3 Things You Need To Do To Properly Maintain Your Air Conditioner
Nobody wants a broken-down air conditioner during the peak temperatures of summer. Unfortunately, it can happen if you are not taking the proper steps to maintain your air conditioning system. If you do these three things, you will prevent the need for emergency air conditioning repair.
Clean Your Condenser
The unit outside your home is called the condenser, and it plays a critical role in cooling down your house. If it gets clogged with leaves, dirt, or grass clippings, the whole unit may break down. A condenser is built for the outdoors, but it still needs to be cleaned from time to time.
Turn off the air conditioner at the fuse box to ensure that it is turned off. You can unscrew the protective grate to give yourself access to the inside the condenser. Clean off all debris that is around the air filters and the blade. Use a garden hose to clean out debris that is in the fins surrounding the condenser. You should be spraying water from the inside so all the debris does not go in the unit.
Keep in mind that you should be careful when cleaning the fins of the condenser. Air passes through the fins to cool down the unit, and if the fins are bent and out of shape, the condenser could potentially overheat. Make sure to straighten out any bent fins with a flat head screwdriver to improve airflow.
Maintain Proper Refrigerant Levels
When your AC stops producing cold air, it is most likely because of low refrigerant. Prior to starting up your air conditioner in the spring, have an air conditioning repair technician come to your home to check the unit's levels for you and refill it if it is low. Adding refrigerant is not the same as adding gasoline to a car. It is a dangerous chemical that should never be inhaled or touch your skin. If you do have low refrigerant, chances are that it is due to a leak somewhere in your system that needs to be repaired.
Replace Your Air Filters
Many homeowners do not think of replacing the air filters regularly, but they can get clogged in as little as a month. Pollen, pet dander, and hair can all get stuck in a filter and restrict the air flow going through the vents of your home. Replace the filter once every 1-3 months to ensure optimum efficiency.
By doing these maintenance steps, you will help keep your air conditioner running all year round.
