Here are some tips and tricks from the experts to keep your AC healthy. A healthy AC will mean better air quality as well as saving on maintenance and utility bills. Before attempting any of the maintenance tips make sure the HVAC unit is turned off.
Turn the power off the AC unit as well as at the interior breaker box or distribution box. Safety first. Never work on a unit that might have power.
A lot of the tips below are focused on getting your HVAC unit to run more efficiently. Improving airflow and heat exchange will be the objectives. Also changing and maintaining the environment it is working in will help it to work less hard and thus perform better over time. Maintenance should focus on fins, coils, and filters.
Clean the Surrounding Area
Make sure the area surrounding your HVAC condenser unit is clean. You don’t want any debris to fall into the unit while cleaning.
Clean the Unit
Clean the outside of the unit first. Again you don’t want any unnecessary leaves, dust, or debris to make its way into the unit itself. You can use a vacuum cleaner, brush, or rag to do this.
Clean Inside the Covers
Remove the covers and grill if needed and carefully clean inside the unit. Remove any leaves, dust, and dirt. You can do this by hand or with a vacuum cleaner.
Remove Dust and Debris from the Fins
Spray water or a commercially available cleaning solution through the fins. Spray from the inside out. Never use a high-pressure cleaner as this can damage the fins. A garden hose or cleaning solution spray will do fine. Clean fins will make your HVAC unit operate more efficiently. You will see this improvement also in your electricity bill.
Straighten the Fins
Straighten any bent fins to allow for better airflow. Use a blunt tool like a blunt knife or fins straightening tool to gently nudge the fins straight. The gaps between fins should be similar in width throughout the unit. This will also increase the efficiency of the unit.
Clean the Coils
You can also improve how well your unit runs by cleaning the coils. The coils are not in the condenser unit, but rather in the inside blower unit. Open the unit and gently clean the coils. The coils are responsible for heat exchange and clean coils will perform better.
Make Sure the Unit is Level
Back to the condenser unit. Make sure that it is level as this could impact the functioning of the unit.
Make Sure the Drain Pipe is Clean
The condenser unit has a drain for getting rid of water that condenses in the unit. Check the pipe and clean or replace it if necessary. A blocked pipe can result in water buildup in the unit.
Change the Filter
The blower unit inside your home has a filter. These filters need to be replaced regularly. To optimize the airflow, the unit filters need to be replaced regularly. To make sure you buy the correct filter, the team at filterbuy.com/resources/which-air-filter-should-i-choose/ says you have to consider the filter size and the materials used. Also, make sure you get the correct filter type and check the MERV rating.
Set the Temperature
Make sure to set the temperature correctly. Don’t make the unit work more than is necessary by picking a comfortable and not extreme temperature. The HVAC unit will last longer and you will have a lower utility bill.
Check Insulation and Window Seals
Make sure your home is well insulated. Your home air conditioning unit will last longer and perform better if your house is well insulated. Check for air leaks at doors and windows. Install or improve the insulation in your home. This will make your HVAC unit run better for longer as it will be easier to maintain indoor temperatures at a comfortable level.
Listen for Noise
This tip might seem obvious, but take the time to regularly listen for noise. It will be more apparent indoors if the blower unit is noisy as you spend more time in close proximity to it. The often neglected place to listen for noise is outside at the condenser unit. Any strange or louder than usual noise might indicate that a specialist needs to have a look at your HVAC system.
Maintaining your home HVAC system by following the tips and tricks above will save you maintenance and utility bill costs for a long time to come. Schedule regular times to go through the points above.
