How To Maintain Central Air Conditioners

During the hot summer months you want your central air conditioner to work properly.

You can prevent costly repair to your central air conditioner by regularly maintaining your unit during the year.

Follow these steps to help you maintain your central air conditioner.

How to Maintain Central Air Conditioners

Understand your central air conditioner

Understand your central air conditioner. Know the components of your central air and how it works. Research your unit on-line or get a book that is for do-it-yourselfers or DIY. This will help you to maintain your unit.

Shut power off

Shut the power off. It can be very dangerous to clean your unit if you leave the power on. Safety is valued above anything else when maintaining your central air conditioner.

Clean outdoor unit

Clean the outdoor unit.

Start by cleaning the condenser coil.

You may also have to clean the fins.

During the spring the fins may need to be cleaned once or twice a week.

If your unit has oil on it, then reapply a little oil to the parts that need it.

You can find the correct oil at any hardware store.

Keep the outdoor unit free of any debris.

The central air conditioner sucks air into the fins.

Remove any shrubs or plants that are near your unit.

This will keep your outdoor unit from sucking in leaves or dirt.

Clean the indoor unit.

Vacuum the bottom side of the fins with a soft brush, but only if you have access to it.

Clear away any debris that is on or near the fan.

Carefully remove the fan and take it outside.

Spray it down with the water hose to clean it off.

Place the fan back in the unit when you are done.

Vacuum any dust that may be in the blower compartment.

Keep the outdoor unit free of any debris.

The central air conditioner sucks air into the fins.

Remove any shrubs or plants that are near your unit.

This will keep your outdoor unit from sucking in leaves or dirt.

Clean the indoor unit.

Vacuum the bottom side of the fins with a soft brush, but only if you have access to it.

Clear away any debris that is on or near the fan.

Carefully remove the fan and take it outside.

Spray it down with the water hose to clean it off.

Place the fan back in the unit when you are done.

Vacuum any dust that may be in the blower compartment.