Before summer takes on full swing, the last thing you want to happen is ending up with a malfunctioning air conditioner. When an air conditioner unit stays on the sidetrack for months to collect debris and dust, it’ll require maintenance to get it running correctly again.
If you overlook the maintenance task before summer arrives, you might end up with days without a functional unit. The ideal way to be ready for the summer heat is to prepare your air conditioner so it’d be operational when you need it the most. If you’re eager to learn more about air conditioning services in Brisbane, checking out Daikin Air Conditioning and others would help.
You can call a professional to tackle the maintenance task, but you can consider handling the maintenance yourself if you’re on a budget. Here are several ways on how to prep your air conditioner before the summer season:
Replace The Filters
One of the most straightforward steps during the maintenance of your air conditioning unit is to clean or replace the filters. The majority of systems have replaceable or reusable filters.
Make sure you thoroughly clean or replace all the filters at least twice a year or if there’s an excessive buildup of dust and debris. If you overlook this task, it can obstruct the flow of air, hamper your unit’s overall efficiency, and end up with dust recirculating into your house.
Clean The Condenser Coils
The condenser unit is usually situated outdoors. It’s a large metal box with sides that look similar to grills. During the winter, you can protect it with a cover to prevent the buildup of debris inside. Without a cover, it’s likely to end up with dirt and debris, leaving you to need to clean.
The large fan blades within the condenser unit are responsible for moving air across the condenser coils. If debris is present inside the unit, some of the coils will end up with a blockage. Any obstruction limiting the flow of air will lessen the efficiency of the condenser. With this in mind, you need to clean any blockage in the coils thoroughly.
Here are the steps on how to thoroughly clean the condenser coils:
- Make sure you turn off the power before opening the condenser.
- Remove the side and upper panels or protective grills from the condenser unit.
- As you lift off the top of the unit, which can be heavy due to the fan attached to it, avoid tugging any of the wires that connect to the fan.
- Use a soft brush for the vacuum to clean the coils from the outside. Be careful to avoid deforming the fine fins or damage the coils. In case you accidentally bend the fins, you can adjust them to their former appearance with a fin comb.
- After cleaning from the outside, vacuum the coils from the inside.
- In case you’re facing stubborn debris, you can spray on a coil cleaner from the inside. Be careful not to spritz on the fan or other electrical components.
In some instances, you should use a hose to remove debris on the coils from inside the unit. If you’re going to do this method, perform it carefully. Make sure you cover the electrical components and the fan motor with a plastic garbage bag.
Clean The Condenser
After cleaning the coils, you can clean the entire unit. Get rid of any debris, dirt, and leaves from the condenser. If your condenser has a drain, see to it that it’s empty.
You can have a vacuum and a cloth for the fan blades of the blower. If you discover any loose bolts, you should secure them in place. For the oil ports, put a lightweight oil or WD-40 for lubrication.
Soak up any leftover water within the condenser and reassemble the unit. The area surrounding the condenser should be free from any obstacles. Trim and remove any vines or weeds that can limit the flow of air through the unit.
Inspect The Coolant Lines
The coolant lines running from the evaporator on the air handler to the outdoor condenser have foam insulation to help minimize energy loss. Make sure to inspect the coolant lines for areas in which the insulation is missing or frayed. Once these sections are present, you should replace them.
You can handle this task by placing foam insulation sleeves or covering the lines spirally using insulation tape.
Inspect For Airflow Leaks And Obstructions
Any obstructions or gaps in the ductwork can limit the flow of air. As part of maintenance, carefully check the ducts and connectors for any damage or loose spots.
If you have a fireplace, it’s best to close the damper to prevent cool air from escaping through it and making the air conditioning system run longer to compensate. Additionally, inspect the doors, walls, and windows for any leaks and cracks, allowing warm drafts in and cool air out. Make sure to seal up any gaps you find.
Test Your Unit
Wait for your air conditioning unit to dry thoroughly and turn on the power to the condenser. If your air conditioning unit isn’t working, it’s best to get in touch with a professional to carry out the proper repairs.
Schedule A Yearly Checkup From A Professional
A wise move to prepare the air conditioning unit before the summer season is scheduling an inspection by a professional. Doing so will ensure your unit is in good shape.
If you decide to schedule yearly maintenance for your unit, it can help save money and ensure that your home stays comfortable at any time of the year. An annual inspection can help save money since the technician will detect problems before they become serious. It’ll help lower the expenses you face when a significant problem occurs.
Conclusion
An operational air conditioning unit without any issues is essential in keeping your home comfortable during the summer. You don’t want to end up with a malfunctioning unit when summer is at full blast. With the help of this guide on preparing your air conditioning unit, you can keep your home comfortable during the summer and save on costly repairs.
