Proper maintenance of your air conditioning unit is a must for its longevity. Regular inspection of the cooling fins, air filter, drain pan and pipe, and evaporator coil are important for your air conditioner. If you notice any of these elements not functioning properly, it is time to change them. Ensure that you change your air filter regularly, and replace it when it becomes dirty or damaged. You can replace the filter by washing and drying it before placing it back in the unit. You should also clean the coils.
Clean condenser coils
To clean your air conditioner’s coils, first remove the cover. You will need a screwdriver to do this. Then, use a wire brush or coil brush with stiff bristles to clean the coils. Make sure to guide the bristles parallel to the coil fins. Do not scrub the coils too deeply; you just want to get rid of loose dust and hair.
If the dirt is not too severe, you can brush it off with a soft brush. This will help you control the cleaning pressure. If the dirt is difficult to remove, you may need to scrub the coils. If your coils have bent fins or other damage, you may need to get a professional to clean them.
Keeping your air conditioner’s coils clean will extend its life and reduce your energy bills. Dirty coils make the air conditioning system work harder than it should, and they will reduce its efficiency. In addition, a dirty coil can increase the humidity inside your home, reducing comfort levels.
For outdoor coils, a garden hose with a pump-up attachment can be used to spray the coil. You can also buy an algae tablet that helps prevent the drain from getting clogged. You can also use a vacuum to clear away spiderwebs and loose debris. Make sure to avoid spraying water directly onto the coil as it could damage the fins on the unit.
To make sure your air conditioner is functioning properly, you should clean the coils every few months. This will improve the efficiency of your system by up to 15 percent. You should also change the air filters to maintain good air quality. Altering air filters can help cut your energy bill by up to 5%.
When you’re done with the cleaning process, you should use a garden hose to clean off the remaining chemical residue. This is a good idea only if you have light-sized dust or sand on the coils. If you don’t want to remove the coils, you can use a compressed air technique. The air will foam as it hits the coils. If the coils are too large, you can also use a fin comb to clean off any debris that clings to them.
A mild detergent is another option. It will clean the coils without stripping away the unit’s protective cover. You should apply this detergent with a garden hose on a low setting so you won’t flood the unit. If you have an outdoor AC unit, you can also use a shop vacuum on a wet setting.
If you have a central air conditioner, it’s a good idea to schedule maintenance for your condenser coils every year. This way, you’ll be able to minimize your air conditioner’s need for repairs. A central air conditioner technician will inspect your condenser coils during each visit to make sure they are clean and functioning properly.
Change air conditioner filter
Change air conditioner filters on a regular basis to keep your air conditioner working properly. While most filters are the same size and type, the current filter may not be the correct replacement. It may be necessary to measure the filter to determine the exact size you need to replace. You may also need to round the measurement to the nearest inch.
The filter’s MERV rating will tell you how efficient the filter is, as higher MERV numbers are better. Nevertheless, higher MERV numbers will reduce airflow in the AC unit. Ideally, you should use filters with a MERV rating of 6 or above. High-efficiency ACs can tolerate higher MERV ratings.
Dirty air filters can be caused by dampness, either due to too much relative humidity in the home or condensation inside the air conditioning unit. This dampness can lead to the growth of mold and potentially harmful mold spores. To avoid this, you should change the air filter at least every three months, though the manufacturer may recommend a more frequent change.
A dirty air filter also causes more wear and tear on the air conditioner’s components. It also causes your HVAC system to work harder, which increases your energy bill. By changing the air filter regularly, you can ensure your air conditioner will last for a long time. And since this is a small investment, it will pay off in the long run.
A dirty air conditioner filter can also result in hot air coming out of the back of the unit. Dirty filters also force your air conditioner to work harder, resulting in more frequent AC repair and a shorter lifespan. By changing your air conditioner filter regularly, you can help your unit work more efficiently and save money by reducing the load on your air conditioner.
When changing air conditioner filters, make sure you get the right size and type. Newer systems usually use pleated air filters. These filters are one-inch deep and are meant to last about six months. If you have multiple pets, you may want to replace your air filters every 20 to forty-five days. If you have no pets, however, you can wait until every six months to make sure your air conditioner is clean and running optimally.
Most air filter manufacturers recommend changing air filters every 90 days or three months. However, your system’s age, location, and number of pets may dictate the frequency at which you should change your filters. You can change your air filter if you see that it’s getting clogged with dust and other pollutants. If you seek a more thorough job then maintain your air conditioning from BAC services in Brisbane.
Keep unit at higher temperature while you are away
In summer, set the temperature to 78 degrees or higher. This can save up to 10 percent of your electricity bill. In the winter, set it to 68 degrees or lower. This way, the AC will have to work a little harder to cool your home.
When you’re away, leave your air conditioner running on a lower setting. Running it on full blast can be costly and will shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner. Instead, set the thermostat to a higher setting so that your home maintains the right temperature and humidity.
Another reason to keep the temperature high is to prevent mold and insects from growing. If the air in your home is humid, your house will feel warmer than it is. This can be a perfect breeding ground for bugs and mold. If your air conditioner is off for long periods, it will allow insects and mold to settle and multiply. Raising the temperature will prevent these issues and keep your home free of pests.
