Use These 10 Tips to Keep Your Air Conditioner in Tip Top Shape | Air Conditioner Repair in Mansfield, TX
An air conditioner is a piece of machinery like any other that needs to be maintained. Whether this means regular servicing, air conditioner repair in Mansfield, TX, or replacing different parts altogether is your prerogative. However, the way you treat it ultimately translates into an increased or decreased lifespan and optimal or non-optimal operation.
Here are 10 tips to help you maintain your air conditioner so that it runs at optimal efficiency and has an increased lifespan than normal.
Keep it Clean
Above all, the first rule of air conditioner repair in Mansfield, TX, is to keep it clean. The fins of the AC unit need to be cleaned with a soft bristle brush. Since the fins are fragile and can be crushed and bent easily, this is a much more delicate process than you’d think. For many units, a metal box would need to be unscrewed and then the fins could be accessed.
Use a Brush
Scrub the dust and the refuse from a small air conditioner using a plastic bristle brush as well as a foam cleanser. This would allow you to get in between the fins and get out the dirt that is locked in there.
Fix the Pad
There are concrete pads under most home air conditioning units. For the best air conditioner repair in Mansfield, TX you need to pay attention to their condition from time to time. The pad may naturally sink due to the constant pressure on it, but unless the coolant tubes, the electrical lines, and the unit stay dry, there’s nothing to worry about.
However, if the pad continues to sink and pulls the lines tights as well as starts taking on water, you need to replace that pad or get it fixed. Otherwise, you may get a larger bill for air conditioner repair in Mansfield, TX than you bargained for.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
This is a must-have for the modern air conditioner. The reason is that it’ll take the load off your hands. It’ll allow you to set temperatures for different times throughout the day. It’ll allow you to relax while the thermostat takes the reins of the AC. This will help you save money which is always a plus.
Air Conditioner Coils
The most important part of an air conditioner is arguably the coils. They’re the ones that allow heat to be exchanged and cool air to be thrown at you. So for great air conditioning repair in Mansfield, TX those parts need to be serviced.
The evaporator coil collects dirt even if there are clean filters. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil. This reduces its ability to absorb heat. Hence, it messes with the entire heat exchange process. Check on it from time to time to see if it’s clean.
Air Conditioner Fins
The fins on the evaporator are made of aluminum. They’re very easily bent and can block airflow which interferes with the cooling process. You can easily return them to their original shape with a tool called the fin comb.
Be sure to wear gloves while doing this part of air conditioning repair in Mansfield, TX so that your hands aren’t cut.
Unclog the Condensate Drain Tube
If water gathers around a furnace or near an AC, you can bet that there’s a clogged condensate drain tube. The condensate contains bacteria and can form slime. This will not only clog the condensate pan but it will also contaminate the air around it. This prevents it from reducing humidity and the excess moisture can result in bacterial growth and discoloration of the walls.
To clean this, you should pass a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels every once in a while. This is pretty basic air conditioning repair in Mansfield, TX.
Replace the Filter
Replacing the filter is necessary every once in a while. As part of the basic air conditioning repair in Mansfield, TX, every six months, you should look at the filter to see if there is significant dirt build up. You should clean it or change it if necessary. Some filters can be cleaned, and others can only be replaced. There are various types with varying efficiencies.
It’s estimated that if you replace a dirty or clogged filter with one that’s clean, you can lower the overall energy consumption of your Air conditioner by 5 to 15%.
Check Insulation
The insulation around the AC’s outdoor lines affects its efficiency. You should replace it or get it repaired if you find any significant breaks within it. Something else that is very basic air conditioning repair in Mansfield, TX is finding air leaks in the home. These also affect the insulation in the home.
To find one, you should close all the windows in the home and turn off all the fans and furnace. Then light some incense and walk around the outer walls of the home. If you notice the smoke blowing in a certain direction, there’s your air leak. Seal it immediately.
Window Seals
Every cooling season should start with an inspection of the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame. This ensures that it makes contact with the metal case of the air conditioning unit. Moisture damages this seal overtime and allows cool air to escape from the home.
An ideal thing to do to avoid extensive air conditioning repair in Mansfield, TX would be to keep checking on this every six months or so and call in for small repairs if needed.
Hiring a Professional
The best way to help your AC endure all sorts of weather and wear and tear is to get help from a professional. This way, you can get the best advice on how to fix problems and how to maintain the efficiency of an air conditioning unit for as long as possible.
If you’re looking for the best services for Air conditioning and heating equipment whether for installation, servicing, or repair, call Minuteman Heating and AC and get the best deals you’ve ever heard of.