As summer approaches, many people are looking forward to sunny days on the beach, fresh fruit popsicles, outdoor concerts, and the other specialties the warm season brings. However, summers can quickly become unbearable without a well-functioning air conditioning unit in your home. After a long day in the sun, entering your home to feel a blast of cool air can be extremely refreshing, so it’s especially important to regularly perform proper maintenance on your AC unit. Let’s review the steps you can take to ensure your air conditioning unit is properly maintained to ensure you’ll be cool and comfortable in your home when it gets hot this summer.
Inspect and Clean Condenser Coils and Evaporator Units
The evaporator coil is an indoor unit that removes heat and moisture, and the condenser coil releases that heat outside. It is important to keep these parts clean, as dirt and debris on the condenser coil and evaporator unit can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner and shorten the AC unit’s lifespan.
Inspect and Test Electrical Connections, Wiring, and Controls
Although most electrical AC repairs should be left to professionals, it’s still important that you perform basic maintenance on the electrical components of your air conditioning unit. Check for loose wires, corrosion, and flaws in the operation of your thermostat, valves, and dampers. You can also use an air compressor to keep your electrical parts clear of debris.
Check refrigerant level, refrigerant tubing, and compressor
The compressor in your AC unit pumps refrigerant through the AC system, so it’s important to keep the compressor and its parts properly maintained. Refrigerant is critical to the cooling process, so it’s important to ensure that there is enough refrigerant in the system and there are no leaks in the tubing.
Inspect and Replace Your Air Filter
If your air filter is clogged, the motor will be unable to make any impact on the temperature of your home. A clean air filter is an important part of your AC unit, and it’s important to inspect your air filter once a month and replace your air filter every one to two months, or as needed, to ensure maximum energy efficiency. It’s also important to check the air registers and ductwork for debris.
Inspect the Drain Pan and Condensate Drain
Your air conditioner’s condensate drain line gets rid of water that is released when the evaporator in your unit converts the refrigerant to a gas. If your drains get clogged by dust or other particles, moisture can become trapped in the unit or in the house, leading to a potential source of overflow.
Lubricate Blower and Condenser Fans
Wear and tear on the parts of the blower and condenser fan can cause issues in the function of your air conditioning unit, so it’s important to clean, lubricate, and perform maintenance on these components.
If your home isn’t cool due to issues with your AC, there are some quick troubleshooting steps you can follow. If your AC unit will not turn on, check the circuit breaker and fuses. If your AC unit is on but not cooling your home, check the air filter to make sure it’s not dirty or clogged. You can also check the refrigerant level to ensure it’s not low or leaking.
If you would like help with the installation, replacement, maintenance, or repair of your air conditioning unit, contact us today!
Call Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling for all your plumbing, heating, & cooling needs. In the greater West Michigan, Lakeshore, and surrounding areas call: 844-482-2365
