Is you’re A/C not cooling like it used to? Is it leaking water? Or have you noticed a sudden increase in your electricity bills? These warning signs may indicate that your air conditioner needs cleaning and inspection. For optimal performance, we recommend having it cleaned and inspected before the summer to prevent any malfunctions from occurring during the hottest time of the year. If you’re not sure what components need to be cleaned in order to get it working properly, follow these tips.
Clean The Area Around The Outdoor Unit
Leaves, twigs, grass, and dirt that build up around the unit can block the airflow. So be sure to remove any debris that may have piled up around the unit. Airflow is very important, so, check that any branches or vegetation is cut back to be at least 3 feet from the unit.
Periodically Clean the Coil on the Outdoor Unit
The fins on the outdoor unit may become clogged with dirt. Turn the unit off and gently clean with a simple garden hose. Be careful not to use too much pressure as it may damage the fins. In some cases, a special detergent is required. This is best done by a professional.
The Indoor Coil
The indoor coils can also collect dirt and grime over time, reducing the airflow. Prevention is best so purchasing a good air filter for your furnace or air handler, and changing it regularly goes a long way to preventing potentially costly repairs. The evaporator coil is usually installed in the ductwork above your furnace, so can be difficult to get access to. If you feel there is an issue, or it may be dirty, it is generally best to get a professional to look at it for you.
Unclog The Drain Line
Clogged drain lines will cause all kinds of problems and may damage your furnace. If you find water is not draining properly, find where the drain line ends and use a wet/dry vacuum to clear it out.
Change The Filter
Filters can easily clog up over time and impact the efficiency of your unit. Check your filter regularly, and if it’s dirty, replace it with a fresh one that has the same airflow rating. Typically, filters need replacing every three to four months, but this can vary.
Fix The Fins
Bent fins can prevent proper airflow as well reducing capacity and efficiency. These fins can bend over quite easily so care should be taken when working near the unit. Most service technicians carry special fin combs which match the spacing can be used to straighten them out.
Check Insulation
Don’t forget about the insulation around your outdoor A/C lines. Proper insulation prevents condensation where you don’t want it and can help to improve your unit’s efficiency. Visible frost or ice on the lines is an indication of a problem. If you see this, the best thing to do is shut the unit off and call for service.
Match The Right Size with The Right Air Flow
The size of your A/C matters. A unit that is too small will not provide enough cooling on really hot days. An oversized air conditioner will cool but may be ineffective at removing humidity. Proper air flow settings are very important and can have a negative effect on the efficiency and performance of your air conditioner. As part of regular maintenance, the service technician should check the blower settings.
When in Doubt Get It Inspected By A Professional
If you don’t fully understand how your A/C unit works, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. An expert will know what to look for when they inspect your unit. When you need to repair a central air conditioner, you can rely on Top Hat Comfort’s speedy service to keep you comfortable all summer long. Our team of professional service and repair technicians will clean and maintain your unit to keep your HVAC system operating as optimally as possible. We also offer emergency air conditioning repair and replacement services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience. Contact us today for your free quote!