How to Maintain an Air Conditioner Central air conditioners have two separate components: the condenser and the evap­orator. The Ultimate Heating and Cooling Systems Basics Quiz The Ultimate Off-Peak Cooling Systems Quiz Keeping Cool: Air Conditioner QuizWhile there aren't many repairs you can make yourself, there are specific maintenance procedures you can follow to keep your system operating at peak efficiency. Caution: Before doing any work on an air conditioning system, make sure the power to the system, both to the condenser and to the evaporator assembly, is turned off.Outdoor air conditioner units require regular maintenance. Properly cleaning your air conditioner outdoor unit extends its life and minimizes maintenance issues. A clean air conditioner also cools the air more efficiently and can reduce energy consumption by up to 15 percent, according to Cornell University. Most outdoor units are easily accessible, which allows homeowners to perform maintenance themselves.

Units perform best when cleaned twice annually at the beginning and again at the end of the summer cooling season. Locate and remove the air conditioner filter. Filter locations vary depending on your air conditioner, but they are usually found along the air conditioner return duct. If the filter is not located within the air conditioner unit, look for an access panel on the interior or exterior of your home near the air conditioner location. Wash reusable filters outdoors. Rinse them with a sharp spray of water from a garden hose to remove the dust and debris in the filter. Dispose of cardboard and fiber filters and replace with a new filter, since these are not reusable like the metal and plastic variety. Turn off the power to the air conditioner unit. Usually this requires flipping the breaker switch assigned to the unit since most units don't have a separate on/off switch. Remove the top access panel on the unit. This is the panel with the vent openings. Locate the screws holding it in place and remove them with a screwdriver.

Set the panel aside carefully without damaging the attached fan or fan wires. Examine the condenser coils on the inside of the unit for dirt, debris and dust. Vacuum the debris from the coils using a shop vacuum, taking care not to bend the fins and coils. Rinse the coils with water from the garden hose after vacuuming. Wipe the fan blades clean with a wet rag. Clear any debris from the fan vents in the panel. Replace the panel on the unit and screw it in place. Turn the power back on to the unit. Things You Will Need Replacement filter (optional) Garden hose Screwdriver Shop vacuum Rags Tip Warning References Cornell University Extension: Maintaining Your Air ConditionerUniversity of Nebraska: Time to Clean Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps Photo Credits Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionHow often should my air conditioning system be serviced? It is recommended by the manufacturer that your air conditioning unit be serviced every year.  To benefit from any special offers and prevent potential break downs it is best to schedule your service in early spring. 

This routine check-up will prolong the life of your system and ensure proper operation.common problems with ac units Like any mechanical system, break downs can occur. what are the parts of a central ac unitHowever by having your system serviced regularly, you are maintaining efficiency and increasing the comfort in your home.my home ac unit not cooling Oasis Air Conditioning offers preventative maintenance agreements.  A preventative maintenance agreement will save you money and reduce the risk of untimely breakdowns during the hottest of heat waves.  For more information call our office today (661) 322-COOL (2665)DIY Tips to Cleaning Your AC Unit's Drain Tube It can happen to anyone. You’re walking through your home, when suddenly

Your feet splash into a gross, wet puddle on the floor.Unless your pet has a bladder control problem, it’s more than likely a clog in your AC unit’s drain line. What made my drain tube clog? Your AC doesn’t just cool your home, it also controls humidity, condensing moisture in the air and shuttling it outdoors through a small pipe called a drain line tube. Mucus-like algae, mold, mildew, and even ice in extreme temperatures, can build up inside your condensation drain line forming a clog that causes water to backup into lines, your AC unit, and eventuallyIf you need a flotation device to traverse your carpet, the AC condensate drain line is a likely culprit. Where can I find my drain tube to clean it? The AC drain line should be located near the outside unit, leading from your AC unit’s evaporator coil. It is typically a ¾ inch PVC pipe – however some drain lines may be copper. Feeling brave enough to combat your own clog?

Locate your condensate drain line. Using a wet/dry vac you’ve previously removed the paper filter from, connect the attachment from the vacuum to the drain line using duct tape or simply wrapping a cloth tightly around it with your hand. Run the wet/dry vac for a few seconds to a few minutes until the drain is clear. If you don’t want to fork out tons of dough to repair water damage in your home, it would be a wise idea to perform a little maintenance on your AC drains lines. Drain lines should be properly angled down and kept clear of mud, grass and debris for water to flow out properly. After the gunk has been removed from your drain line, get in the habit of performing a little DIY maintenance. Simply open up the drain line clean out or T on your inside unit and pour a 50/50 warm water and bleach mixture OR warm water and vinegar solution through the line. use a minimum of 2 cups once or twice per year. Be advised, however, some