Air Conditioning Maintenance- Don’t Neglect It!

This is a topic we can’t talk about enough. Here at Action Air, we believe that regular maintenance is one of the most important factors in your home comfort. All of the other measures you take to reduce energy use and increase comfort won’t be effective if your AC is not working properly. Maintenance ensures that your cooling system keeps you comfortable, works at peak efficiency, lasts longer and costs you less money in repairs.
So, let’s go over some of the basics of AC maintenance for Florida homeowners:

Filters

One of the most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal air flow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. With normal air flow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. Keeping the filter clean can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5%–15%.

For central air conditioners, filters are generally located somewhere along the return duct’s length. Common filter locations are in walls, ceilings, air handler, or in the air conditioner itself.

Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They’re available in a variety of types and efficiencies. We can tell you which kinds of filters are right for your system, and clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter or filters during regularly scheduled maintenance visits. You can do the job every month or two during the cooling season, as well. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.

Coils

The air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces air flow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.

Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins.

You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 18 inches to 2 feet to allow for adequate air flow around the condenser.

Fins

The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block air flow through the coil. Air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool called a “fin comb” that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition. We can also take care of this during preventative maintenance.

Condensate drains

Clogged drain channels prevent your cooling unit from reducing humidity, and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet. Routine cleaning with a shop vac and approved drain cleaning additive is very worthwhile.

Regular AC maintenance is worth the extra few minutes it takes each month to make sure these important components are working properly. Another smart idea? Sign up for a maintenance contract. Our highly-trained technicians can be your AC system’s best friend!

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Indoor Air Quality and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website