Regular maintenance helps your air conditioning unit to continue functioning properly and ensures good indoor air quality.
Maintenance is often best done by an HVAC technician. However, some maintenance can be partly done at home, easily, and with minimum cost.
Here are the parts of your air conditioner that need regular maintenance.
Air Conditioner Filters
Perhaps the most important step in keeping your AC in shape are its air filters. Replacing them regularly is crucial for the good functioning of the unit as well as preventing dirt and pollutants from getting in your home.
Depending on the air conditioning model, you are generally required to clean or replace the air filter every few months. The manufacturer will usually indicate a recommended frequency for it. If you live in a dusty or polluted area, you should do the cleaning/replacement more often.
Air Conditioner Coils
Cleaning your outdoor unit’s coils will go a long way in keeping your AC in top shape. The coils and fins are located on the outside unit and can often be cleaned easily with a garden hose. Never use a pressure cleaner, though, as it might harm the inside parts of the unit. If the coils are particularly dirty, you can use a mild detergent to remove the dirt, then rinse with the garden hose.
Condensate Drains
The condenser drain line is the tube that removes the accumulated moisture from your unit. You will find it near your outdoor unit and it will have a vent where you can pour cleaning solutions. Because this pipe is always flushed with moisture, it can be a proper breeding ground for mold, algae, mildew, mineral deposits, etc. This way, it can get clogged if you don’t clean it regularly.
Trimming Outdoor Vegetation
Many homeowners choose to mask the outdoor unit from view by planting shrubbery and other plants next to it. It’s important to make sure that debris doesn’t get in the unit, so remember to regularly trim your plants if they are located nearby your unit.
Ductwork
One of the most important parts of your air conditioning system is the ductwork, as it ensures the airflow and distribution of the cooled or heated air all around the house. If you have unchecked faulty duct pipes, they might decrease your AC’s performance, increase your energy costs, and even expose you to damaging agents like mold or bacteria. Check the health of your duct pipes regularly, at least once a year before summer.
While these tips include good DIY ideas, not all maintenance can be done at home. The best thing you can do for your air conditioning unit is to hire an HVAC expert to check it at least once a year, before the summer.