AC Repair And Maintenance 101

 

What Does A Well Kept AC Unit look like?

A properly taken care of AC unit can be a pretty simple machine. First, you want to make sure your filter is clean and free of buildup. Your filter should be changed out monthly for smooth airflow.

Next, take a walk outside over to your AC unit, what do you see?

Are there dense, overgrown plants around your system?

Do the outer coils and aluminum fins of your unit look dirty or filled with debris build up?

If you answered yes to either of those questions, it’s time to put in a little work!

For overgrown dense grass, simply use your weed-eater to clear away the excess growth, giving your unit room to circulate freely. If there are larger plants or weeds, make sure to cut them back well away from your unit. Your AC unit needs to remain free of any kind of clogging or airway restriction.

If for some reason you are finding yourself having to do things like clearing weeds and chopping down heavy vegetation often, then maybe it’s time to invest in some yard maintenance or heavy-duty weed killer.

Once you’ve taken care of that problem, your units outer air flow should remain free and clean.

But what if my AC units coils and fins look dirty?

Cleaning dirty AC coils can be pretty easy.

You want to start by simply turning off your AC unit and disconnecting electrical power. Once you have electrically disabled your unit, you want to begin removing any outer fencing around the coils if present. Now, remove the top of your unit to gain better access to the inner coils.

Be aware of all wiring and careful not to damage any of the mechanics of the inner system.

Once you’ve done this, you want to take your water hose and jet stream the water through the coils from the inside of your unit directing all water and buildup to flow out onto the ground, flushing it completely. Be sure to avoid spraying your electrical components!

Once you’ve done this, you want to spray down your units coils and aluminum fins with a cleaning product, like Simple Green for example. Spray the coils and fins generously and allow the product to set in for 15-20 minutes. Once the time is up, you will want to repeat washing your unit from the inside until your water runs clear, free of cleaner, dirt and debris. For more details on the process check out this quick video!

Aside from simply having a technician check your units functioning status once a year, these tips will help maintain your unit and keep it in top working conditions.

Top Reasons HVAC Units Malfunction

1. 1. A dirty or clogged filter– Dirty filters are the most common problems, they affect your airflow, energy bill, your units workload, and even the air you are breathing! Be sure to change them out monthly with the proper sizes.

1. 1. Clogged or leaking ductwork– Similar to air filters, your ductwork is what carries air throughout your building or home. If your ductwork is compromised it can also affect power usage, air flow, air quality, and comfort. To avoid ductwork problems be sure to have your HVAC system checked yearly and have central air repair done when necessary.

1. 1. Faulty thermostat– A faulty thermostat can cause a number of problems with your central air conditioning system due to giving off misreads and causing other problems to possibly go undetected. Sometimes a faulty thermostat fix can be as easy as changing the batteries, otherwise, it’s best to have it checked out and tested by a professional.

1. 1. Freezing– A freezing unit can also result from a number of problems. If any of your homes air flows are compromised it can cause your filter to freeze up. If your air flow seems to be fine but your system is still freezing, have a professional technician examine your unit for leaks or fan problems.

1. Maintenance Neglection – Maintenance Neglection is the number one cause of systems malfunctioning. A central air conditioning unit requires regular AC maintenance and upkeep for a smooth running system all year round and is essential to prolong the life of your AC unit.

AC Repair Or AC Installation?

What it all comes down to is where you fall on the HVAC spectrum. Is it time for maintenance? Repair? Replacement?

If your system only needs simple maintenance, that’s great because most maintenance can be kept up with and diagnosed yourself. Be sure to keep up with the care of your HVAC unit and that’s all it should every need.

Neglection of regular maintenance will only result in costly repairs and frustration. If your system is older and having issues regardless of your care, or possibly because it wasn’t cared for properly before you, this could mean you need a new AC installation altogether. Contact a professional HVAC company today and find out where you fall on the spectrum. Highly reviewed AC Companies, like Dave Lane Air, are always the way to go!

The moral of this story is, take care of your HVAC system and it will take care of you!