Anyone that has experienced a summer day indoors without air conditioning can appreciate how essential it is to ensure the air conditioning unit for a house or office is always in top working condition. Long summer days are hard on the equipment, and they often need minor maintenance work to avoid bigger problems or a catastrophic failure. Watching for a few signs of trouble and following some easy procedures will help guarantee that cool air is pumped into the building with no interruptions.
Routine Maintenance
The best way to avoid issues is to have the air conditioner checked on a regular basis. Most professionals recommend a yearly check in the spring before the temperatures start warming up. The yearly check will help identify any problems that may be looming on the horizon. The checkup will typically include a check of the coolant level, inspection of the equipment, flushing the drain line, cleaning the condenser unit coils, oiling the fan motor and a few other items.
Keeping the coolant at the proper level will save money on the energy bill. The proper amount of coolant allows the unit to cool the air with using the least amount of energy possible. The shorter amount of running time will reduce energy consumption and lengthen the life of the equipment.
The drain line for the unit discharges the water condensation from the air to the sanitary sewer line of the house. If this line is clogged, the unit will back up into the drip pan. Most systems have a secondary line if the main line becomes clogged. However, if both lines are not functioning, the condensation can spill over the drip pan and drip through the ceiling. This can be a major disaster if it is not caught immediately. Ensuring that the drain lines are clear is an essential step of air conditioning maintenance.
Self Maintenance
While it is important to have the annual inspections by a professional, some routine maintenance needs to be performed more often and can be done by the homeowner. A few simple tasks such as replacing filters, keeping the area around the condenser unit clear, and cleaning the condenser can easily be accomplished by anyone and will help the equipment run at tip-top shape.
It is important for the air filter to be replaced on a regular basis. Most filters will only function properly for a month before they start to become clogged and start allowing dust and dirt into the system. Good filters should be purchased and replaced at the beginning of every month during the portion of the year the unit is being used.
The condenser unit functions by exchanging hot air with the cool air outside. The more effectively the unit can perform this task, the more efficient the system is. If grass is allowed to grow tall next to the unit, or if lawn equipment or furniture is resting on it, the less effective the unit will be. Additionally, the coils around the condenser can become dirty. Spraying the unit with a water hose periodically will keep the coils cleaner and more efficient.
Signs of Possible Issues
No matter how well a system is maintained, eventually failures will occur. A few signs that indicate the need for a repair include a loss of cool air, loud noises from the condenser, water dripping through the backup drain line, and a system that runs for a longer time than normal. If the unit is not cooling properly or is taking a longer time than normal to cool the condenser or coolant level may need to be addressed. A loud noise may indicate an issue with the fan motor. Water dripping is a sign that the primary drain line is clogged. All of these issues would need to be addressed by a professional as soon as possible.
Following these few steps will help the air conditioner unit function as long and as effectively as possible.
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