Monday, December 10, 2012

The Fundamentals of Air Conditioner Maintenance


In order to maintain high performance and efficiency of your air conditioning unit, it is important that you provide it with regular maintenance. In fact, this can save you from paying for some really costly repairs for which you would've had to pay for otherwise. It should also be kept in mind that your respiratory health is hugely dependent on the air that emanates from your air conditioner. If the vents and filters are filled with dust due to lack of proper maintenance, you will be exposed to air that is filthy.

Air conditioner maintenance involves a few basics which are mentioned below:

1. Cleaning of the condenser unit:

This includes the removal of dust and debris from the outside and inside of the unit. The fins can also be cleaned and straightened if they are bent. Lubrication of the fan motor is done to allow it to run smoothly without making any unpleasant noises.

2. Evaporator drain check:

This can be performed only by a licensed and authorized technician. It involves checking for any water leakage beneath the evaporator coils which is an implication that the drain pipe is clogged and should therefore be cleaned and cleared for normal functioning.

3. Changing the air-filter:

This step is easy and can be performed by the owner himself. If the AC is in heavy usage, it is advisable to change the filters at least once a month. These are generally found on the condenser and sometimes even on the evaporator. Replace the filter by taking off the housing or grilles. The filter size and part number can be obtained from the old filter.

4. Inspecting and cleaning the air-duct:

Even a small duct leak can cost you an extra of up to 25% on your air conditioner's consumption of electricity. Also, leaks can be a potential entry path for contaminants like pollen, dust, etc which on accumulation, becomes breeding grounds for mold. Mold exposure carries potential health hazards such as asthma, allergies and a number of other respiratory problems. Cleaning and clearing the ductwork and sealing any leakages are therefore essential to maintain the efficiency of the air conditioning unit and the health of the room environment.

5. Checking the Coolant:

This is an air conditioner maintenance basic step that involves checking the line connecting the evaporator unit located inside the house and the condenser unit placed outside. In case any damages or wear and tear are found, the lines need to be replaced. Also, the coolant needs to be checked whether it contains the right quantity of Freon as a lack of this chemical will reduce the cooling capacity of your air conditioning unit. If any defects are seen, they need to be reported to the technician for repair.

Air conditioner maintenance is a must to ensure not just the efficiency of your AC unit but also to maintain a clean and healthy environment inside the house. Lack of maintenance gives way to contaminants and a number of health-related hazards, not to mention the wastage of precious energy.

Air Conditioning Installation - The Advantages of Demand Controlled Ventilation   Portable Air Conditioners: A Rescue From the Hot Summer Day   Why In Floor Heating Should Be Preferred To Forced Air Systems   Geothermal Heating Shows Improved Potential As Capacity Increases   Dynamic Issues of Air Conditioner Repair   Some of the Top Reasons Why Your AC Can Go Bad   



0 comments:

Post a Comment


Twitter Facebook Flickr RSS



Français Deutsch Italiano Português
Español 日本語 한국의 中国简体。