Essential Maintenance For An Air Conditioning Unit

Calgarians depend on their HVAC system to adapt to our unpredictable weather swings. Frigid winters paired with fiery summer days put a demand on a hardworking air conditioning system. The key to keeping them in tip-top shape lies with their maintenance schedule. To avoid an emergency air conditioner repair in the heat, read on for our essential maintenance checklist for an air conditioning unit. 

How To Maintain Your Air Conditioning System

Air conditioning systems function similarly to refrigerators but on a much larger scale. Think of your air conditioner as a chemical reactor that converts gas to liquid and back again, moving heat from your house to outside.

Before you put your air conditioner through the rigorous work it takes to cool your home in Calgary’s summer heat, you should have it maintained by a professional that has the tools and experience to do it efficiently. Otherwise, you may miss something crucial that causes an inconvenient air conditioner repair. Here are some important steps in your air conditioner’s essential maintenance checklist. 

Remove Leaves and Debris

It’s important to keep the area of your air conditioning system clear from any dirt, debris, leaves, branches, or other miscellaneous items. If you’ve kept your system covered for the winter, you’ll want to check to see if any critters have turned your unit into an Airbnb as a shelter. If you’re going to do this yourself and leave the big stuff to the technician, you can use a screwdriver or wrench to lift the cage or fan grill, using a wet/dry vacuum to clear it out. 

You’ll also want to be aware of how close you plant shrubs near your air conditioning system. There should be at least two feet in all directions around the unit for the best airflow. 

Replacing the Filters

Changing or cleaning your air conditioner’s filters on a regular basis is the most important maintenance step for guaranteeing peak efficiency. Filters that are dirty or blocked limit airflow and decrease a system’s efficiency dramatically. Dirt can bypass the filter and reach the evaporator coil if the airflow is limited, lowering the coil’s heat-absorbing capabilities. Replacing a filthy, clogged filter with a clean one can cut your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-15 percent.

During the warmer season, clean or replace the air conditioning system’s filter every month or two. If the air conditioner is constantly running, you have a lot of pets in the home, or you are located in a dusty area, you may need to change them more frequently. 

Check The Unit’s Level

As the ground settles beneath the condenser unit, the pad where it rests might begin to tilt. A condenser unit that isn’t level can break down prematurely. If the ground has shifted and it’s no longer level, you can use rot-resistant shims to level it out. 

Evaporator and Condenser Coils

After months of usage, the evaporator coil and condenser coil of an air conditioning system collect dirt. If the filter is kept clean, the evaporator coil is less prone to become filthy. Collecting dirt, on the other hand, is unavoidable over time. This dirt obstructs airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, inspect your evaporator coil once a year and clean it as needed.

If the outside of your home is dusty or there is greenery around, outdoor condenser coils can become incredibly dirty. The condenser coil is easily noticeable, and you can observe if dirt has accumulated on its fins and requires cleaning.

Inspect the Evaporator Drain

Algae and mould can accumulate over time and cause the drain to stop working. If the drain isn’t working or is just flowing slowly, it has to be unplugged. A clogged drain can cause flooding on the floor, or if the system has a drain float, it may force the system to turn off the cooling to avoid flooding.

You’ll need to use a wet/dry vacuum to clean out the drain. Connect the end of the drain line to the wet/dry vacuum hose. To fill the gap, you can use duct tape or a towel. Before turning off the vacuum, let it on for 2-3 minutes. This will get rid of any mould or algae that have accumulated in the drain.

Why wait for an air conditioner repair emergency? Keep your costs low with preventative measures that include a yearly maintenance check-in from your friendly, local professionals. Air conditioning systems are a breeze for our technicians. Contact us to schedule your maintenance checkup before we see soaring temperatures with the signs of summer. 

When was the last time you had your air conditioner serviced? How long have you had it? Has it ever needed a repair? Share your answers with our readers interested in beating the summer heat.