It's no accident that most air conditioners are in a state of disrepair – that's because no one likes to think of pre-emptive maintenance when the unit is working as it should.With so many moving parts, air conditioners frequently run into issues that compromise their cooling efficiency.
Follow these tips to make sure your air conditioner runs at peak operational efficiency.
1.Keep it Clear of Dust and Dirt
Dirt, dust, hair, pollen – the elements, can overwhelm your air conditioner if allowed to accumulate over time.This is why it's important to keep the unit clean.
Start by vacuuming the fins of your air conditioner with a soft bristle brush.It is worth pointing out that the fins are fragile and can be easily bent even more out of shape than they already are.In some units, you may remove a metal box to reach them.Always follow the owner's manual for directions on how to lift the box to avoid bumping the fins.
2.Prevent Your AC Pad from Sinking
Depending on how your air conditioner has been installed, the concrete pad under the unit can sink and pull water puddles around it.If this happens, you'll have to find a replacement quickly.You can lift up the pad by inserting a wooden board on either end, then pack the area with sand.
Make sure to keep the pad level.Next, proceed to replace the pad with one made out of plastic.
3.Straighten the Fins
This is an easy fix and can be done in a few simple steps.Disconnect the power supply to your air conditioner and remove the access panel to remove the fins.
If you find any bent fins, gently straighten them with the help of a knife.This is a quick way to drastically improve the efficiency of your air conditioner because bent fins can restrict airflow.
Pro tip: Buy fin combs to make it easier to separate the bent fins.
If you notice that too many fins have been bent out of shape, you should contact an expert.
4.Change the Filter
This is a relatively straightforward process.First, turn off the power supply.Lift the air conditioner's panel to expose the filter.Pull the filter out and check it for contaminations.You can replace it with a new one (highly recommended if the old one has been in use for three months) or clean it.
5.Clean the Evaporator Coil
With the help of a soft brush, clear out any dirt and contaminants from the evaporator coil and then spray it with a no-rinse evaporator coil cleaner.Note that the cleaner from the foam can make its way into the drain pan.Clear out the drain pan using soap and water.Next, pour a 50/50 water-bleach solution down the drain.It's really important to make sure that the bleach solution has been drained out!
Make sure to properly seal off the evaporator coil.
If you're not comfortable performing any of the maintenance tips above, contact an air conditioner professional to do the job for you.
Get in touch with the experts atSun City Airto find out more.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
