Preventative Maintenance for Air Conditioning
Your air conditioner is a lot like your car: without proper maintenance, it will deteriorate quickly and end up costing you money in expensive repair bills and possibly result in the need to replace the system altogether.
Annual preventive maintenance on your air conditioner by a certified HVAC professional will go a long way toward keeping your unit working safely and efficiently throughout the cooling season, as well as extend its life and save you money on energy bills. For every year your unit isn't tuned up, it will lose about 5 percent of its efficiency. Between annual tuneups, there are several things you can do to ensure your air conditioner continues to work properly and efficiently to keep you cool during the summer.
What your HVAC professional will do * Balance the refrigerant levels * Check the system controls to ensure your air conditioner cycles properly * Check and clean the evaporator and condenser coils * Tighten electrical connections to keep your system working safely and efficiently * Lubricate the motor to prevent friction, which reduces efficiency and can cause the system to overheat * Inspect your thermostat to ensure it's properly calibrated * Check your ducts for damage and air leaks * Flush and clean the condensate drain to prevent mold growth * Clean and inspect the fan blade for optimum air flow * Check the air filter and change it if it's dirty * Check the compressor for proper electrical connections, volt draw and amperage * Inspect and test the capacitors
What you can do * Check the outside condensing unit regularly and remove any debris that has accumulated. Leaves, grass, dirt and other debris can restrict the air flow and cause your system to work inefficiently. * Clean the coils on the outdoor unit. Turn off the power to your air conditioner and wet the coils with a hose. Spray commercial air conditioner cleaner, available at your local HVAC supplier, onto the coils and allow it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Rinse the coils well with the hose. Be sure to take proper safety precautions when using the cleaner. Safety glasses and protective rubber gloves are recommended. * Check your air filter every month and replace it when it's dirty. The filter in your air conditioner prevents dust from building up inside the system, which can cause it to overheat, resulting in expensive repair bills. All filters are given a rating on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV, scale. The higher the MERV rating, the better your filter will trap damaging particles. Your air filter is also instrumental in keeping your indoor air clean, trapping particles such as mold, pollen, viruses and bacteria. To change your air filter, which is generally located in the blower compartment between the cold-air return and the unit itself, simply slide out the old filter and slide in the new one with the arrows on the frame pointing in the direction of the air flow.
If your air conditioner stops working efficiently, schedule maintenance as soon as possible with a qualified HVAC technician to prevent damage to the unit due to dust buildup, loose connections or a dry motor.
About the Author
Keystone Mechanical Group has over 15 years experience HVAC Toronto in heating, air conditioning and ventilation services. For more information on their services, visit http://www.keystonemech.ca/ .
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