If you are unsure about how to perform regular AC maintenance, read our guide to AC unit repair. Here are some things you should be aware of: Change the air filter regularly, check the circuit breaker, and clean evaporator coils. You should also check the fins of your evaporator. The maintenance technician will also inspect the electrical components to ensure that the fan motor is not overheating. If you notice any of these signs, contact a qualified AC repair technician.
Air Filter Changes
Many homeowners may not know that air filter changes are an important part of AC maintenance. However, regular maintenance will not only keep your air conditioner running efficiently, but it will also keep dust and dirt from clogging your ducts. Changing your air filter regularly will extend the life of your system, reduce energy bills, and minimize allergy symptoms. Regular maintenance will also reduce the need for expensive repairs. It is also very beneficial to have your air conditioner serviced by a professional on a regular basis.
While most homeowners are aware that regular maintenance of their air filters is important, they don’t understand how important it is. Filters have many different functions and should be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. High-efficiency filters are better at removing small particles, which can cause illness. Standard MERV 8-11 filters are good for blocking larger particles. When you have a dirty filter, you will have more problems, such as decreased airflow and increased energy costs.
Cleaning Evaporator Coil
If your evaporator coils are dirty and you are unsure of how to clean them, you should hire a service provider for AC maintenance service to perform this task. While cleaning the coils, make sure you wear protective clothing and goggles to protect your eyes. Make sure you follow the directions carefully and use the proper tools to avoid tearing the fins or damaging the coils. Clean the coils with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaning solution.
Before you begin cleaning your evaporator coil, turn off your AC unit at the thermostat. Locate the access panel. Remove the panel and then gently lift the evaporator coils. Be sure to set aside any debris and equipment that may get snagged on the coils. Once you’ve removed the access panel, you can remove the coils. Make sure to remove any muck and debris that you may come across.
Checking Circuit Breaker
If you’ve noticed that your air conditioner is tripping the circuit breaker frequently, you should check the switch in the breaker box. If the switch is on the opposite side of the rest of the switches, flip it to reset it. If that doesn’t fix the problem, you should call a technician to assess the problem. But before you do that, you should check the breaker for loose wires.
If you’re not able to get access to the factory’s recommendations for maintenance, you can use NETA Maintenance Specifications. These specifications can help you determine the correct voltage and test methods for your particular circuit breaker. To test a vacuum circuit breaker, make sure the insulation is tested thoroughly, as even a single wire can short it out and cause it not to clear the fault. If this happens, the breaker may not be safe to operate.
Checking Evaporator Fins
A clean evaporator coil is essential for your air conditioner’s performance and efficiency. Dirty coils will prevent the supply fan from moving coolant at high volumes, resulting in dynamic braking and reduced amperage on the fan terminals. In order to check the current levels in the evaporator fins, you can purchase specific tools or use a standard multimeter. Make sure to use the correct lead positions.
Your AC evaporator contains fins that help the cooling process. The air is blown across the fins and cooled as it travels through the vents and ducts. If these fins become dirty or clogged, it will affect the efficiency of your entire AC. Clogged fins will make your AC unit work harder to create cooled air, and the compressor will eventually wear out faster.