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. Call us for more ways to help improve your comfort and the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Air Conditioner Filters
The most critical maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to replace or clean its filters routinely. Clogged, dirty filters reduce the amount of airflow and significantly reduce a system's efficiency. In addition, when airflow is obstructed, air can bypass the filter and deposit 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%. For central air conditioners, filters are generally located somewhere along the return duct's length. Common filter locations are in walls, ceilings, 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 styles 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.
Video Inspection
In addition to cleaning your air ducts and dryer vents, we can use video inspection technology to assess the hardest-to-reach areas of your property. Contact us to learn more.
Air Conditioning Coils
The evaporator coil and the air conditioning condenser coil collect dirt over months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from getting dirty quickly. Over time, however, the evaporator coil will still accumulate dirt. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check the evaporator coil every year and clean it as needed. Outdoor condenser coils can also get very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if there is dirt accumulated on its fins. You must minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. The dryer vents, falling leaves, and the lawnmower are potential sources of dirt and debris. Clearing the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming the foliage to at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) allows for adequate airflow around the condenser.
Coil fins
The aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil. correct maintenance and repairs keep the equipment in optimal condition for much longer.
Condensate Drains
Proper maintenance of clogged drain channels prevents the unit from reducing moisture and the resulting excess moisture can discolor walls or carpet.
Seals
At each inspection and maintenance, we at Upkeep Home Solutions inspect the window seal, and between the ceiling and wall ducts to ensure that it contacts the unit's metal housing. Moisture can damage this seal, allowing cold air to escape from your home.
