An air conditioner's filters, coils, and fins require regular
maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its
years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in
air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases. Check out our
Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Cooling for more ways to help improve your
comfort and the efficiency of your air conditioner.
AIR
CONDITIONER FILTERS
The most important maintenance task that will ensure
the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its
filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system's
efficiency significantly. With normal airflow obstructed, air that bypasses the
filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil's
heat-absorbing capacity. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can
lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
For central air conditioners, filters are generally
located somewhere along the return duct's length. Common filter locations are
in walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioner itself. Room air
conditioners have a filter mounted in the grill that faces into the room.
Some types of filters are reusable; others must be
replaced. They are available in a variety of types and efficiencies. Clean or
replace your air conditioning system's filter or filters every month or two
during the cooling season. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air
conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have
fur-bearing pets in the house.
AIR
CONDITIONER COILS
The air conditioner's evaporator coil and condenser
coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter
prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the
evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces airflow and
insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem,
check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.
Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty
if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can
easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins.
You should minimize dirt and debris near the
condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all
potential sources of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil,
removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet (0.6 meters)
allow for adequate airflow around the condenser.
COIL FINS
The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils
are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil. Air conditioning
wholesalers sell a tool called a "fin comb" that will comb these fins
back into nearly original condition.
CONDENSATE
DRAINS
Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit's
drain channels. Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity,
and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet.
WINDOW SEALS
FOR ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS
At the start of each cooling season, inspect the
seal between the air conditioner and the window frame to ensure it makes
contact with the unit's metal case. Moisture can damage this seal, allowing
cool air to escape from your house.
PREPARING FOR
WINTER
In the winter, either cover your room air
conditioner or remove and store it. Covering the outdoor unit of a central air
conditioner will protect the unit from winter weather and debris.
HIRING A
PROFESSIONAL
When your air conditioner needs more than regular
maintenance, hire a professional service technician. A well-trained technician
will find and fix problems in your air conditioning system.
The technician should:
- Check for correct amount of refrigerant
- Test for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector
- Capture any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system, instead of illegally releasing it to the atmosphere
- Check for and seal duct leakage in central systems
- Measure airflow through the evaporator coil
- Verify the correct electric control sequence and make sure that the heating system and cooling system cannot operate simultaneously
- Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary
- Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear
- Check the accuracy of the thermostat.
This post was originally published here: MAINTAINING
YOUR AIR CONDITIONER
No comments:
Post a Comment