The sweltering heat of the summer can cause you great discomfort at home if your air conditioning (AC) system malfunctions. To prevent such a situation, you must regularly maintain your AC to keep it in good working condition. There are different measures that you can take to ensure that your aircon is fully-functional. This will help you save money in the long run.
Read on to learn the essential maintenance tips for your air conditioning unit.
Clean AC Filters
Cleaning the AC filters is probably the most crucial maintenance task that you can do to ensure that the system is functioning efficiently. With time, the filter gets clogged with dirt and other unwanted particles that block the normal airflow into your house. Apart from affecting the quality of air in your home, clogged filters can reduce the unit’s efficiency which can result in high utility bills.
The filters in different home AC units are accessible, and they are easy to remove and clean. The other thing that you should know is that other filters are reusable while others must be replaced. You must clean the AC’s system filters every month, and you should pay close attention when the unit is in constant use. The system can draw dust, pet fur, and other unwanted particles that can affect the quality of air circulated in your home.
Hire a Professional
At some point in time, your air conditioner may require more than regular maintenance, and this is when you should consider hiring a professional technician. In Singapore, it is essential to service your AC unit periodically seeing that the temperatures in this tropical region can be extremely high during the summer. A trained aircon contractor in Singapore can diagnose and fix any problems in your air conditioning system effectively. Expert technicians have the right equipment to check the correct amount of refrigerant and test for leaks using a special detector.
When you hire a technician to perform a major service, they should inspect all the electric connections to ensure that they are safe and secure. They also need to inspect the motor oils, check electric terminals, and tighten all connections. An experienced contractor also needs to verify the accuracy of the thermostat and the correct electric control sequence. The service package also includes cleaning the coils and outdoor condenser to prevent the system from breaking down while at the same time improving efficiency.
Clean the Fan
You must clean the fan to ensure that it is free of dust and other particles. Remove the covers and use a brush to remove all the dust. Do not use a pressure washer since you can damage the fins. You must avoid using water given that it can penetrate the motor and damage it. You must also check if there are no loose connections on the fan and around the entire unit to prevent short circuits.
Keep the Air Conditioner Coils Clean
The AC’s evaporator and condenser coils can collect dirt over time which affects the system’s cooling capabilities. Therefore, you need to clean these coils to prevent soiling that can reduce the unit’s airflow and its ability to absorb heat. An outdoor condenser coil can also be impacted by the outdoor environment consisting of dust and several other particles. You should keep the condenser free of debris and other particles that can clog it.
Clean the Vents
The air that is cooled by the system passes through the vents, so you must keep them free of debris like leaves and grass. You must also clean the area and trim all the foliage around the vents to promote adequate airflow in the AC system. When the unit is not in use, it is vital to cover the vents to keep debris at bay. However, you must leave breathing space to prevent moisture build-up inside the ducts.
Clean the Evaporator Drain
Once in a while, you should clean the evaporator drain. As the humidity condenses on the cool surface, water is produced, and it drips into the pan below. The water then flows from the pan into the drain tube that connects to the utility sink or basement floor drain. The drainage system can be clogged by mold and algae over time, so you should clean it as well.
An air conditioning system plays a crucial role in keeping your home cool and comfortable when it is hot outside. However, like any other system in your home, your AC requires regular maintenance to ensure that it does not break down when you need it most. There are different maintenance tasks that you can easily do yourself, like cleaning the filters and coils, checking for leaks, and emptying the drainage tray. But, it is crucial to hire a professional technician to perform a thorough checkup at least once a year to extend the lifespan of your AC system.