How Do I Maintain My Central Air Conditioner?
Air Conditioner Maintenance in Philadelphia PA
How do I maintain my central air conditioner? Here are some tips that you can follow to keep your system in tip-top shape. First, turn off the electricity at the breaker box and condenser. Remove any loose parts or debris from the air handler’s evaporator and fan cage. If necessary, clean the condenser’s interior with a soft rag or a vacuum. Also, be sure to check the drain pan and pipe for rust or blockage. Clean the filter and replace if dirty. You can also clean the condenser’s outside parts by removing any branches or ground-level debris that might be clogging the air flow.
Then, clean the drain line using a mild chemical solution (a cup of bleach works well). To clean the air filter, you can use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Most people leave their air conditioning on all day, forgetting to adjust the temperature before they leave the house. To avoid such problems, you can invest in a programmable thermostat. These thermostats automatically adjust their temperatures to suit the times of day you are home.
Cleaning the central air unit is one of the most important ways to prolong its life. You should replace it every two to three months. Additionally, you should also make sure to clean the fins of your air conditioner, but it requires a little more work. Use a butter knife to re-align the fins if necessary. Do not penetrate them deeper than half an inch or you risk damaging the unit.
AC Repair & Maintenance Service in Philadelphia PA
Another way to prolong the life of your air conditioner is to maintain its outdoor condenser unit. This unit is located outdoors, and has grille-like sides. During winter, it should be covered with plastic. If not, use a water hose to clean the unit. Be careful not to use pressure washers or other harsh chemicals, as this can damage the unit. Lastly, you should trim the shrubbery around your air conditioner so that the airflow is uninterrupted.
After cleaning the evaporator coils, you should clean the condenser and the drain pipe of your air conditioning system. Both parts need clean water to function efficiently. You can clean them yourself, but cleaning them twice a year is recommended. You can purchase a spray cleaner from a hardware store. You should make sure to drain the excess water from the condenser. Cleaning these components regularly will ensure that your air conditioning unit is in top shape.
You can also replace the insulation around your air conditioner. Foam insulation sleeves or tape can be purchased online or cut by using a utility knife. Once you’ve done this, turn on the power to your condenser. You should also change the temperature in your home, so that it’s comfortable. If your air conditioner does not work, call an A/C repair company. This way, you can avoid any costly repairs later on.
Changing the air filter is the easiest part of maintaining your air conditioner. Many systems have reusable or replaceable filters. Most of them are located inside the furnace or air-handler cabinet. Make sure to clean them twice a year or when they become clogged. If the filter is dirty, it will decrease air flow and may even draw dust back into the house. So, clean it regularly to ensure the system works efficiently and lasts for a long time.
Your air filter should be changed at least every 90 days. A MERV 13 filter is best if you suffer from allergies. It will help your air conditioner remove airborne pollutants and help you breathe easier. You should also check the air filter on an outside air conditioner every once in a while, as it can easily get clogged. This will lower your energy bills and lower your utility bill. If you have a programmable thermostat, check the settings to be sure your air conditioner is working properly.
Cleaning the condenser coils is another part of the maintenance process. If you have a hose with a trigger nozzle, you can blast dirt and debris out of the coils from the inside. Make sure to take care not to damage the fins of the condenser because water may damage the electrical components. When cleaning the condenser, you should also check the drain to remove any debris and make sure it is clean.
A trained HVAC technician in Philadelphia PA can inspect and repair most problems before they become major ones. A single call to a trained technician costs around $100 for a routine maintenance call. A trained technician will check the interior of the unit, clean the filter, and charge the refrigerant if necessary. A well-maintained unit should last for at least 10 years. A trained technician can also inspect the drain and the unit to ensure it is working properly.