Why You Need to Maintain and Clean Your Home's Air Conditioning
Air conditioners are one of the main appliances in use in most US households, and they account for six percent of total energy use. Therefore, it’s essential to make sure that they are well maintained over their lifespan. Read on to find out how regular maintenance can help your home and what you need to keep in mind.
Check filters regularly
Most air conditioning systems will have some kind of filter in place, either one that is replaceable or reusable. While there are several types of filter to choose from, the main function of these is to remove any kind of impurities from the airflow.
Depending on your type of home, the location, inhabitants and other environmental factors, air quality can vary extensively. However, the most common types of impurities that a filter will remove or reduce include dust, smoke and pollution particles, pet dander, and even bacteria.
As filters get clogged and full of particles, they will inevitably start to perform less efficiently, and they can also lead to further damage to the system.
The frequency with which your filters may need changing or cleaning will depend on how much you use your cooling system, and it is worth getting expert advice to help you work out what is best for you.
Review coils and coil fins
Air conditioning units will have an evaporator and condenser coil, as well as fins on top of these which help airflow to move through efficiently. Over time, coils can accumulate dirt and debris, especially if there is a lot of dust or dirt in the nearby environment.
As more dirt is allowed to accumulate, the coil will inevitably start worsening in performance, which can result in poorer cooling. As well as checking and cleaning your coil regularly, you can also prevent damage by clearing away debris nearby, such as plants, dead leaves, or overgrown foliage.
While the fins around coils will not accumulate dirt during use, they can easily become bent or damaged, as well as impede the airflow. This can easily be resolved with a fin comb that helps you adjust the fins back into place.
Prepare for winter
As the weather gets cooler, naturally, your air conditioner will have to go on hiatus through the season. However, that doesn’t mean that you can simply ignore it until the warm weather returns.
During colder weather, it is a good idea to either cover or remove an air conditioner, especially if it is in a window location. This will prevent cold air from coming in the home from outside or warmth from escaping from within.
If you cannot, or choose not to remove the unit over winter, then it is best to cover it up. This will prevent debris, dead foliage, and other matter from accumulating over the months it is not in use, and reduce the time you need to spend on maintaining it.