Edit ArticleHow to Maintain an Air Conditioner The amount of maintenance a homeowner can perform on an air conditioner is rather limited, but some simple, easy to perform steps can breathe new life into an older, poorly performing units or those that produce foul odors. Read on for more. Unplug the air conditioner. Remove the filter and bezel or cover of the unit if needed. Spray the front coil of the air conditioner with a cleaning agent designed for this use. Replace cover and filter and restore power after about 10 - 15 minutes. Run the air conditioner. Shut the unit off and disconnect power. Inspect the outdoor coils. Clean the outdoor coils if desired. Rinse foaming cleanser away with garden hose. Reconnect power and test. Know when it's time to get a new one. Air conditioners that fail to get more than just "cool" may respond favorably to an indoor and outdoor coil cleaning. If it does not - it could indicate a failed compressor or lost refrigerant charge.

This problem is nearly always more expensive to repair than replace - except for the cases of very large value BTU units (12,000 - 15,000 BTU and larger) and Central Air Conditioning Systems. Apply these same steps to Central Air Conditioning systems, too. The "air handler" in an attic space or basement contains the "indoor coil" and the compressor unit outside contains the "outdoor coil". Always follow directions on cleanser can and use only as directed. A dirty filter or dirty indoor coil can result in "ice ups" of the indoor coil. Ice ups will block the flow of cool air into the space and contributes to coil and compressor failure. Dirt is an air conditioner's enemy. Dirt acts as a thermal insulator and robs efficiency - ultimately driving up the cost of operation. A dirty outdoor coil can impede the ability of the coil to give up the heat collected inside. Shrubs, fencing, etc. can reduce air circulation around the outdoor coils, and have similar effect as a dirty coil.

Allowing either condition to exist for a long period can cause compressor failure.That's right, with some really basic air conditioner maintenance you will save money. This guide will help you to take care of your ducted split system air conditioner. There are several benefits to having a properly maintained system.First, a properly maintained system will last longer because it does not have to work as hard. A new system will cost thousands of dollars. Next, a properly maintained unit will run more efficiently which will save you money every day. In a clean unit, the refrigerant pressures and temperatures are typically lower. This means that the compressor does not require as much power to pump the refrigerant therefore your electric bill is lower.The third benefit is that your home will be more comfortable. A unit that is not properly maintained cannot remove the humidity from the home's air as effectively. This usually leads to a clammy sticky feeling in the home as well as higher electric bills.

Lastly, is the fact that a properly maintained unit is less likely to breakdown. This saves money on repair parts and service calls. Most heating and air conditioning companies as well as many utility companies offer service contracts. They can cost from $200-$500 depending on the type and the company. york ac unit not turning onWith a little help, you can perform the necessary maintenance (and keep that money)!central air conditioner prices for homesMany times homeowners spend that money every year out of fear that the unit will require repair. outside unit of acAfter a few years, you have actually spent enough to buy a new system. The main thing that must be done is cleaning or replacing your air filter. The filter is usually located in one of the following places:1.

In a grille in your wall or ceiling.2. In a slot on the side, bottom, or top of your furnace.3. Inside the blower compartment of your furnace or air handler. It is just a matter of removing it and replacing it with another of the same size. You should do this at least every 3 months but it is better to check it on a monthly basis.The next step in air conditioner maintenance is to check the electrical wiring and components. You should begin by . This can be done at the service disconnect outside or at the main breaker panel.Then, you can remove the access panel on the condensing unit and look for signs of electrical system overheating. Things to look for include blackened wires and melted insulation on wires. You should check all connections to ensure they are tight.If you have an electrical test meter, you should also check the capacitors in the unit. You can refer to our capacitor testing guide for a procedure.You should also look for signs of pitting on the contactor and replace it if excessive pitting is noticed.

You should also examine the fan blade on the condenser fan. Look for small cracks and replace it if you see cracking. In some older units, the fan motor bearings may require oiling.The next step in air conditioner maintenance is to wash out the outside unit. Over time dirt, leaves, grass clippings, etc. build up on the outside of the unit. The result of this is lower system capacity. You will most likely see the effects of it on your electric bill.Cleaning the unit is a simple matter. Then use a garden hose and gently wash out the debris. Start at the top, holding the nozzle of the hose at about a 45 degree angle to the unit. Work your way down and around the unit, flushing the debris out as you go. The next step in air conditioner maintenance is to check your thermostat. If it is an older mechanical type, you need to ensure that it is perfectly level. Then, you should run the system through a normal cooling cycle. You should complete your air conditioner maintenance by checking the temperature drop across the unit.