DIY Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

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DIY Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

DIY Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

3 February 2016
 Categories:
, Blog


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. 

About Me
Beat The Heat: Newest Ideas For HVAC Efficiency

Hello. This is Anthony and I am in charge of accounts for a large retail firm. I have to make sure that bills are paid and I also make recommendations about areas for cost-cutting. Understandably, power bills are one of the biggest expenses. Recently, I suggested an overhaul of all old heating, ventilation and cooling systems. The project team actually underestimated how much new HVAC technologies would save us, so our power bill was a pleasant surprise! The project team worked with highly professional HVAC contractors to choose the best products. I was also informed that correct installation is just as important as choosing the most suitable systems. I am now an advocate for staying on top of HVAC trends and encourage my friends to review the systems in their homes and businesses. I hope the knowledge I share here helps you to know more about the latest HVAC options.

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