DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance: Essential Steps for a Well-Maintained Unit

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Air Conditioning Repairs

Even if you don’t notice any major problems with your air conditioner, it’s wise to have it cleaned and serviced once a year, according to professional air conditioner contractors. This ensures that your unit operates at its best efficiency and is ready to provide cool air when you need it most. You can either clean the air conditioner yourself or hire a professional contractor to do it for you.

Step 1: Safety First

Before attempting any maintenance, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Start by completely shutting off the power to the unit to avoid any risks associated with working on moving parts and electricity. Locate the exterior shut-off box on the compressor/condenser unit and switch it off. Additionally, go to your home’s circuit breaker box and turn off the power there as well.

Step 2: Remove the Fan Cage and Clear Debris

To continue your journey towards becoming your air conditioning contractor, start by removing the fan cage from the exterior compressor/condenser unit. Use a wrench or a screwdriver to loosen and remove the fasteners, then carefully lift the cage away from the top of the air conditioner. By hand or with the help of a vacuum cleaner, remove any leaves or debris from the interior of the unit.

Step 3: Clean the Fins and Remove Buildup

To eliminate dirt and debris buildup between the fins, use a garden hose to spray water through them. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it can damage the fins with excessive force. If the fins are particularly dirty, consider using a fin cleaning spray available at most home improvement stores. Keep in mind that professional airconditioners Adelaide contractors have the necessary tools for this task, so hiring their services can save you time and effort.

Step 4: Straighten Bent Fins Carefully

If you notice any bent fins, it’s important to straighten them out to ensure proper airflow. You can use a fin-straightening tool for this purpose, but if you don’t have one, a butter knife can serve as a makeshift tool. Exercise caution while straightening the fins to avoid damaging the tubing embedded within them. Remember, this step is best handled by a professional air conditioners Adelaide contractor to prevent any accidental damage.

Step 5: Reassemble and Protect the Exterior

After completing the cleaning process, carefully place the fan cage back in its original position. Take a moment to clear any leaves or debris from the area surrounding the condenser unit. Remove branches and vegetation in all directions, leaving at least a two-foot gap around the air conditioner. This ensures smooth airflow around the unit.

For added protection, consider covering the top of the Air conditioners with a piece of plastic or plywood, especially during winter. However, it’s important not to completely cover the sides of the air conditioner to prevent moisture buildup and potential corrosion. Completely covered units can also attract vermin looking to build nests. Remember to remove any covers before operating the unit.

Step 6: Clean the Interior Components

Now it’s time to clean the inside of the unit. Locate the evaporator coil door on the inside blower/furnace unit. Remove any foil duct tape and unscrew the bolts or screws holding the door in place. Use a soft brush to gently dust off the coil. You can use a no-rinse coil cleaner, available at most home improvement stores, by spraying it onto the coil.

The spray will create a foam that gradually drips into the drain pan. Clean the pan using a mixture of hot water, soap, and bleach. To keep the drain clear and prevent the growth of algae, pour a solution of one part water and one part bleach down the drain. You can also use a drain pan tablet to maintain clear drainage over an extended period.

Step 7: Ensure Proper Drainage

Inside the  Airconditioners unit, warm and humid air from your home is blown over the evaporator coil. The coil absorbs the heat from the air, releasing it back into your home. As the air cools, the humidity in it condenses on the evaporator coil, forming water droplets. The water drips into a pan below and flows through a drain tube. This tube usually leads to a floor drain in the basement, outdoors, or a utility sink.

Over time, algae and mold can accumulate in the drain, causing clogs. If you notice the drain not flowing correctly, it needs to be unclogged. A clogged drain can lead to water flooding onto the floor or the cooling system not functioning properly if it has a drain float.

To unclog the drain, locate the drain line, which is typically a one-inch PVC pipe in black, gray, or white color. Follow the line to see where it drains. Usually, it drains near the condenser unit outdoors, but it can also drain into a basement floor drain or a utility sink.

Once you’ve found the drain, use a wet/dry vacuum to clear it completely. Remove the paper filter from the vacuum to avoid damage. Attach the hose of the vacuum to the end of the drain line, holding a rag around the gap or using duct tape to create a seal. Turn on the wet/dry vacuum for about three minutes, then switch it off. This process helps remove any debris blocking the drain.

Please note that this step can be complicated for homeowners. If you’re unsure about performing it, it’s best to call an air conditioner Adelaide contractor who can handle it for you.

Step 8: Replace the Air Filter

The air filter in your air conditioner should be replaced at least twice a year, or more frequently if you live in a dusty area. Look for the filter enclosure on the air conditioner and use a screwdriver to remove the latch and access the enclosure. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one that has the same airflow rating. Close the door securely. You can now switch on the unit and enjoy the cool air in your home.Remember, it’s important to have the necessary knowledge to properly maintain an air conditioner unit. If you’re not technically skilled, it’s recommended to hire a professional air conditioning Adelaide contractor for the job. Attempting maintenance without the required expertise may lead to damage or costly repairs. The small fee you pay to a contractor is worth it considering the potential hassles and risks involved in DIY maintenance.