How To Keep Home Air Conditioner Working Properly
Air conditioners, be they window units or central air systems, require regular maintenance to perform at optimal levels.
The inner components collect dust, dirt and mildew, which can lower their energy efficiency as well as the air quality in your home.
Refer to the manual that accompanies your unit for model-specific maintenance instructions, and follow standard upkeep procedures to keep it in good condition.
Check the warranty, too, as routine professional service may be included.
How to Keep Home Air Conditioner Working Properly
Install air conditioner at least 2 feet away from foliage and 10 feet away from your dryer's vent
Install the air conditioner at least 2 feet away from foliage and 10 feet away from your dryer's vent. Trim foliage and clean up nearby debris as needed to minimize dirt near the condenser unit. If you have an outdoor unit for central air conditioning, do not surround it with shrubs or solid fencing.
Clean or replace your air conditioner's filter every month when using it regularly
Clean or replace your air conditioner's filter every month when using it regularly. If you live in a dusty area, or if you have dogs or cats indoors, you may need to change or clean it more frequently.
Monitor drain line of a central air unit to ensure that it doesn't clog with mold and mildew
Monitor the drain line of a central air unit to ensure that it doesn't clog with mold and mildew, which can cause water to back up into your home.
Pour a cup of bleach into the line's access hole each spring, as recommended by Danny Lipford.
If a clog occurs, place the nozzle of your wet or dry vac over the line's opening to suck it out.
Wipe off the housing when it becomes dirty, and then remove it.
Sweep any debris away from the inner components with a paintbrush.
If the aluminum fins are bent, use a fin comb to straighten them or contact a repair person to adjust them.
Contact a service technician yearly to inspect the condenser and evaporator coils, which may require chemical cleaning.
The technician can also check the motor, electrical components and more to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Wipe off the housing when it becomes dirty, and then remove it.
Sweep any debris away from the inner components with a paintbrush.
If the aluminum fins are bent, use a fin comb to straighten them or contact a repair person to adjust them.
Contact a service technician yearly to inspect the condenser and evaporator coils, which may require chemical cleaning.
The technician can also check the motor, electrical components and more to ensure everything is functioning properly.