Coping with the heat!  5 essential steps for annual air conditioning maintenance

Worldwide sales of air conditioning increased 13 percent from 2010 to 2011 and is expected to continue to increase over the years.

Air conditioners are important for air circulation, especially for people with allergies. The air conditioning system should be serviced regularly for efficient operation. The energy consumption in alternating current increases steadily when the necessary maintenance is neglected.

By maintaining an air conditioner, you can save money on replacement and extend its life at the same time.

Below are 5 essential steps for annual air conditioning maintenance.

1. Turn off the AC unit and remove any residue

When you learn how to clean an air conditioner, you should first turn off the power to the breaker box inside the air conditioner. Also use the device’s outer shut-off box on the compressor / condenser. Nobody wants to risk working on electricity and moving parts of the air conditioning system.

Remove the fun cage on the outer compressor / condenser. Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the fasteners. Lift the fan grille off the top of the AC unit.

Clean leaves and other items inside with a vacuum cleaner or by hand.

2. Clean and straighten the slats

Use a vacuum to remove all dirt from the outside. Use a commercially available fin cleaning spray to keep the air conditioner working properly.
Carefully align the louvers with a lamella straightening tool to improve airflow. Using a butter knife to straighten the slats can also improve efficiency and is essential for air conditioning maintenance.

3. Clean and level the area around the device

Thoroughly clean the area around the unit before replacing the fan cage to ensure proper maintenance of the central air conditioning system. Remove branches, debris, vegetation, and leaves from the condenser and around the unit to ensure proper airflow.

Cover the roof of the unit during the winter season or when you are not using the condenser. Use plastic or a piece of plywood to cover the top and prevent dirt and leaves from falling in.

However, the sides of the units should be left uncovered to prevent the build-up of moisture that can cause corrosion. Also, covering the unit fully encourages the birds to build their nests inside. When the device is in use, it should be fully exposed.

Use rot-proof washers to level the capacitor. Sometimes the compressor fails due to a non-flat condenser unit. It is important to level the device based on the floor that will settle under the pad that holds the air condenser unit.

4. Clean the evaporator coil

Remove some bolts and screws as well as some foil tape from the evaporator coil door. Spray the coil with a soft brush and spray the vaporizer coil with a no-rinse detergent.

Use a little bleach, hot water, and soap to clean the drip pan. Place a sump tray tablet to ensure that the drain remains clear for a long time to prevent algae growth in the future. Make sure the bleach solution is completely drained AC services.

5. Replace the fan filter

To maintain the air conditioner, change the filter twice a year before the cold and hot season begins. Replace the filter with another with a similar airflow rating. Avoid using HEPA or air purification filters as they can reduce the air flow in the system.

Close and lock the device door and switch the device on again.

Improve the functionality by maintaining the air conditioner

As we have found, maintaining your air conditioner is not very complicated. With the help of an expert, you can have your air conditioner checked regularly to avoid breakdowns.

Skipping air conditioning maintenance is a risk nobody wants to take. Opt for annual air conditioning for better AC operation.