AC Maintenance Tips: Methods To Prevent Breakdowns & Save Repair Cost
It’s better to keep the air conditioner in top shape than splurging on AC repair in Port St. Lucie. Most of the problems that occur with air conditioning can be prevented with regular and efficient maintenance. In fact, a lot of problems lie blocked airflow and leaking ducts are the result of the lack of any maintenance. And the methods to keep the AC in top shape are simple to conduct. If you don’t mind using one of your Sundays for maintenance, it can be worth the effort. Here are some ways to keep an air conditioner in top shape:
Clean And Replace Filters
This is the simplest yet the most important step to keep your HVAC in top shape. The filters in the air conditioner’s system are responsible to filter the dust particles out of the air flowing in and out of it. But sometimes the airflow can get blocked if the filters are clogged with dust. The dust may even bypass and clog the coils inside. To prevent this, remove the filters and wash them once every month. You may need to replace damaged filters with spare ones.
Clean The Coils
The evaporator and condenser coils collect dust and debris over time that can result in the blockage of airflow. They are usually part of the outside unit and come in direct contact with the outer elements. The evaporator absorbs the air’s heat and the condenser expels it outside. Any blockage can result in heating of the coils and hot air blowing from the system. So it’s important to clean all the dust and debris from the coils.
Straighten Coil Fins
The coil fins are made of aluminum and are easy to bend. Bent fins can block the airflow. You can fix this by straightening the coils with a wooden ruler or a butter knife. Since aluminum is flexible, the process is not hard. Some AC retailers provide a coil comb specifically to straighten the fins. Be careful that you do not put too much pressure on the fins and break them.
Cover During Winters
Many air conditioning systems do not come with a built-in heating system and remain shut during cold weather. But the machine is still in contact with elements like dust and debris when not in use. The compressor unit is especially vulnerable as it is placed outside. It is important to cover the AC’s components during winter to prevent any damage.
Unclog Rear Drain
The rear drain is responsible for collecting the moisture from the system and draining it elsewhere. If the drain is blocked, the water has nowhere else to escape from and starts leaking through the gaps in the model. The moisture can also result in increased humidity of the room.
Hire Maintenance Service
Some things are better left to a professional AC repair in Port St. Lucie. An HVAC has many complex components that require specialized tools for maintenance. Some of them are hazardous and need professional handling to prevent accidents. An annual maintenance service can detect any minor issues before they become major.
Seal Windows
A window AC is installed on a window. There should be no gaps between the AC and the window frame else the cold air will leak outside. Over time, the gap may increase as the frame wears away. It is important to check for gaps and seal them.
Set The Thermostat Low
People tend to set AC to the lowest temperature, increasing the amount of energy needed. The extra effort can lead to breakdowns. It is important to set the thermostat to the correct temperature, i.e. 24-degree celsius. Modern-day thermostats are programmable and regulate the air temperature effectively. They can even be programmed with an app.
Oil & Replace Condenser Fan
Old condenser units have old fans that need to be oiled for smooth functioning. At times, the fan may develop cracks and rust over time. The fan then needs to be replaced.
By following these steps, it is possible to keep the AC running without problems for a long time.
