As the weather gets warmer, many people begin to rely on their central air conditioning units like the Goodman 594061 Goodman 13 Seer R410A Air Conditioner 1.5 Ton to keep their homes cool and comfortable. However, central AC units require a bit of upkeep to function properly.
How to Keep Your Central Air Conditioning Unit in Good Shape
That said, the following are tips for keeping your central air conditioning unit in good shape.
a) Air Conditioner Filters
Cleaning or replacing your air conditioner’s filters on a regular basis is the most crucial maintenance chore you can perform to guarantee its efficiency. Filters that are unclean and clogged up make less air flow and severely lower system performance. The ability of the evaporator coil to absorb heat is also hampered when airflow is hindered since air can bypass the filter and deposit dirt there instead. The energy usage of your air conditioner can be reduced by 5% to 15% by replacing a filthy, clogged filter with a clean one.
In most cases, filters for central air conditioners are positioned anywhere along the return duct’s length. Filters are also usually found in walls, ceilings, or the air conditioner itself. Even the grill facing the room on room air conditioners has a filter placed on it.
Some filter types can be reused, while others need to be changed. They come in many different varieties and are efficient. Every month or two throughout the cooling season, clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter(s). Filters may require more frequent care if the air conditioner is used commonly, is exposed to dusty circumstances, or you have furry pets in the house.
b) Air Conditioner Coils
Over the course of months and years of use, the evaporator coil and condenser coil of the air conditioner accumulate dirt. The evaporator coil doesn’t get dirty as quickly with a clean filter. That said, it will eventually continue to gather dirt, though. The coil is insulated by the soil, which lessens the coil’s capacity to absorb heat. Check and clean your evaporator coil as needed once a year to prevent this issue.
If the surrounding area is dusty or there is vegetation, outdoor condenser coils can also get very dirty. The condenser coil is clearly visible, so you can tell if debris is accumulating on its fins.
Debris and dirt should be kept to a minimum, close to the condenser. They may come from your lawnmower, dryer vents, or falling leaves. To ensure proper airflow around the condenser, clean the vicinity, clear away any garbage, and cut back any vegetation by at least 2 feet (0.6 meters).
c) Coil Fins
Evaporator and condenser coils’ aluminum fins are brittle and can bend quickly, which can obstruct airflow. These fins can be combed back to nearly their former condition using a product that air conditioning wholesalers sell under the name “fin comb.”
d) Condensate Drains
Occasionally run a stiff wire through the drain channels of the appliance. A unit cannot reduce humidity if the drain channels are clogged, and the extra moisture that results may stain carpet or walls.
e) Preparing for Winter
Your room air conditioner should be covered or taken out and stored during the winter. A central air conditioner’s outside unit can be shielded from debris and cold weather by using a cover.
Some Useful Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips
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Keep Your Plants Landscaped or Away from the Unit
Since outdoor air conditioning condensers are usually unsightly, it stands to reason that homeowners would try to keep them out of sight. A/C units can be covered up with plants, fences, and trellises, which are popular options.
However, as they require sufficient circulation around all sides to operate at maximum effectiveness, experts advise that outdoor decors and other objects be placed about a few feet away from the actual unit.
Regular leaf and debris cleanup, bush and tree pruning, and other landscaping practices may all help increase the amount of air that your AC system needs to draw into its system.
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Clean Your Unit from Pollen or Other Debris
It’s easy to forget to clean your outdoor air condenser unit regularly if it’s hidden away. That said, you shouldn’t ignore this simple task. When the condenser draws in air, pollen and other debris frequently adhere to its exterior. This will limit airflow, lower cooling effectiveness, and possibly even cause the machine to overheat.
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Set Temperatures in a Programmable Thermostat
It makes sense that the air conditioner will experience less wear and tear the less it is actually used. Setting the temperature according to the day and time is an excellent technique to lower the thermostat’s overall consumption for everyone who has a programmable thermostat.
For instance, you may adjust your thermostat to be warmer during the day and cooler when you are sleeping. Instead of turning off the unit and turning it back on after a long day at work, it is far more efficient to program in desired temperatures.
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Keep the Sun Out
Blocking the sun during the warmest part of the day is a great additional approach to reduce the frequency with which the air conditioner must be used. Blinds or curtains should be closed during the sun’s peak illumination.
The temperature inside the house will increase less as a result. Consider constructing awnings or planting trees as additional ways to filter some of the sunlight.
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Regularly Get a Professional Inspection and Cleaning Done
A routine maintenance inspection and cleaning of the unit by an HVAC expert is a terrific idea before each cooling season. Regular inspections by service technicians include checking the compressor and tubing, fan motor and blades, coils, and control box. Additionally, the device is cleaned, and the refrigerant levels are checked; any necessary adjustments are made.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the proverb says. Suppose you’ve ever experienced having your central air conditioner break down on the hottest day of the year. In that case, you know how much more cost-effective preventative A/C maintenance is than fixing or replacing it after being neglected.
Conclusion
Indeed, there are several things you can do to keep your central air conditioning unit in good shape. First, make sure to change the air filter regularly. Second, have your AC unit serviced by a professional at least once a year. Third, keep the area around your AC unit free of debris and dirt. Finally, be sure to keep the coils clean. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your AC unit will continue to work properly for years to come.
If you are looking for a company that provides 24-hour air conditioning service, look no further than our expertise here at HVAC Swami. Our Mission is to help homeowners find the most up-to-date information on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and give the best advice on the internet as well as great product recommendations. Call us today, and let us help you with your central air conditioning in no time!
