DIY Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips
Most homeowners typically know that annual air conditioning servicing from professional contractors is pertinent to keeping your unit running at optimum efficiency. However, this does not mean that you neglect your air conditioning system for the rest of the year. Not engaging in regular maintenance will not only impede the efficiency of your unit, but can also shorten its lifespan. Here are some handy DIY air conditioning maintenance tips that any homeowner can engage in. It should be noted though that the air conditioning unit should be turned off before engaging in any maintenance.
Clean the condenser's fan and oil its motor
Over time, dust and grime can collect on your air conditioning's condenser fan. To eliminate this, use a soft bristle brush to gently brush it clean. Once you are done with the fan, take out the cover grill of the unit to access the subset screws that hold the fan in place. Unscrew the fan and gently extricate it from the unit. This will give you access to the oil ports of the condenser's motor. Use a lubricant recommended by the manufacturer to oil these ports.
Clean the air conditioning unit's coils
The coils of the air conditioning unit are typically located outside in the condenser unit. Since these units are situated outdoors, it is prone to collecting debris such as fallen leaves, dead twigs, dust and more. Leaving this debris will cause your condenser to overheat, as it is not getting proper ventilation. To clean the coils, gently remove the coil guard that works toward protecting the coils from outside interference. You should then use a garden hose to wash out any debris that is present. Once you are done cleaning the coils, inspect the fins on the foil guard to ensure they are all straight and uniform. If they are uneven, use a fin comb to straighten them out before replacing the coil guard.
Clean the air conditioning unit's filters
Another component you should carry out regular maintenance on is the filter. The air filter works toward purifying the air in your home, thus leaving a dirty filter for extended periods of time can compromise the air you breathe. Moreover, a dirty filter will cause your AC unit to work harder when ventilating your home, which can lead to a decreased lifespan. Start by removing the casing that covers the filter. This gives you access to the filter itself thus enabling you to extricate it and wipe it down with a moist cloth. If the filter is extremely dirty, you can use soapy water. However, ensure to carefully rinse it out. Wait for the filter to dry before putting it back in its casing and reattaching it to the air conditioning unit.