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.As with many mechanical devices, maintenance is an essential part of ensuring proper function and optimum performance in air conditioners. bjs ac unitsWhether central, in-house, or portable, air conditioners should be maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications and in accordance with a manual. wall mounted air conditioning unit priceCentral air conditioning systems, as commonly used in large industrial spaces and inside professional buildings and homes, consist of two main components, each of which require specific maintenance and treatment. cost to replace outside hvac unitThe exterior component of a central air conditioning system, called the condenser unit, is composed of several important subcomponents: a compressor, a condenser coil, a fan, and coolant lines that connect the unit in its entirety to the interior evaporator coil.

Typically, a condenser unit is located outside, either on the roof or in another safe, outdoor location. The evaporator coil tends to be installed in close proximity to the furnace. Because the condenser and evaporator are often sealed in a central air conditioning system, do-it-yourself maintenance is somewhat restricted and annual system maintenance should be scheduled prior to using the system for an extended period. However, if the system isn’t sealed, there are several methods for maintaining a properly functioning unit. If the evaporator is easy to access, cleaning it once annually is recommended. To clean the evaporator, first remove the foil insulation, carefully saving any tape so it’s easy to replace later. Next, remove the screws on the access plate and lift the plate. Using a stiff-bristled brush, clean the area around the evaporator and the tray directly beneath it. Because the tray catches condensation, pour a little (one tablespoon) of basic household bleach into the weep hole to help prevent the development of fungus.

If the tray seems overly full, the weep hole may be clogged; open the weep hole with a piece of wire and check the drain. When cleaning is complete, replace the plate, screws, and foil insulation. After cleaning the evaporator, maintenance on the condenser unit can begin. Because the condenser unit is located outside, maintaining the area around the unit is important. Maintenance of the surrounding area typically includes making sure plants and grass do not grow into the unit and disrupt airflow, or removing snow or other environmental hazards. After taking care of the surrounding area, open the condenser unit and clean the condenser with coil cleaner (check with a manufacturer for cleaner specifications), flush the coil, then let it dry. Next, clean the fins to remove grime, but do so carefully: fins are typically manufactured from light aluminum, which can easily be damaged. A fin comb may be used to straighten any misshapen fins. In winter, cover the unit with a prefabricated condenser cover.

Lastly, check the platform upon which the condenser sits using a level, to ensure that it sits evenly. Breathe Easy—Call Aire Serv® Today It’s important to take care of your air conditioning unit so it lasts longer, works better, and helps you keep energy costs down. a few things that you can do to ensure that your air conditioner keeps running as efficiently as possible all year long. Keep reading for advice from our AC experts at Top Tips for Maintaining Your AC Here are a few tips for preventing problems from developing with your AC unit: Check your air filters. You should check your AC unit’s air filter every month. If the filter is dirty, you should either clean or replace it. Not changing your air filter can result in it becoming clogged. This will not only restrict air flow throughout your home, it will also result in your AC working much harder than it should, which causes unnecessary wear and tear on the equipment and increases your energy costs.

Make sure to clean the individual components of your air conditioner regularly to avoid grime, dirt, and other obstructions from decreasing its efficiency. Use a shop vacuum to clear the dirt and dust around the AC and ducts. Keep the area around the unit clear. Make sure nothing is obstructing the exterior of your air conditioner. You should keep your bushes trimmed back and make sure no other plants or other greenery grow too close. Schedule an Annual Professional Inspection Another important part of maintaining your AC is scheduling an annual maintenance checkup—ideally before the cooling season begins—in order to make sure it is working as efficiently as possible. Aire Serv Total Comfort Tune-up will ensure that your air conditioner is in tip-top working shape and that it will last for years to come. at Aire Serv can address smaller problems that could grow into larger, much more costly issues in the future. Know What You Have There are a number of different types of air conditioning units, and the

way you maintain it will depend on the type of unit you own. Some common AC units include: Split system units, which make use of an indoor and outdoor unit. Ductless split systems, which use indoor and outdoor units but without Packaged air conditioners, which sit outside. unless you want to. "It is very refreshing to have a positive experience with a business." "Totally satisfied...a pleasure to work with!" "Thank you again for such wonderful service." "GREAT SERVICE AND VERY PROFESSIONAL" See Even More Rave Reviews Is It Time to Repair or Replace Your Unit? An air conditioning unit can be expensive, which means the last thing you want to do is purchase another one. Sometimes, however, repairing it might not be the best option. An older unit that has undergone multiple repairs should probably be replaced. Other factors to consider include overall investment costs, long-term operating costs, and utility rates.