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. With a little help, you can perform the necessary maintenance (and keep that money)!Many times homeowners spend that money every year out of fear that the unit will require repair. After 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. best marine ac unitYou can refer to our capacitor testing guide for a procedure.air conditioner heater portable unitYou should also look for signs of pitting on the contactor and replace it if excessive pitting is noticed.how do i install a ac window unit in a slider windowYou 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. You can do this by measuring the return air temperature (temperature of air entering the air handler) and the supply air temperature (temperature of air leaving the air handler).

Subtract the supply air temperature from the return air temperature to find the observed temperature drop. This value should be around 15 degrees for a high efficiency unit and about 18-20 degrees for an old (less than 10 SEER) unit.This link will send you to our guide for maintaining your ductless mini split unit. You can also use our window ac maintenance guide if you have a window or through the wall air conditioner.Exposure to mold in the home can cause serious health problems. One hidden place that mold can grow is within your air conditioner; with air constantly circulating through the unit into your home, mold spores are picked up and pushed into your living areas. Be watchful for signs that mold could be lurking in your AC, including a musty smell when the unit is running or visible mold on the exterior of the unit. If you notice these signs, the following steps will help you safely clean mold from your window air conditioner unit. Clean Mold from Your Window Air Conditioner: A Step By Step Guide

Vacuum cleaner with attachments The following mold removal process should be performed in an area with good ventilation. Put on your safety gear (mask, eyewear, and gloves). Turn off the air conditioner and unplug the unit from its power source. Take off the front body grille of your unit. On most units, this can be done easily by pulling it forward and pushing down slightly. If the grille is screwed in, use the screwdriver to remove the screws. Remove the filter that is located in the air conditioner’s front grille. (some of these filters are disposable, if – so, install a new one.) If your filter is washable, as most window unit’s filters are…place the filter in your sink and sprinkle it with laundry detergent. Fill the sink with enough hot water to cover the filter. Let the filter soak for 15 minutes. Next, use the scrub brush to clean both sides of the filter. Rinse out the filter with clean water and hang it to dry. Next, go back to your air conditioner unit and unscrew the metal cover located behind the front body grill and lift it directly upwards.

Use the vacuum and attachments to clean out as much dirt and debris from the interior of the unit as possible. Wipe out any visible mold growth. In your bucket, mix a solution of ½ cup bleach, 1 tablespoon mild dish soap, and 3 gallons hot water. Using a cloth, brush, or sponge, soak up the solution and scrub the moldy areas of your air conditioner well. Also clean the air conditioner front grille if that has mold on it. Allow the solution to sit on these surfaces for approximately 10 minutes, then rinse with water and a damp cloth. Let the unit, filter, grille, and metal cover dry completely. Reassemble the air conditioning unit and plug back into its power source. Click The Image Below To Download A One Page Printable PDF Guide for How To Clean Mold From Your Window Air Conditioner We hope this step by step guide on how to clean mold from your window air conditioner was helpful! For more information about air conditioning systems and maintenance procedures, check out our Complete Guide to Air Conditioning here!