As a homeowner, embracing the power of a fully operational central air conditioning system can transform your living environment! Not only does it create a refreshing oasis during the hot summer days, but it also elevates your indoor air quality, helping you breathe easier by minimizing common allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites. Take charge of your comfort and HEALTH TODAY!
Just like any major home appliance, air conditioners need a little TLC to keep them working their best. If you take the time to clean your central air conditioning unit regularly, it’ll run smoothly and efficiently for a long while. Plus, you might even notice a drop in your ENERGY BILLS!
Want to ensure your central AC system stays in tip-top shape?
Here are some easy routine maintenance tasks that will help keep everything nice and cool! Quality Heating and Cooling can take care of these tasks for you.
Keep Your AC Coils Clean & Happy
The most important tasks for keeping your air conditioning system happy is to regularly check and change or clean your air filters. When filters get dirty and clogged, they can really hinder your AC’s performance by restricting airflow. Even more concerning, if a filter is blocked, air can sneak around it, allowing unfiltered air to circulate through your HVAC system, which could harm the evaporator coil.
You’ll typically find the air filters in central air conditioning units along the return duct, often in the wall, ceiling, or sometimes within the air conditioner itself. Depending on what kind of filters you have, you’ll either need to swap them out for new ones or give them a good clean. If you’re unsure about the type of filter you have, just take a look at it and you’ll figure it out!
If it’s made from a nylon weave or plastic mesh, chances are it’s a washable filter. In that case, just rinse it with warm water and put it back in once it’s dry.
For the replaceable filters, make sure you grab ones with HIGH MERV RATINGS to ensure the best air quality indoors. No matter what, aim to check and replace or clean those air filters at least every three months. If you notice it getting dirty quickly, or if you have fur from pets or smoke in your home, you might want to change the filter even more often!
Replace Your Air Filters
Another essential maintenance task that helps keep your HVAC system running smoothly is cleaning your AC evaporator and condenser coils at least once a year. Fortunately, it’s a pretty straightforward job!
Maintaining clean air filters will help keep your evaporator coil cleaner for longer. Still, over time, dirt and debris will inevitably accumulate. This buildup can insulate the coil, affecting how well it absorbs heat. You can find evaporator coils indoors, typically within the air handler located in your basement, closet, garage, or attic. Look for a removable access panel on the air handler to locate the evaporator coil. Use a nylon brush to gently remove dust and debris, and then give them a rinse with water from a spray bottle. Once you’re done rinsing, simply reassemble the access panel.
Don’t forget about your condenser coils – regular cleaning is just as important! If they become dirty and clogged, your condenser fan and compressor have to work extra hard to keep your home comfortably cool.
To clean them, start by removing the outer casing and caging from the outdoor condenser unit. Remember to turn off your AC before diving into this task! Then, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to wash away any dirt and debris from the fins. Finally, dry the coils with a cloth before putting the condenser unit back together. Quality Heating and Cooling uses a special cleaner to get those evaporator coils clean.
Make it a habit to keep the area around your condenser unit clear. Trim away any tall grass, vines, or tree branches that could block airflow.
Clean The Condensate Drain Line, It’s Crucial
Condensate drain lines effectively eliminate excess moisture buildup in central air conditioning systems. Typically, a condensate line runs through an AC unit, exiting outside where it should be. When functioning properly, water flows out seamlessly as the system operates. A clogged condensation line can lead to moisture accumulation inside the home’s AC system, resulting in mold and mildew growth that may harm ductwork or insulation. Thus, regular cleaning of your drain line is a vital aspect of effective AC maintenance. Although it requires a bit more time than other maintenance tasks, it’s straightforward to accomplish.
To clean your AC drain line, begin by locating the air conditioning system’s drip pan, usually situated underneath the air handler. Start by emptying any water remaining in the pan, and then clean it thoroughly with warm water and soap. Once it’s spotless, return the drip pan back under the air handler with confidence.
Next, locate the exit point of your drain line, which is generally found on the outside of your AC unit. Remove the PVC cap and use a small brush to effectively clear out any debris or blockages that remain in the line. Once completed, ensure the cap remains off the exit point until you’ve adequately flushed the drain line.
Finally, identify and clean the access point of your condensation drain line. These are usually positioned inside your home, close to the air handler, and also capped with PVC. Pour a powerful mixture of hot water and vinegar into the access point to flush the drain line thoroughly. After you’ve flushed the line, securely replace the caps on both the access point and the exit point with assurance.
Ensuring Operational Efficiency
Keeping your AC in tip-top shape is a great way to enjoy all the cool comforts it offers all season long! Along with those regular maintenance tasks, why not schedule a friendly check-up with an AC technician at QUALITY HEATING AND COOLING once a year? It might seem like a little extra expense, but it’s a nice way to keep your system running smoothly. After all, when those hot summer days roll in, you’ll be glad you did!
