Air Conditioning Unit Maintenance: Four Vital Areas To Pay Attention To
An air conditioner is a huge blessing when you are living in a climate that experiences extreme heat. Nothing feels better than escaping from the hot outdoors into the cool indoors. The last thing you want is to lose that nice reprieve from the heat. This is why you need to keep your appliance running smoothly by performing regular AC maintenance checks. You don't need a professional HVAC contractor to handle this for you. There are several do-it-yourself ways to maintain the air conditioning unit. This guide will walk you through some of them.
Filters
Nearly all air conditioners have a filter inside of it. The filter catches debris and dust in it. Over time, the filter becomes full and will need to be cleaned. Remove the filter from the appliance and gently rub it down with a damp cloth. Repeat the step for the other side of the filter. Once it is completely clean, you can place it in the appliance again. If the filter appears damaged in any way, you will need to replace it with a new one. Some appliances only use filters that have to be replaced each time, so make sure you check.
Fins
Outside units have special fins on the unit. The fins will become quite dirty from being exposed to the elements. The best way to clean the fins is to use a hose. Spray the entire unit down until the fins are clean. For stubborn areas, you can use a brush and soap and water to remove it.
Fans
The fan inside the unit also gets quite dirty. Remove the fan cage to gain access to the fan. Reach inside and remove any leaves or other debris from inside the unit. Once that is done, clean each side of the fan blades with a damp rag. Replace the fan back inside the unit and reattach the fan cage to the unit.
Exterior
Remove any leaves, sticks, or other debris that has gathered around the exterior of the unit. Power wash the unit to make it look cleaner if you wish but make sure you do not hit any of the fins with the power washer. The fins will become damaged from such force.
Conclusion
The better you treat your unit, the longer it will last. Read through your owner's manual to find any other maintenance tips that are specific to your unit.