How To Service Air Conditioning Unit
According to the City of Austin Green Builder Program, if your air conditioner is not properly serviced it will lose 5 percent of its efficiency each year, while a maintained air conditioner can retain 95 percent of its original efficiency.
An inefficient air conditioner will not cool rooms properly, add to your utility bills and increase your global footprint.
To operate at its peak, your air conditioner needs serviced at least once a year, which most people can do themselves with a few tools and a little work.
How to Service Air Conditioning Unit
Replace air filter
Replace the air filter. Locate the air filter panel. The panel is typically located near the inside air conditioning unit. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the metal panel in front of the air filter. Pull the old air filter out of the slot. Install the new air filter, ensuring it is in an upright position and secure. Screw the metal plate back on to the front of the air filter. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the air filter should be replaced every one to two months while the air conditioner is in use.
Clean evaporator and condenser coils
Clean the evaporator and condenser coils. Make a mixture of detergent and water in a garden sprayer. Locate the outside air conditioning condenser unit. Remove the metal access panel on the outside of the condenser unit by using a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws holding the panel in place. Gently clean the evaporator and condenser coils by spraying the detergent mixture along the evaporator and condenser coils until they are free of dirt and debris.
Test condenser drain
Test the condenser drain.
Place a small piece of wire through the drain channels.
Gently remove the wire from the channels.
If water or debris is present on the wire, have the condenser drain serviced by an air conditioner technician.
Clean the fan blades.
Use a small brush to gently wipe down the front and back of the fan blades.
Verify that the coil fins are not damaged.
Locate the small aluminum fins on the evaporator coil and ensure they are straight.
If the fins are bent, use a fin comb to push them back in to place by running the comb from the bottom to the top of the fins until they stand upright.
Clean the fan blades.
Use a small brush to gently wipe down the front and back of the fan blades.
Verify that the coil fins are not damaged.
Locate the small aluminum fins on the evaporator coil and ensure they are straight.
If the fins are bent, use a fin comb to push them back in to place by running the comb from the bottom to the top of the fins until they stand upright.