A Comprehensive Guide to Making the Most of Your Air Conditioner
We all know just how important air conditioners are for keeping us comfortable at work or in our homes, especially during the hot summer months. However, air conditioners require proper maintenance to ensure it works smoothly and can last for up to several years. Many owners do not pay attention to taking adequate care of their air conditioners which either leads to unnecessary repairs by hiring an air conditioning service in Arlington TX.
This is why in this post, we provide a detailed guide on some of the crucial maintenance tips and methods of maintaining and servicing yourself or through seeking an air conditioning service in Arlington TX.
Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
When it comes to DIY air conditioner maintenance, it is no match for seeking a professional and quality air conditioning service in Arlington TX. Nevertheless, there are still many DIY maintenance tips you should opt for to ensure your air conditioner works smoothly and can operate for as long as possible. The key to effective maintenance is regular inspection and cleaning. This is not only important for detecting problems and issues early on, but also for keeping maintenance and repair costs as low as possible. The following steps outline how to clean your air conditioner.
Turn Off the Power
Begin your air conditioning maintenance by turning off the power prior to removing any components or parts. This is important for avoiding any electrical hazards and also for preventing the components from becoming damaged or faulty. Look for a shut-off box on the exterior and switch off the breaker box.
Clean the Air Conditioner
After making sure the air conditioner is turned off, detach the fan cage, as well as the fasteners using a wench or screwdriver. Then clean the fan by removing dirt, debris, and tree leaves, either with your hand, vacuum, or a dry piece of cloth to ensure the various components of the air conditioner do not get affected.
It is also crucial for you to clean the fins of the air conditioner as dirt and dust can easily penetrate inside it. To do this, use a strong garden hose to spray the fins and remove any build up of debris or dust between the grills. Make sure, however, that you do not use a pressure washer as the high pressure can damage the fins. Be sure to consult an expert by hiring an air conditioning service in Arlington TX for further advice.
Straighten the AC fins
Due to excessive wear and tear, it is likely for the fins of the air conditioner can become bent, which can hinder proper air flow and reduce efficiency. Instead of hiring an air conditioning service in Arlington TX unnecessarily, you should straighten the fins using a small butter knife or other metal tool. Be sure to straighten it gently as the fins are very delicate and can get damaged very easily.
Ensure the Surrounding Area Is Clean and Organized
Assuming your air conditioner is kept outside it is recommended that you ensure the AC is within safe distance of bushes, branches, and trees to avoid getting damaged. Leaves and small twigs from branches, as well as insects can often find themselves inside air conditioners, leading to efficiency problems. For this reason, trimming nearby bushes and branches of trees and keeping the area dust-free is highly recommended.
More importantly, excess moisture can lead to the formation of mold and harmful bacteria can give way to fungi and mildew, causing the air conditioner to rust and corrode quickly. Always use disinfectants in the surrounding area to prevent bacteria from growing.
Check the Evaporator Coil
A fault in an air conditioner’s evaporator coil is a possible reason for hiring an air conditioning service in Arlington TX. For this reason, it is advised that you regularly inspect and clean the evaporator coil and remove any build up of dust and dirt. Use a small brush to clean dirt on the coil and with a coil cleaner that you can purchase at any store, spray to create thick foam that will help keep the coil in good condition. The excess foam will drain into a pan and it is important that you clean it using hot water mixed with soap and bleach. To ensure long-term coil efficiency, install a drain pan tablet to prevent algae growth.
If you do not feel confident about cleaning the evaporator coil, seek assistance from a professional via an air conditioning service in Arlington TX.
Replace the Air Conditioner Filter
Be sure to change your air conditioning filter. Changing it before summer and again before winter will be crucial for ensuring proper functioning and high performance. The number of times you replace your blower filter will depend on how much dust your air conditioner is exposed to. If you live in a particularly dusty area, you may have to replace it more than twice a year. For best advice, seek expert advice via an air conditioning service in Arlington TX.
To change the filter, use a screwdriver to open the door of the air conditioner. Remove the outdated filter and replace it with a new filter and synchronize the filter direction arrow to the ones on the unit and then close the door.
Turn on your AC
After you have cleaned the necessary components of the air conditioner, you can turn the power back on to be able to use it efficiently. However, it is crucial to note that while you can perform maintenance for your air conditioner, a HVAC technician will have the expertise and training to do so far more efficiently. This is why it is always recommended that you hire an air conditioning service in Arlington TX for best performance. An air conditioning service in Arlington TX can enable you to save costs and give you valuable tips that you can follow to ensure your air conditioner stays efficient in the long-term.
Minuteman Heating & Air provides quality HVAC repairs and maintenance for your needs. For more information, visit https://minutemanheatingandac.com.