Homeowner’s guide to maintaining your Air Conditioner
A ir conditioning systems are becoming near essential in Ontario homes in the Summer and offer many benefits outside of just keeping you “feeling cool”.
As much as possible, you will want to make sure that your AC unit remains in top shape and working condition for as long as possible. The overall performance and efficiency of your Air Conditioning system directly translates into how comfortable you and your family are this Summer.
For this reason, regular home air conditioner maintenance is essential to prolong the life of your system.
In this article, we will share with you a basic guide on how to maintain the air conditioning system of your home. Keep reading to learn more.
How to clean the outdoor condenser unit
The condenser unit is the large box usually found on the exterior of your home or in some cases on the roof. If it’s on the roof, we do NOT recommend you taking care of the maintenance by yourself.
It essentially works as a heat pump that pushes heat from the inside to the outside of your home. This heat exchange typically happens through the coil that is surrounded by thousands of metal fins. Here are a few maintenance tips to follow:
Make sure to turn off the power of the heat pump or your air conditioning system.
Get rid of any dirt, leaves, and other debris on your unit’s exterior.
Remove the cover grille to clean any particulate from the unit’s interior.
Use a “fin comb” to straighten any curved fins on your unit’s coils.
How to check the condensate drain lines
The condensate drain lines are situated inside your AC unit beside the fan / air handler. Their main purpose is to build up water in your heating and cooling system and drive it away from the unit.
There are two drainpipe lines: one built into the compressor housing, and another meant to drain the system if the first one is blocked. Here are a few inspection tips to follow:
Examine the condensate drain lines for any narrowing and blockages.
Make sure no algae and other debris are clogging the lines.
Check the hosepipe connections and fittings.
Ensure that there is nothing loose or leaking in the hosepipe lines.
How to clean the air filters
The air filters play a crucial role in eliminating indoor dust, plant pollen, and various other particles that typically circulate inside your home. Usually, in a rectangular shape, these filters are placed into the central ductwork near the fan or air handler of your AC unit.
As far as maintenance is concerned, the air filters are meant to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis. Make sure to change the filters monthly during heavy use and throughout the cooling seasons.
Also, do this frequently if you have pets at home, residents with respiratory issues, or a dusty home. Ultimately, you want to make sure that they serve their primary purpose — to filter the air.
Conclusion
There’s no that you need to maintain your Air Conditioner regularly. Make sure to keep in mind the guide given above regarding its upkeep — how to clean the exterior condenser unit, check the condensate drain line, and clean the air filter. By following the guide, you can expect your AC unit to work efficiently throughout the year.
We are an air conditioner repair and maintenance company that provides 24-hour HVAC repair services in Toronto , ON. If you need home air conditioner maintenance for your central air conditioner, get in touch with our experts today to see how we can help!