Now that summer is almost here, almost every family or home owner will be using the air conditioner quite frequently. Even if the air conditioner is not your responsibility, but that of a landlord, it is still necessary to perform the most basic of maintenance. Basic tasks, which will help keep the outside unit and inside unit functioning normally, are easier than one might think.
There are usually two units to a central air conditioner system, the condenser, which is usually on the exterior of the home and resting on a concrete slab or platform, and the evaporator coil, which can be found in a variety of locations. The evaporator coil can usually be found in the garage, attic or inside a mechanical room or closet. It is always found after the blower motor in the plenum, which is the large metal boxed housing where the air return ductwork enters. The evaporator coil is not directly visible or usually serviceable by the home owner.
One of the most important checks to do is giving the condenser a cursory glance. If the entire unit is not readily seen, then it means it is time to cut back the shrubs and grass. The condenser's immediate surroundings must be kept free of any obstructions and overgrowth that may interfere with any movement of air. Common problems in addition to bushes and grass interfering are trash cans being set immediately next to the condenser or a wooden railing blocking the free movement of air.
It is recommended that there be a minimum of approximately 18 inches. Any less than this and the unit will need to work harder, thereby shortening the lifespan of the condenser. When the condenser works harder it also means that the cooling ability can be compromised and the utility bill will be more expensive. Clearing obstructions is just an easy way to save monthly expense.
The second thing to notice is if the cooling fins have been bent and flattened. Cooling fins, which are made from thin strips of aluminum, are easily damaged or clogged by flying debris and dirt from lawn mowers, weed trimmers and other lawn maintenance equipment. Bent cooling fins are essentially the same thing as blocking the free movement of air. Most hardware stores sell fin combs which only cost a few dollars, but can save much greater expense from service calls and equipment failure.
The last main task a home owner needs to do regularly is replacing the filter at the air intake vent. Air filters can range in cost from $2 or $3 to $30 and up. It all depends upon the type of filter purchased. The more expensive air filters are electrostatic and specialty filters. These expensive filters are often reusable by washing them clean. Usually one filter change every 30 days is adequate for the average home. However, if the family is sensitive to pollen and dust or there are several pets in the household, more frequent filter changes may be necessary. Most plenums can have a narrow removable door where another air filter may be located. This filter should not need replacing as often. Many times the air filter has been removed completely and never replaced.
Regardless of the type of HVAC system present, one thing is recommended. An annual tune up should be performed before the system is placed into heavy service during the late spring and summer months. Calling an HVAC service company can ensure that the system will be functioning properly and greatly decrease the chances of a problem going unchecked causing equipment failure.
For more information on air conditioning and HVAC maintenance please visit www.comfortzonepa.com.
Article independently authored by Daniel P. Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Comfort Zone PA.
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