A well-functioning air conditioner is essential for a comfortable and healthy living environment. However, many problems can arise with ACs, ranging from strange noises to reduced cooling efficiency.
Fortunately, these problems can be prevented with routine maintenance and servicing. Learn more about AC Services and what they entail. Air filters play a crucial role in your air conditioning’s efficiency. They should be regularly cleaned or replaced to avoid clogging. Contact Got Flow Plumbing & AC Services for professional help.
The heartbeat of your air-conditioned sanctuary lies within your HVAC system’s evaporator and condenser coil. This pivotal component orchestrates air across the heat transfer process that allows you to escape the sweltering summertime. But neglecting routine maintenance of this essential piece of mechanical mastery can impede cooling performance and even lead to premature equipment failure.
The condenser coil, located outside the home on the AC unit, is like a radiator for your cooling system – it absorbs the heat of the house’s air, compresses it, and then releases it into cool conditioned air. However, if your condenser coil becomes dirty, the resulting poor airflow restricts your home’s cooling capacity and raises your utility bill.
Routine inspections and cleaning of the condenser coil help to prevent this issue. A technician will check for clogged or frozen coils, and if needed, clean or replace the reusable air filter. It’s important to change your filters every 1-3 months to avoid organic debris buildup that reduces system efficiency and harbors bacterial growth.
Aside from replacing filters and cleaning the coils, technicians can also perform other vital AC services, such as checking that the refrigerant is charged correctly, inspecting for leaks and lubricating the mechanical components to prevent unnecessary wear. The goal of an AC tune-up is to ensure that all systems are operating optimally and safely before the summer heat hits.
While a DIYer can keep up with simple coil cleaning and inspection, it’s always best to allow an experienced technician to conduct a professional annual cleaning. During this maintenance visit, they’ll power off the condenser unit and carefully remove the evaporator and condenser fins to expose the coils. Then, they’ll spray the coils with a commercially-available cleaning solution and rinse them thoroughly to remove dirt, dust and grime. They’ll also check for physical damage to the coils and insulating components, which can lead to costly repairs if left untreated. They’ll also examine the condensate drain line to ensure that it’s not clogged, leaking or damaged. Finally, they’ll straighten any bent coil fins to help the system run efficiently.
Inspect the Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is the main air conditioning component that absorbs heat energy from indoor air and extracts humidity, cooling your home. Over time, this coil can become clogged with dust, dirt and other debris, restricting the flow of refrigerant, which leads to poor performance and potential system breakdowns. An HVAC professional can inspect the evaporator coil and address any problems that might be causing it to fail.
Inspecting the evaporator coil involves removing an access panel from the air handler, which is usually secured by screws and might have tape covering its seams to prevent dust accumulation. Once the panel is removed, the technician can access the coil, checking it for evidence of a clog and visual signs of corrosion or other damage.
If a clog or other problem is discovered, the AC services technician will use specialized tools and cleaning agents to remove the blockage. This typically involves a high-pressure vacuum or drain auger to dislodge the clog, followed by an eco-friendly, antimicrobial cleaner to remove any residual buildup. In some cases, the technician might need to replace the coil, although this depends on how extensive the damage is and how old the unit is.
Once the new coil is installed, the technician will restore the proper level of refrigerant and recharge the system to ensure proper function. They may also need to clean the condensation drain line, which is a common source of clogs. The drain line is usually a PVC pipe with a white plastic tube that runs from the air handler to the condensate drip pan. Cleaning the drain line regularly prevents buildup, which can lead to mold growth and other problems.
Inspect the Thermostat
Your air conditioning system consists of many different components that work together to cool down your home. But one of the most important pieces is the thermostat. The thermostat senses the temperature of your home and controls the whole AC unit.
A trained AC service technician will make sure the thermostat is working properly. They will first inspect it for any obvious problems. For example, they will make sure the batteries are in good condition and not dead. They will also check the wiring to ensure it isn’t loose or damaged.
Next, they will test the thermostat’s sensor. This is an extremely simple test that can help you determine if the thermostat is displaying accurate readings or not. To test the thermostat, simply switch off its power and then take a household thermometer and place it in the same room as the thermostat. If the thermostat reads a different temperature than the thermometer does, that means there is a problem with the sensors in the thermostat.
Another sign that there might be a problem with your thermostat is if it’s displaying a “low battery” alert on the screen. It is important that the batteries in your thermostat are replaced often to avoid any issues with the display and programming functions.
Lastly, it is essential that you keep the thermostat away from any sources of heat such as sunlight or appliances that emit heat. The extra heat can throw off the thermostat’s temperature sensor and cause it to show inaccurate readings.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s time to call AC Services to check out the thermostat. A professional will be able to identify the issue and repair it promptly so you can get your home back to normal in no time.
It’s also important to note that your AC unit shouldn’t be making any loud or unusual noises while it’s running. If you’re hearing rattling, banging, or grinding sounds, that could indicate that there are loose parts inside the unit that are causing damage. A trained AC technician will be able to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.
Clean the Air Filter
The air filter is an important component of any AC unit. It prevents harmful pollutants, dirt, and dust from entering the system, which helps keep your home healthy. However, this filter also collects a lot of gunk over time, which can lead to a variety of problems.
The most obvious sign that your air filter needs to be cleaned is visible dust build-up on the outside of the filter. This can interfere with the AC system’s function, leading to poor air quality and higher energy bills. It can also make the unit work harder than it should, speeding up wear and tear.
You should regularly clean your air filters to maintain their efficiency and functionality. You can do this by checking the filter every month during the cooling season and cleaning or replacing it as needed. This will help you avoid costly repairs, high energy bills, and poor indoor air quality.
During an AC services visit, the technician will clean your air filter to remove any debris or dust that has collected over time. You can also do this at home, although it will take a bit more work. First, you will need to remove the filter from its housing. Make sure to note its airflow direction, which is usually marked on the filter with arrows. Next, you will need to vacuum or wipe down the filter with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any loose debris. You can then rinse the filter with water (use a gentle wash, as some filters are made of delicate materials) and allow it to dry completely before returning it to its housing.
If you notice that your AC is not cooling as effectively, or that it’s making a loud grinding noise, your air filter may be dirty and clogged. You should check the air filter monthly and clean or replace it as needed to avoid damage and poor indoor air quality. In addition, you should consider upgrading your filter to one with a higher MERV rating to trap smaller particles and dust more effectively.