How to Properly Maintain Your Central Air Conditioning Unit

As the weather heats up and the days lengthen, your central air conditioner shifts from being the forgotten device to a major player in your household. Since it seems that air conditioners only break on the hottest summer days, it is best to regularly maintain it and avoid any unnecessary breakdowns. Without regular maintenance, an air conditioner loses about five percent of its original efficiency for each year of operation.

Every two years you should consider hiring a professional to come in and give your air conditioner a tune up. This can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on where you live.

During the tune up, the following should be done:

• Check refrigerant (Freon) level and recharge if necessary.
• Check for Freon leaks (required if they are going to recharge the levels).
• Clean the condensing unit coils.
• Check the airflow over the cooling coils.
• Clean, oil, and inspect the motor.
• Clean and inspect the compressor.
• Check all electrical components and controls.
• Clean evaporator, condenser coils, air handler, and ducts if needed.
• Calibrate the thermostat.
• Check and clean the condenser.
• Check the air filters.
• Check that the belts are well adjusted.
• Check the system operating pressures and temperatures.

While this might seem like an unnecessary expense, it will keep your air conditioner working longer and lower the amount of energy it uses, which will lower your energy bills. A system that is only 10% low on coolant can cost 20% more to operate. Likewise, any decrease in the airflow over your cooling coils will reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency.

In between these visits, there are a few things you can do to maintain it. For best results, do this on a cool day well before the hot weather arrives. It will give you a chance to assess things and call in a professional if necessary. The first thing you should do (after turning off the power at the service panel) is to check the outside condensing unit. Make sure it is not covered or blocked with grass, shrubs, lawn furniture, or any other debris. The system needs plenty of space-at least four to five feet-in order to be able to draw air into it.

Next, check the coils (the area on the condensing unit that is not solid metal). Clean off any dirt buildup with warm, soapy water and rinse with a garden hose. Use a spray attachment and spray downward. They need to be treated gently to avoid bending the fins. Bent fins can block airflow though the coil and will need to be straightened using a “fin comb.” You can get one from any air conditioner wholesaler. Cleaning the coil can improve the efficiency by up to eight percent.

Next, locate the condensate drain line, or condensate tube, and make sure it is clean and draining freely. The condensate drain line removes moisture from the air and must be allowed to flow freely. Also, check any hose connections for leaks. Then, replace the air filter and check that all the access panels are secure and all the screws are in place.

When all this is done, you should turn the power back on and test the system. Allow the system to run for a few minutes to see if the air conditioner is actually cooling and not simply blowing air. If it is not, call a professional. At least you know now, before you need it.

Like anything else, properly maintaining your air conditioner unit is cheaper and easier than repairing it or replacing it later. With good maintenance, your air conditioner should last at least fifteen years before needing to be replaced.

Sources:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_maintenance
http://homegarden.move.com