The Ultimate Guide to Preventive AC Maintenance: Keep Your System Running Smoothly
If you and your family want to stay cool and comfortable in the summer months, you must prioritize preventive AC maintenance. This guide provides all the information you need to maintain your system and keep it running smoothly for years to come. Learn how regular servicing, cleaning, and inspections can reduce energy costs and extend the life of your air conditioning system.
At Robert B. Payne, our team of highly trained technicians can help ensure that your air conditioner is running smoothly and efficiently at all times. Contact us today for more information!
AC Maintenance Tasks You Might Be Able To DIY
In this section, we’ll discuss the preventive maintenance tasks you can try doing independently. From cleaning the outdoor unit to replacing air filters, these steps are essential for preserving your system’s efficiency and performance. As always though, it’s always best and more economical to call a trained professional.
Cleaning The Outdoor Unit
The outdoor condenser coil is critical for the proper operation of the AC system. To keep your system running smoothly, it’s important to keep the outdoor unit free from debris. Be sure to check for any dirt, leaves, or other debris that may be clogging up the system and blocking airflow.
Step One: Switch Off The Unit
Before you start cleaning, be sure to switch off the power to the outdoor unit. This will help prevent any accidental contact with live electrical parts and keep you safe. You can switch off the power to the unit at the switch or by taking out the breaker.
Step Two: Clean The Area Around The Unit
Using a brush or vacuum, clean up the area surrounding the outdoor unit. Make sure to remove any leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris that may be clogging up the system. Inspect the condenser fins and get rid of any particles stuck to them.
Step Three: Straighten The Condenser Fins
For this step, you’ll need a fin comb or an old dinner knife to straighten the condenser fins. Take care not to damage them when using the tool. The fins will be easier to clean once they’ve been straightened out.
Step Four: Clean The Condenser Fan
Clean the fan blades and make sure that they are free from dirt and debris. The fan needs to be operating properly for efficient airflow through the condenser coil. You can wipe them down with a damp cloth and leave them to dry.
Step Five: Clean The Fins Thoroughly
Using a garden hose, clean the condenser fins thoroughly. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris that may be clogging up the system. While you’re cleaning, be careful not to splash water on the fan motor.
Replacing Air Filters
One of the most important preventive maintenance tasks is replacing air filters. Dirty air filters can decrease your system’s performance, resulting in higher energy costs and decreased air quality. Be sure to check and replace your air filters every month or two to ensure optimal performance.
Cleaning The Indoor Unit
The indoor unit also needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Be sure to check all the coils and vents for dust and debris that can reduce airflow. Also, vacuum any pet hair or other debris from the grills and fans.
Step One: Make Sure The Unit is Still Off
Before starting any cleaning, make sure that the power is off to the indoor unit. Once again, you can decide to switch off the power to the unit at the nearest switch or by taking out the breaker.
Step Two: Clean The Evaporator Coils
Using a soft brush, clean up the coils inside your system. Make sure to remove all of the dust. After that, you can spray down the coil with a no-rinse coil cleaner. This will remove all the deposits on the coils. To clean between the coils, use a soft cloth, water, and mild detergent.
Step Three: Clean The Evaporator Drain
Mold and mildew can accumulate in the evaporator drain. This can cause problems with airflow and possible water damage to your home. Be sure to clean out the evaporator drain with a wet/dry vacuum or pipe cleaner every month or two.
Step Four: Change The Blower Filter
Finally, if you live in a dusty environment, it’s important to change the blower filter at least twice every year. This will help maintain good indoor air quality and improve your system’s efficiency. You can make a change just before the start of the heating and cooling season.
These are just some of the preventive maintenance tasks that you can do on your own. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your AC system remains in tip-top shape and runs smoothly all year round. Regular preventive maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your system and save money on energy costs. For more information on how to maintain your AC system, contact the friendly team at Robert B. Payne.
If you’re not comfortable with performing these tasks yourself, the experts at Robert B. Payne can help you out. Our experienced technicians are trained to inspect and service your system to keep it running efficiently. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
AC Maintenance Tasks You Should Leave to The Experts
Unless you are a trained technician, it’s best to leave certain tasks to the experts. Some of these include:
- Checking and tightening all electrical connections.
- Inspecting the refrigerant levels and making sure that they are within acceptable standards.
- Sizing and installing a new AC system.
- Regular inspections and maintenance.
Checking And Tightening All Electrical Connections
Your air conditioner is made up of many delicate electrical components including motors, tubes, and wires. If these aren’t properly connected, it could cause serious damage to your system. For this reason, it’s best to leave this task to a professional who can check all the connections and tighten them if necessary.
Inspecting Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant in your air conditioner is responsible for cooling the air that is blown into your home. If the refrigerant level is too low, it will not be able to cool your home efficiently. Therefore, it’s important to have a trained technician inspect the levels and make sure they are within acceptable standards.
Sizing And Installing a New AC System
Installing a new air conditioner can be a complicated process. Not only does the size of the unit have to be taken into consideration, but also its type and capacity for your home’s needs. For this task, it’s best to leave it to a professional who can help you select the right system and ensure that it is properly installed.
Regular Inspections And Maintenance
Finally, regular inspections and maintenance are essential for keeping your AC system running smoothly. A professional technician can help inspect and service the unit, as well as make any necessary repairs or replacements. This will ensure that your system is performing at its best and prevent any major issues from arising.
Regardless of how good you are with DIY projects, it’s always best to leave more complicated tasks to the professionals. When it comes to AC maintenance, you should always contact a professional technician to inspect and service your system.
Contact The AC Maintenance Professionals
Maintaining your air conditioner is an important part of keeping your home comfortable. By following the preventive maintenance steps outlined above and enlisting professional help when necessary, you can keep your system running smoothly all year round. If you have any questions or need assistance with AC maintenance, contact Robert B. Payne today at 540-373-5876! Our team is here to help.