Just like other mechanical systems in homes, air conditioners always get used when people need them but are otherwise ignored roundly, until there is a problem. That is when people call professional service and start praying that the bill won’t be too high. With air conditioners, ignoring routine maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency (in simple words, higher utility costs) and even premature failure of expensive parts. In this article, you will get to know 7 Important Guidelines for Air Conditioner Maintenance.
For preventing this, the general rule of thumb is to have your air condition system inspected at least once a year by a qualified technician. The checklist below itemizes what a routine AC maintenance call should include. Besides annual service, it is important to check on certain things every month during the cooling season, and this something you can do yourself in a few minutes. Tips for Air Conditioner Maintenance-
- Clean the Indoor Evaporator Units and Outdoor Condenser Coils
The coil is made up of refrigerant lines and encircling radiator-like fins that line the cabinet of the outdoor air conditioner unit. The evaporator is the interior counterpart of the outdoor unit and has its own coil. Dirt and dust on the coils reduce the efficiency and stress the mechanical parts of the system. Therefore, regularly clean them and never allow dust to settle for preventing further damage.
- Check the Refrigerant Level
The most commonly ignored element of air conditioner maintenance, refrigerant levels can gradually affect the working of the AC units if they are constantly kept low that ideal level. The incorrect amount of refrigerant means the compressor has to work too hard, which reduces the efficiency and durability of the system.
- Inspect Drain Pans and Condensate Drains
If a home has extra moisture, the AC units will inevitably be at risk of higher damage, as the unit has to work harder than normal, and moist surroundings can lead to system failures. The drains must be clean and unobstructed to ensure excess moisture is not trapped in the AC units or inside the homes.
- Check Refrigerant and Compressor Tubing
If the refrigerant tubing is leaking or blocked, it will not deliver enough coolant to the compressor, which will cause the compressor to stress more, and will eventually cause the compressor to fail. Therefore, make it a habit to regularly check that the tubing is clean and not blocked with any contaminant.
- Inspect Electrical Controls, Wiring, and Connections
All the electrical components and hookups must be regularly checked for soundness, wear, and damage. As everybody knows, cracked wires and loose connections can be dangerous, so much so that it can even lead to a whole-house short circuit. If you let your AC system work with loose connections, you are not only risking the life of AC but also every electrical appliance in your home. To prevent any such damage, inspect for any loose wiring or connections and fix it immediately if you find one.
- Inspect and Clean, or Replace Air Filters
Clogged air filters restrict airflow to the system and cause the motor to run without producing any results. Clean or change the air filters as necessary, then continue to inspect them every month. Using clean air filters can reduce your AC costs by as much as 15 percent. When you can save the money using simple guidelines, why waste it on expensive equipment.
- Check Ductwork for Leaks and Other Issues
A duct inspection may not be needed every year and may not be included in a standard system checkup, but air leakage in the ductwork is one of the main reasons for the inefficiency of ACunits. It is a good idea to have your ductwork inspected and sealed or insulated in problem areas, as necessary. It will help keep your AC unit in good condition and work efficiently.
Conclusion
There is never an opportune time for your air condition unit to break down, and it seems even worse when the issue is something that could’ve been prevented with regular maintenance. Fortunately, you can avoid such a situation by following the important guidelines for AC maintenance. However, your AC unit is a complex mechanical system, and you should not experiment too much with it if you are unable to find the problem. You should contact professional services instead to avoid making the situation worse. Find top quality aircon services in Singapore with Subcool today.
