4 Air Conditioner Problems That You May Want To Resolve On Your Own
With the summer heat on its way, you may want to start getting prepared now. This means that there may be some things that you want do to your AC. There may also be some surprises waiting when you turn your AC on for the first time this year, such as it not even coming on. If you want to be ready for the next heatwave, here are some AC repairs that you may need to do on your own:
1. Checking And Replacing The Filters Before You Do Anything Else
The most important maintenance for your AC is changing the filter regularly. There are several types of filters, which can be disposable or HEPA type filters. The disposable filters need to be changed every couple of months, or more often if you have a lot of dust or allergies. If you have the HEPA type filter, you will want to clean it just as often with a vacuum attachment and you probably want to change it yearly.
2. Cleaning The Outdoor Unit And Keeping Drains Free Of Debris
The outdoor unit of your AC has many different components, which can become dirty with debris from trees and other causes. To be sure your unit does not have problems, keep it clean and free of debris. In addition, these units often have drain pans with a pipe coming out of it. Check these drain lines regularly to make sure they are free of debris and do not have any problems.
3. Repairing Bent Or Damaged Evaporative Fins For Improved AC Performance
On the outside of your AC unit are evaporator fins that look something like a car radiator. These are what displace heat to help cool your home. They can become dent or damaged by people pressing on them or because of debris. It is a good idea to straighten any bent fins on the unit to improve performance and prevent problems. This can be done using a flat putty knife of a special fin repair tool. When bending the fins back straight, be careful not to damage the tubing that they are attached to.
4. Cleaning The Evaporator Coil To Prevent Freezing And Damage To The Compressor
The evaporator coil of your AC is what provides that cooling from the compressor. When it becomes dirty, this can cause freezing of condensation that collects on the coil. The freezing can cause the compressor to freeze up and eventually damage it. To prevent these problems, clean the coil and the housing to prevent freezing problems with your AC.
For more information, contact Mountain Air Comfort Systems or a similar company.