How To Maintain Your Air Conditioner

With the warmer weather right around the corner, taking the time to run through some air conditioner maintenance steps is probably a good idea! Regular maintenance keeps your air conditioner running efficiently and saves you money by extending your units life.

Before you get yours running this summer, energy.gov suggests you follow these steps below:

Replace or clean your filters
"Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system's efficiency significantly. With normal airflow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil's heat-absorbing capacity. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%."

Clean your coil
"A dirty coil reduces airflow 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."

Fix coil fins
"The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block airflow 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."

Inspect the seal
"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."

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