Maintaining your air conditioner will save you money on your utility bills, as well as save you money on repair bills. General maintenance is simple and will save you some big bucks on your utility bills and reduce your repair costs. Here are some things that you can do to keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently.
Clean the outside coils twice a year
Dirt, grass, flower pedals, small insects and a whole list of things can be end up in your cooling coils. Backwashing the coils will increase the airflow and your unit will operate more efficiently. The better the airflow the better the unit will work.
Always make sure the power is off before back washing. You should also check your owner's manual for tips and instructions as well. If you are not comfortable with the process, you might let an air conditioner maintenance company do it the first time. Watch them clean the coils so you can do it yourself from then on.
Straighten Bent Coils
Check the outside coils to see if more than ten percent of the fine metal coils are bent flat. These coils can get bent by being struck by objects like rocks, dirt clods, weed eater lines and accidental bumping.
If more than ten percent are bent then the unit will start losing efficiency. These coils can be combed out with a coil combing brush. In some cases due to hail damage, your insurance company will pay to get the coils combed out.
Clean the Return Vents
Go inside and check all the air conditioner return vents to make sure they are not blocked. If they are clogged or partially clogged, clean them. To make sure they are letting the air flow properly you might remove the vents and check inside to make sure nothing is blocking the return air. Dust balls, pet hair, or any other articles in the vent will block proper air flow. If there are any obstructions, a vacuum cleaner will clear the return vents.
Additional Cleaning Tips
If you do this general maintenance, you will save on your utility bills and reduce your repair bills by not overstressing your air conditioning unit.
Clean the outside coils twice a year
Dirt, grass, flower pedals, small insects and a whole list of things can be end up in your cooling coils. Backwashing the coils will increase the airflow and your unit will operate more efficiently. The better the airflow the better the unit will work.
Always make sure the power is off before back washing. You should also check your owner's manual for tips and instructions as well. If you are not comfortable with the process, you might let an air conditioner maintenance company do it the first time. Watch them clean the coils so you can do it yourself from then on.
Straighten Bent Coils
Check the outside coils to see if more than ten percent of the fine metal coils are bent flat. These coils can get bent by being struck by objects like rocks, dirt clods, weed eater lines and accidental bumping.
If more than ten percent are bent then the unit will start losing efficiency. These coils can be combed out with a coil combing brush. In some cases due to hail damage, your insurance company will pay to get the coils combed out.
Clean the Return Vents
Go inside and check all the air conditioner return vents to make sure they are not blocked. If they are clogged or partially clogged, clean them. To make sure they are letting the air flow properly you might remove the vents and check inside to make sure nothing is blocking the return air. Dust balls, pet hair, or any other articles in the vent will block proper air flow. If there are any obstructions, a vacuum cleaner will clear the return vents.
Additional Cleaning Tips
- * Change or clean your air filters on a scheduled basis according to your owner's manual.
- * Once a year, check all the windows to see if the insulation has cracked or pulled away, if so re-calk the windows.
- * Once a year, check all the door seals to see if they are in good repair. If they need repair or replacing, fix them.
If you do this general maintenance, you will save on your utility bills and reduce your repair bills by not overstressing your air conditioning unit.