3 Important Things to Do When Servicing Your Air Conditioner

AC maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently for longer, especially after it sits idle during the winter season. Negligence not only reduces your system's cooling capacity but also causes premature equipment failure. AC service involves checking the condition of crucial components such as the coils, filters, and drains.

Here are three things your technician should do to ensure your AC runs smoothly.

Clean or Change the Air Filters

The air filter is an essential AC component that traps allergens, dirt, and other debris trying to infiltrate the air you breathe. Unfortunately, the air filter can clog over time, which impedes proper airflow and impacts your unit's cooling efficiency. With a clogged filter, your unit will strain to pull in air. The result is poor performance and high energy usage. 

You might need a new filter if your current one looks gray and dirty or dust builds up on the air vents. To remedy airflow issues, change the air filter regularly, preferably every three months. However, if you have multiple pets or allergy sufferers in your house, change the filter more frequently for better air quality.

Check the Coils

The evaporator coil cools the refrigerant and enables the fluid to extract hot air from your indoor environment. Over time, dirt and grime may build up on the coils. When this happens, the coil's absorbing capacity decreases, ultimately affecting the AC's performance. Your outdoor unit (condenser) also requires proper airflow to function optimally. 

Unfortunately, leaves, dust, and other elements in the outdoor environment can lower the condenser coil's efficiency. As a result, the hot air can't easily dissipate outside, which leads to a less effective cooling system.

You should clean the system so the coils can transfer heat easily. Also, trim any bushes or vegetation that try to encroach on the outside unit as they might interfere with airflow.

Maintain the Condensate Drain System

The condensate drain system provides an exit route for moisture that builds up in your AC during heavy heating and cooling. Sometimes, the condensation from the coils may contain debris that can clog the drain system.

The water has nowhere to go, so it sits in the drain pan and eventually overflows. This may result in significant water damage in your home. Worse still, mold might grow inside your unit, spreading the spores inside your home.

If water accumulates in your unit, that's a sign of a blockage in your system. So, call an HVAC technician immediately if you notice this problem. To prevent algae that might clog your drain line, pour a cup of distilled vinegar down the drain pipe frequently to keep your drain system clear.

In addition to the above components, ensure an air conditioner service professional checks the compressor and fins. With regular AC services, your system can effectively protect you from the unrelenting summer heat.