Regular air conditioner (AC) maintenance preserves the system's energy and cooling efficiency. Maintenance also reduces the risk of malfunctions. Below are services to include in the maintenance program.
Checking Refrigerant Pressure
The refrigerant pressure determines how well the AC can remove heat from your house's interior and cool the house. Low refrigerant pressure lowers the AC's cooling efficiency, forces the system to overwork, and increases the risk of malfunctioning.
The AC technician will use a combination of a refrigerant gauge and thermometer to gauge the refrigerant pressure. Low pressure means a refrigerant leak, which the technician should diagnose and plug before recharging the refrigerant.
Cleaning the Refrigerant
Dirt and debris affect the AC in several ways. For example:
Regular AC cleaning is necessary to prevent such issues.
Replacing Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, and restricted airflow overworks the AC and causes it to consume more energy than usual. A dirty filter also doesn't clean the air circulating in your house properly. As such, air filter replacement or cleaning (for reusable filters) is a basic AC maintenance service.
Evaluating Airflow
Efficient cooling requires efficient airflow. Different issues can interfere with the system's airflow. For example, damaged air ducts can leak air, misplaced furniture can block vents, and dirty filters can restrict airflow. The technician will evaluate the airflow in the house and make the relevant adjustments.
Inspecting Connections
The AC has several connections that the technician should check during routine maintenance. Examples include the thermostat's electrical connections, the AC's power connections, and the refrigerant lines. Each of these can trigger problems if loose. For example, loose refrigerant lines can leak the fluid, and loose thermostat cables lead to incorrect temperature readings.
Lubricating Motors
AC motors require lubrication to reduce friction and to cool them. Over time, the lubricant deteriorates, dries, gets dirty, and becomes ineffective. The risk of motor damage is high, which is unfortunate since AC motors are relatively expensive to fix or replace. AC technicians prevent such issues by regularly cleaning and lubricating the motors.
Calibrating the Thermostat
Thermostat calibration determines how accurately it measures the ambient temperature. The AC contractor will calibrate the thermostat for high accuracy during installation. Unfortunately, dirt, temperature changes, and electrical fluctuations will interfere with the calibration over time. Poor calibration causes cooling and energy efficiency, so regular calibration is necessary.
To learn more about AC routine maintenance, contact a professional near you.
Share1 September 2023
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!
