Basic DIY Aircon Maintenance: Simple Steps for Optimal Performance

A well-structured air conditioning maintenance strategy using DIY means will enable you to avoid seeking frequent professional help and ensure that your AC system is in excellent condition. 

The following are some of the most crucial aircon maintenance tips to ensure you avoid all the common issues, reduce energy bills, and have good indoor air quality.

Clean or Replace Air Filters

One of the most minor yet significant things you might do for maintenance is clean the air filters. Dirty filters reduce airflow, forcing the system to work harder, using more energy, and inviting malfunction. 

Notably, most manufacturers recommend cleaning or replacing filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and indoor air quality. If it is a reusable filter, wash it with water and a light detergent. Allow it to dry completely before putting it back inside the unit.

Condenser Coils Check and Cleaning

The condenser coils on your outdoor unit dissipate all the heat collected inside your house. In case these coils become dirty, they can’t dissipate the heat that well and hence force the system to work harder than required. Properly cleaning such coils keeps your AC efficient and may help prevent the device from overheating.

First, turn the unit off when cleaning the condenser coils. Then, gently sweep dust and debris off the coils using a soft brush or with a particular coil cleaning solution available at most hardware stores, taking care not to bend the fins. You may need to rinse the coils by spraying them with water from a garden hose to remove stubborn dirt and grime.

Check and Clear the Drain Line

Air conditioners pull moisture out of the air, which travels via a drain line and exits outside. Over time, that drain line builds up dirt, algae, or mold, clogging and causing leaks, which in turn affect performance. 

Therefore, check and clean to avoid further potential water damage and keep your AC working optimally. Begin by finding the drain line near the indoor unit. Also, look for blockages around the unit, as water will pool. Use a wet/dry vacuum to clear blockages, or if you can reach the line, pour vinegar and water through it to dissolve the accumulated matter obstructing it. 

Straighten Coil Fins to Provide Better Air Flow

Straightening coil fins occasionally is the easiest way to keep your unit running efficiently. Coil fins in indoor and outdoor units are vitally important since they facilitate airflow and heat exchange. When damaged or bent, they restrict airflow, making the system inefficient. 

Switch off the power of your AC unit. Take a fin comb and carefully set the coil fins straight. Pass the comb through the fins slowly to realign them. Be careful with the amount of pressure applied, as the fins are very fragile and break quite easily. It’s a small effort to enhance airflow and reduce energy consumption to make your AC unit work as it should.

Seal and Inspect Air Leaks in Ductwork

In any central air conditioning system, ductwork extensively distributes cool air within the house. When ductwork leaks, cool air finds its way out, enhancing uneven cooling. Therefore, energy waste is highly accounted for in utility bills. 

Periodically inspect the ductwork and identify and seal air leaks to improve AC system efficiency. Inspect visible portions of your ductwork, especially at joints and connections. Seal small gaps with aluminum foil tape or mastic sealant. Sealing these leaks can help avoid massive air losses and take pressure off your AC, lowering cooling costs.

Properly Set and Calibrate Your Thermostat

Ensure the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature and in good working condition. An appropriately set thermostat helps keep the indoor temperature near the comfort zone and maximizes the performance of an AC. Mis-calibrated or outdated thermostats make air conditioners operate inefficiently and consume more energy with spotty cooling.

Notably, you might want a programmable or smart thermostat that automatically lowers the temperature when you are away from home and cools it before your arrival. Most current programmable and smart thermostats automatically save energy by raising the temperature when you are not home and cooling your home before you arrive.

Keep the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit Clean

Your AC’s outdoor unit needs ample airflow to function correctly. Notably, leaves from overgrown plants, dirt, and other debris block airflow, making the unit’s work of dissipating heat much harder. This blockage may cause the system to overheat, requiring the AC to work harder.

Therefore, occasionally, check for leaves, grass clippings, and other debris that may accumulate. Trim shrubs and plants in and around this space to ensure good clearance. 

Conclusion

While DIY maintenance can extend the healthy life of your AC system, the unit also requires annual aircon professional maintenance services. A qualified technician will inspect the system and identify potential issues before they become major. 

Therefore, don’t entirely rely on DIY. Regularly get your aircon checked by a professional. 

 

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