Like any mechanical system, air conditioners need service and maintenance to run smoothly. Luckily AC service is not that much difficult and you can handle it yourself.
Why AC service and maintenance?
On-time AC service and maintenance has so many benefits and can raise its productivity up to 15%. You can increase your AC unit lifespan by its correct service and maintenance. You can diagnose your AC unit problems by its regular service to prevent any major problem. So, the repair cost will also decrease.
What happens if there is no AC service and maintenance?
- Low AC productivity
- High power consumption
- AC smelling badly
- Refrigerant leak
- AC not cooling
- AC unusual noises
- Serious AC damages
- Hurting the environment
- High repair cost
- AC breakdown
- AC not turn on
- AC sudden shut off
- Blown circuit breaker
How often is AC service needed?
Generally speaking, you should have your AC unit serviced twice a year, once in fall, at the beginning of heating season, and once in spring, before the cooling season. But the filters should be cleaned every month.
Warning: if you are not qualified enough, don't do service operations and always seek help from an expert.
Note: every unusual sign from your AC unit warns you about an eminent failure. So, go for it as soon as possible. Regular timing for AC service can avoid these failures.
How to service and maintain in the AC unit
1. Change the filters to service your AC unit
Dirty filters reduce AC's efficiency. Remove them every month during the cooling season and wash them with soapy warm water. Let the filters dry completely and install them again.
Tip: AC filters are usually located behind the outlet dampers.
Note: if the filters are not reusable, replace them with a new one every month.
2. Clean the evaporator coils during AC service
In order to access the AC coils, remove the panel. Coils are some U shaped copper tubes. Clean any dust or debris using a soft brush. You can also use the special spray for cleaning the coils.
Tip: the refrigerant inside the evaporator coils gets the environment heat. The dust seating on the coils reduces their exposure to the air and limits the heat exchange.
Note: the best time for cleaning the coils is the start of cooling season, spring and summer.
3. Clean the space around outdoor unit during AC service
Consider about 1m clearance space around AC outdoor unit to have good airflow and prevent any dust and debris from entering the unit.
4. Straighten the coil fins while AC service
Another easy task to do during AC service and maintenance is using a special comb to straighten AC coil fins. Fins are thin slats of metal running along the copper coils in AC outdoor unit. They're usually made of aluminium. Heavily bent or damaged fins restrict the air flow around the coils and reduce the AC efficiency.
5. Unclog the drain line during AC service
AC drain line or condensate line drains the condensate water out of the AC unit. If there's musty moldy smell or any standing water near your indoor unit or if the system is not cooling or shuts down suddenly, the drain line may be clogged.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the debris inside the drain line. It is usually a white tube going out of the wall near the outdoor unit.
6. Wash the AC fans during AC service
Remove the fan from inside the AC body. There's a fan beside the evaporator and one near the condenser. Wash them with soapy warm water and install them again.
7. Cover the outdoor unit in extreme cold during AC service
The AC outdoor unit is made of strong materials to bear cold weather. But extreme ice and snow can gradually damage it. So, it's better to cover it with special cloth during cold season.
Note: never use the plastic cover or any kind of cover that reduce air flow. The moisture under the cover can damage the unit.
8. Level the AC outdoor unit during the AC service
Unlevel AC outdoor unit reduces the compressor lifespan. Since the outdoor unit is located outdoors, wind and dust can unbalance the unit. So, make sure it is totally level during AC service and maintenance operations.
9. Call a professional serviceman for your AC service
If your AC unit needs more than usual services, don't hesitate to call an expert to do the following operations for you:
- Check the refrigerant level
- Make sure there is no refrigerant Leak
- Make sure there is no water leak
- Measure the air flow over the coils
- Examine the connections and electric insulations.
- Lubricate the compressor
- Check the belt for the corrosion
- Make sure the thermostat is not faulty
What we mentioned here, are usual measures taken for AC service and maintenance. If you want to learn more professional operations, don't miss air conditioner training course in HelloTechnic website. Our instructors will teach you everything about air conditioner installation, service, troubleshooting and repair, all through films and animations.
