Air conditioning systems require a little maintenance each year, especially after they have sat idle all winter. While major issues like broken fans, electrical wiring problems, refrigerant leaks, etc. should be handled by a service technician, there are things that homeowners can do on their own. Many air conditioning system issues are caused by dirt and dust which will decrease system performance over time, and wear down mechanical parts.
The filters are the easiest component to take care of, and are crucial to efficient cool, acting as lungs for the system. Some are washable and others are disposable. The simple act of keeping them clean can save anywhere from five to fifteen percent of energy usage. Filters are located in the unit, near the return duct. Any replacement filter should be one that is rated for the system. Although filters can be purchased that capture smaller particles such as pollen and other allergens, the tradeoff is in airflow through the system.
All air conditioners have two coils, which are made of cooper tubes and aluminum fins. Their purpose is to increase the rate of temperature transfer. This is accomplished through the use of an evaporator coil and a condenser coil. Over time, the coils are coated with dust, which has an insulating effect that slows down the temperature transfer. This can radically decrease the cooling capacity by almost a third.
Compressed air is helpful in cleaning this essential area. While working with the coils, one must be careful not to bend the aluminum fins. If the fins do receive some misalignment, a tool called a fin comb—that can be purchased from an air conditioning supplier—can be used to move them back into proper position.
Air conditioners have drip pans underneath them that catch any condensation. Drain lines can allow this to accumulate if they become blocked. A wire much like that from a coat hanger can be snaked through the drain to clear any blockage. Water left in a pan can invite mold, so the pan should be sanitized if it has been blocked.
There will be times when a service call is needed. Gladwyne Air Conditioning technicians will any questions an owner may have about air conditioners. They’ll also help with other key areas such as ductwork. If a cooling system is 8-10 years old, homeowners may also want to consider a new system.
