An air conditioner’s job is to circulate and filter the air to remove pollutants and mould. This is important for allergy and asthma patients because it reduces their exposure to irritants that might provoke an attack. In older homes, an air conditioner may also be one of the most economical ways to keep a home cool in the summer.
As you can see, it is not an appliance that you can just ignore. Besides regulating your indoor temperature, it actually helps improve your health and the overall quality of your home. For this reason, you should keep your air conditioner well maintained. Therefore, you should keep it in optimal condition.
If you want your air conditioner to last a long time, here are some simple maintenance guidelines to follow:
1. Clean Air Filters Regularly
The air filters help to control the circulation of air in the conditioner. They are often placed at the air vents, which helps to reduce the amount of dirt and contaminants that you take in. When the filters are clogged with dust, the conditioner must work harder to circulate the air.
It is essential to clean them about every two to three months or as necessary. Be sure to check for any sign of damage.
2. Ensure that the Coils are Clean
Behind the air vents, the air conditioner has metal coils. These are the pipes where the refrigerant gas is pumped. They help transfer the heat from the outside of the home to the inside. The dirt and particles that build up in these coils can cause the conditioner to break down.
To ensure that the coils are clean, you should vacuum them at least yearly. It would help if you never tried to remove them yourself, as this will be a potential hazard.
3. Don’t Overuse Cooling
Using the air conditioner too much can result in the coolant leaking. If a leak is not attended to, it can damage the parts of the cooling system and will require a more expensive repair. Remember that the machine circulates coolant through the home’s ducts and coils, so overworking it will develop into severe damage over time.
4. Keep Condensate Drains Inspected
Condensate drains are located at the bottom of the air conditioner or on the home’s walls. Floor coverings often hide them, so it’s easy to overlook them.
Always ensure that any objects or debris do not block the drain. Besides that, the drain can become overworked and cause flooding problems.
5. Deep Clean Fins with a Brush
Fins are the tiny prongs located on the metal coils. They help to transfer the heat from the air conditioner to the home. If the fin is clogged with debris, it can hinder the heat transfer, meaning the machine will have to work harder, and the air conditioner will use more energy. If you can, remove and clean the fins at least every two years. You can also use a soft brush to clean them.
6. Schedule a Maintenance Visit from Professionals
It is essential to have a professional come and check on your air conditioner to ensure that it is running correctly. They will be able to alert you to any potential problems and will be able to assist you with any necessary repairs.
You can schedule an annual visit with a contractor or call in when you notice any issues.
Conclusion
Ensuring your air conditioner is in an optimal condition is essential for your comfort, your family’s health and the overall lifespan of the unit. It can help reduce the number of pollutants and contaminants in your home. Therefore, maintaining it should not be taken lightly to avoid damages that will lead to unnecessary costs.
While you’re having your air conditioner repaired, you may want to secure a replacement for the time being. If you’re looking to renting portable air conditioning units , contact us today!