Air Conditioner Maintenance and Home Cooling Tips
To maintain your air conditioner, you must keep several things in mind. Check for loose components. Clean the air filters and condensate drain tube. Clean the fan blades. If you are not sure, check the manual for more information. For tips and tricks regarding air conditioner maintenance, you can also go online. These maintenance tips will ensure that your air conditioner works well. These simple, yet effective maintenance tips will keep your air conditioner in top shape.
Checking for components
When repairing your air conditioner, the first thing you should check is the parts. Usually, the problem stems from one of the components. Oil leakage, clutch malfunction or even a bad bearing are all common causes. If you aren’t confident in checking these parts yourself then contact a professional. It is easy to check the components of an air conditioner if you can read the manual.
Cleaning air filters
Vacuuming is the first and most important maintenance of an air filter. It is important to change the filter once a month. The air filter will not be damaged if the vacuum attachment is used without a brush. You can simply run the nozzle along the entire filter length to remove dust and debris. If there are pet hairs, repeat the process. Do not press too hard or it might tear the filter. The filters can be cleaned with a specialized air filter cleaner.
You can clean your filter with a handheld vacuum cleaner or attachment if the unit is reusable. It is also recommended to use a low-pressure spraynozzle. After cleaning the filter, you can put it back together. You should remove any dust, debris, or lint from the filter. It should be left to dry for at most three hours. It’s time to replace your air filter after one week.
Checking condensate drain tube
Water may be seen puddled around your furnace and AC units due to a blocked condensate drain tube. Condensation in the coils of your air conditioner is what causes this slime-filled water. Using air conditioner pan tablets to remove the slime from the drain tube will help it drain faster and prevent it from clogging. A larger condensate drain tube is another home cooling and air conditioner maintenance tip.
To inspect the condensate drain tube locate the vent tie or the T-shaped pipe that connects to outdoor unit. Then, visually check the pipe for any blockage. If you notice that it is blocked, you need to flush it with water or distilled vinegar solution to make sure there are no blockages. If you discover that the tube is blocked, you should either clear it yourself or call a professional.
Checking fan blades
If your air conditioner is kicking off but you can’t hear any sound, you may have an obstruction blocking the fan. If this is the situation, turn off the air conditioner and insert a screwdriver in a hole on the condenser unit. You can manually move the fan blades and check for other obstructions. If they are clear, the problem is likely to be something else, such as a capacitor.
In some cases, the problem isn’t the blades themselves, but the motor. In such cases, the fan motor could have lost its ability of spinning. If you suspect a problem with the motor, you need to contact a qualified service provider. A malfunctioning fan can also be caused by insufficient power. Make sure to inspect the fan blades and replace any that are damaged immediately.
