Many things can go wrong with your air conditioner. These include; high electricity bills, poor cooling performance, and higher than average repair costs. If you want to avoid these issues, then you need to take the time to do some essential ac maintenance regularly. This blog post will give you 4 tips for making sure your ac stays in good shape!
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Tip 1 – check the outdoor unit for dirt
One of the most common problems that cause poor performance is a buildup of dirt on the fins. These are long, metallic fins that are visible around the sides and top of your ac. The sole purpose of these fins is to dissipate heat from inside your house back outside through vent openings. When dirt accumulates on the fins, they won’t dissipate heat properly and your ac will have to work harder to cool your home. The result is increased electricity bills and decreased cooling performance.
To clean them, you should use a garden hose with a spray nozzle. Prepare the hose by taking off all its attachments that could damage the fins. Apply water to the surface of the fins by spraying at their base. You can then use a brush that is not metallic to scrub away any dirt or mold that has built upon them.
Do this once every three months and your ac should remain in good condition!
Tip 2 – ensure proper drainage
If you want to keep your home safe from flooding, then you need to make sure that rainwater can flow freely into your outdoor unit’s drainage system. This part of the outdoor unit captures excess water and expels it through a hose back outside. If it gets blocked, the water will build up inside and cause extensive damage to everything in its path: including walls, ceilings, flooring, and electrical components like circuit boards and motors.
To prevent this from happening, you should check it regularly. This is especially important after heavy rains or strong winds that could collapse the area where the drainage system meets your ac’s base.
Tip 3 – keep maintenance records
A lot of repairs come as a direct result of poor upkeep. This means that if you repair one thing now, then something else will probably break down in a few months – and you’ll have to pay for another repair! Keeping good records ensures that you only need to make small fixes instead of expensive ones. You can keep these records on paper by writing things down or with a computer program like expense toolworks.
You should consult them before attempting any repairs yourself. If the problem isn’t listed there, then consult a professional.
Tip 4 – keep the condenser clean
The condenser is the outdoor unit’s main cooling component. Over time, it can get covered by dirt particles and mold. This reduces its efficiency much like when dirt accumulates on the fins of your ac indoors. You should keep it free from dirt regularly by using a high-pressure hose to blast away anything that blocks airflow in front of its vents. Most units have a collection tray underneath them where water accumulates after being blown out through the vents. Ensure that this tray is emptied regularly so no mold grows there either!
