immediately around the registers.
Clean and Patch the Ductwork as Needed
It's not every day that you get a chance to check your ductwork for leaks and other issues. You should take this moment to inspect your ducts, patching up gaps, cracks and minor leaks in the ductwork as you go along. Keep in mind that you won't be able to inspect all of your ductwork due to space constraints, so just complete as much as you can.
You'll also want to give the insides of your ductwork a thorough cleaning. Unfortunately, there's only so much a handy shop vacuum can do – instead, it's up to your technician to clean the ducts, using the proper equipment and techniques.
Get Rid of Debris Around Both Outdoor Cabinet
It's common for leaves, twigs and vegetation to pile up around the bottom of a central A/C system's outdoor cabinet. Given that the condenser coil within gets its air from the bottom of the cabinet, it's important to keep that area clear of any potential obstructions. In addition, you should hose down the condenser coil periodically to remove leaves and other debris that fell in through the top of the unit.
Clean the Coils
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the evaporator coil located within the A/C system's indoor cabinet. The coil's dark and damp confines also provide an ideal place for mold and mildew to flourish. Both can block airflow that's needed for the A/C system to remove heat from interior spaces.
You can use a no-rinse foaming cleaner to remove most, if not all of the debris and mold residue on the evaporator coil. Using a no-rinse cleaner also helps you avoid contact with the fragile aluminum fins lining the coil.
After this much spring cleaning, it's no wonder that your A/C system stands ready to take on the summer heat.
Share4 March 2015
Working with HVAC contractors is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only do your contractors ensure that a new system you buy is properly installed, but they also ensure optimal performance throughout the years through a series of regular inspections, maintenance services, and repairs. But there are lots of things you can do in between your contractor's visits to ensure that your HVAC investment is always in tip top condition, aside from cleaning out the air filters. After working with my dad for more than a decade in the HVAC business, I've put together a few methods homeowners can use to maintain a well working system, and I have published those tips and tricks right here on this blog. I hope some of the information you find here helps you on your journey as a homeowner!
