Housely
According to the United States Department of Energy, approximately 54-percent of your monthly utility bill is derived from cooling and heating within your home. At this moment, your utility bills may be low, especially in climates with ideal spring weather, however, the hot days of summer are right around the corner. Soon enough, you will be blaring your air conditioner for the majority of the day just to remain comfortable. If your air conditioner is not ready for the summer, it can cost you significantly more money.
The following are five tips to getting your air conditioning ready for the summer.
1. Change the Filters
The easiest air conditioning maintenance you can perform yourself is to replace the air filters. Most owners do not perform this task often enough and it lessens the efficiency of their system. The filters should be replaced every month during the summer to ensure your air conditioner is operating smoothly. In central air systems units, the filter can be found behind the metal panel directly on the face of the blowing unit. Simply unscrew the panel, remove the filter and snap a new one into place.
For window-based units, the filter can be found on the face of the unit tucked behind a metal panel. Many window-based units a manufactured with permanent filters. However, on those units in which you do not have a permanent filter, remove it and gently clean it with white vinegar and water. This will dissolve any grime that has built up on the screen and keep it clean. Make sure to allow the filter to dry prior to use.
2. Clean Indoor Ductwork
Since your ductwork is hidden within the walls and ceilings, a thorough and detailed cleaning should be performed by a professional. You can keep the components of your ductwork dry and clean by removing resisters, and wiping and inspecting the visible areas of the ducts. Specifically look at the exposed areas for water damage or standard wear that could impact the efficiency of your system.
As a result of condensation, air ducts often accumulate moisture which quickly leads to the growth of mold and fungus that can spread throughout your home. This significantly lowers the value of your home and can cause serious breathing problems, especially since it is in your ductwork. Therefore, if you notice any type of water damage in you air conditioning unit, call a professional immediately to address the problem. Under no circumstances should you attempt to repair the system alone since there could be a variety of contributing factors to the malfunction.
3. Clean the Condensate Lines
In many cases, the pipe that transports condensation away from the air conditioning unit can get clogged due to debris and other obstructions. If the pipe becomes fully clogged it could back-up into the air conditioner when could then go into your home and cause additional water damage. This can become a messy issue with a gigantic repair bill. To ensure this does not occur, find where the pipe drains out and ensure it is draining correctly. You can tell by the flow of water while the unit is working. If no water is coming out, there is a problem and you should contact a professional immediately. If there is a partial clog with only a small amount of water exiting, use algaecide to thoroughly clean the pipe and eliminate the issue. Algaecide is used to remove algae and also works within air conditioning condensation lines.
4. Clean the Evaporator
Many air conditioning units have an evaporator that is located above its furnace that is easily accessible. To confirm the difference, search for a plenum-wrapped in foil or protected by a metal box that is located above the furnace. If you come across a metal box then your evaporator cannot be accessed. If you see foil then you can access the evaporator, remove it from the unit and thoroughly clean it.
To clean the evaporator, remove the foil insulation. Under this unit, you will see several small screws that hold the plate in place. Remove the screws followed by the plate to access the evaporator. Use a thick wire brush to clean the front and back of this component to ensure it is completely cleaned then screw the plate into place and reinstall the plenum. Run the system after to flush out any remaining dirt or grim that you may have missed.
5. Schedule a Professional Pre-Season Tune-Up
By hiring a professional to inspect you air conditioning unit and tune it up, you can ensure the system is working as efficiently as intended. If you hire the professional during the off-season, it is likely you will save money when compared to the busy season. In addition to having the right tools and knowledge, a licensed professional can fix, upgrade or unclog your entire system allowing it to run efficiently and address problems before they explode. The cost of a pre-season tune-up is minimal and can ensure the life of your system when performed on a regular basis. Hiring this type of professional should be part of your regular maintenance HVAC schedule.
Basic Air Conditioning Terms
By knowing these basic terms, you can better prepare your air conditioning for the summer.
Ductwork – located in the ceilings and walls, the ductwork are the tubes that distribute cool or heated air across the household.
Filter – the filter reduces the pollutants that are released into the air. They are rectangular in shape and can easily be removed from indoor units for cleaning.
Register – the register or grill is an insert into the ceiling or floor that provides air into your home from ductwork. Registers have the advantage of delivering re-heated air into the room.
Thermostat – the thermostat is a small box that is mounted near the indoor air conditioning unit that controls the entire system. You can change or set the indoor temperature with the thermostat.
Keeping your home or apartment cool during the summer is critical to your comfort. By ensuring you are prepared for the season using the aforementioned five tips, your air conditioning unit will be ready for when you need it most on a hot 100-degree day in August. Being familiar with the most crucial components inside the unit is central for regular maintenance and to help you communicate issues with professionals in the instance there is an issue. Having this knowledge can also help you identify when there is an issue as well as ensuring your unit functions correctly and efficiently.
References
http://www.centralhtg.com/blog/5-easy-ways-to-get-your-ac-system-ready-for-summer
http://www.hometips.com/repair-fix/air-conditioner-prepare-summer.html
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