Buying an AC comes with comfort as you relax under a cool breeze after a hot day. However, it also has its share of challenges. Sometimes, you may need to do frequent repairs to keep the AC functional. The problem is that it can cost you a lot of money in the long run.
That’s why it is crucial to know the best maintenance tips that will keep your AC effective and save you many repairs. Here are the crucial AC Maintenance Tips to consider.
Maintain Your Thermostat Properly
Even though the thermostat is a smaller part of your AC, it plays a crucial role in the system’s functioning. It senses and monitors the indoor air humidity, and this requires adequate maintenance for effective functioning.
Some thermostats work with certain batteries, and you need to replace them at least once per year. When the batteries get worn out, they will give you a warning by flashing the battery icon on the front panel part of your thermostat. In this case, you should replace the batteries once you see the warming.
Batteries that continue to operate after showing the warning will render the system ineffective. This can make the system fail to power on at all, which can lead to system breakdown.
In this case, you’ll need to look for AC repair services from an expert, which will be more costly than frequent maintenance of the batteries. Therefore, do not wait till it is late.
It is simple to change the thermostat batteries. Pull out the front part, remove the old batteries, and replace the new ones. Remember that thermostat brands differ. Meaning, you need to get the exact type of batteries compatible with your thermostat. Ensure you check the manual before purchasing the batteries.
Outdoor Unit Maintenance
The outdoor unit is also another crucial component of your AC that transfer heat from home indoor to the outside. It consists of various comments. This includes the condenser, compressor, and a large fan. For the system’s effective operation, you need to ensure that the components stay clean.
During the system’s normal operation, the air gets drawn in from the system’s side and moves to the top. Meaning there should not be any obstructions as the air moves from the top. In this case, you should rake all debris, leaves, and weeds from the areas close to the system.
Generally, the area should be clean to avoid any disturbances when the AC starts running. Ensure you maintain a clean environment of about two feet from the AC to void resistance to sufficient airflow.
When the system gets blocked, you will experience a reduced cooling capacity of the system. Meaning, you will not enjoy the maximum heating and cooling that the system should offer.
Avoid using a pressure washer as it may damage the delicate condenser fins. You can clean the fins gently using a stream of water. This will not damage or bend the fins.
Don’t forget to shut off the system and switch off the circuit breaker’s power before you begin the maintenance. For the best results, wash the sides of your unit with a garden hose to unclog dirt and debris.
Replace the Refrigerant Pipe Insulation
A refrigerant is covered with insulation. Sometimes, you may notice that the insulation is out of shape. It could be cracked or disintegrating and may need a total replacement.
It can deteriorate over the years, and you may not know how to change it or what type of insulation you need to buy. You may think that the replacement is not important. But a new installation of your insulation can save you a lot of money in the long run.
If the insulation fails to work properly, it can lead to insufficient cooling capacity, causing you to lose the AC’s full capacity. Before replacing the insulation, ensure you shut down the unit and follow the appropriate safety measures outlined in the manual.
For accurate insulation, get the right measurement for the diameter and the length of your refrigerant pipe. Consider getting the measurements when purchasing new insulation because they come in multiple lengths and diameters.
If you are working on a budget, you can go for the rubber type. It is usually pocket-friendly and easy to fit into the pipe. You can also easily close up the insulation after the installation since the rubber type comes with an adhesive on the side.
Evaporator Coil Maintenance
The evaporator coil needs to stay clean for AC effective functioning. It is a channel that allows the refrigerant to pass through and absorb heat when blown by the air from your home.
For the best outcome, ensure you clean the evaporator coil at least once per year to avoid frequent AC repair. Cleaning the evaporator coil is easy. You only need to use certain chemicals to get the best results. The only challenge is to locate the coil itself.
It is worth noting that due to the availability of many models, manufacturers, and configurations in the market today, you will need to check on the owner’s manual to know the evaporator coil suitable for your system.
Once you locate the coil, ensure you clean It using a foaming spray available in most hardware stores. However, you should consult your AC manual to see if there are specific instructions you should follow when cleaning the coil. Most importantly, ensure you follow the safety precautions in the manual.
While spreading the foam, let it cover the coil well. When you turn on the unit, the condensation will wash the foam away. Sometimes, cleaning the coil can be complicated, and you may not know how to do it effectively. In this case, you may need to hire a professional to do the job for you.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air conditioner works hard to cool your home. If you fail to replace the air filters, the system will need to work even harder to maintain effective cooling.
Dirty filters can reduce the cooling capacity of the system and damage the components of the unit. In this case, you need to replace your filter between 60 to 90 days on average.
If you have washable filters, you can also clean them to allow your system to continue operating effectively. Ensure you clean the dust well to avoid traveling down to the indoor unit because it will stick there and block airflow.
Remember, there are different air filters, and you need to identify the right one that fits your system before you purchase.
The Bottom Line
If you maintain your AC well, you will not require frequent AC repairs. If your AC has any issue, call a contractor from https://fivestar-airconditioning.com/ac-repair-anthem-az/. The modern models are efficient and do not require major repairs. Ensure you keep a close eye on your system to identify any unusual changes before it is too late.
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