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Commercial HVAC Maintenance in Virginia
Beach, VA
Air Conditioner Maintenance
Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
An air conditioner's filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance
for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its
years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady
decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily
increases.
Air Conditioner Filters
The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency
of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters.
Clogged, dirty filters block normal air flow and reduce a system's
efficiency significantly. With normal air flow obstructed, air that
bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil
and impair the coil's heat-absorbing capacity. Keeping the filter
clean can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5%–15%.
For central air conditioners, filters are generally located somewhere
along the return duct's length. Common filter locations are in walls,
ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioner itself. Room air conditioners
have a filter mounted in the grill that faces into the room.
Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They
are available in a variety of types and efficiencies. Clean or replace
your air conditioning system's filter or filters every month or two
during the cooling season. Filters may need more frequent attention
if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty
conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.
Air Conditioner Coils
The air conditioner's evaporator coil and condenser coil collect
dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents
the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator
coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces air flow and insulates
the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem,
check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.
Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor
environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily
see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins.
You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your
dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources
of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil, removing any
debris, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) allow
for adequate air flow around the condenser.
Coil Fins
The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent
and can block air flow through the coil. Air conditioning wholesalers
sell a tool called a "fin comb" that will comb these fins
back into nearly original condition.
Condensate Drains
Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit's drain channels.
Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity, and
the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet.
Window Seals for Room Air Conditioners
At the start of each cooling season, inspect the seal between the
air conditioner and the window frame to ensure it makes contact with
the unit's metal case. Moisture can damage this seal, allowing cool
air to escape from your house.
Preparing for Winter
In the winter, either cover your room air conditioner or remove and
store it. Covering the outdoor unit of a central air conditioner
will protect the unit from winter weather and debris.
Click here for a free
confidential quotation
Or give us a call today at (757) 333-3114.
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 Commercial
& Residential HVAC
Commercial & Residential Service Provider
in Virginia Beach, VA
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