subject: Tips for Maintaining Your Air Conditioner [print this page] Tips for Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
Like any appliance, your air conditioner or heat pump won't last forever. Eventually, the wear and tear of continual use will take its toll on your unit. And, in the years leading up to your air conditioner's demise, you will notice it becoming less and less energy efficient.
If you want to get several years of energy efficient cooling from your air conditioner, you will need to take steps to maintain it. Air conditioning maintenance is simple, cost-effective and takes very little time, but all too often, people neglect their air conditioner. These are the people who have to replace their unit every five years.
One of the best things you can do to help maintain your air conditioner is to remove the filter and clean it every month. The filter can become clogged with particles and reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner by 5-15%.
Once every six months or so, pass a stiff wire through your drain channels to clean out any debris. If these drains are clogged, they stop the unit from reducing humidity.
Coils, too, can become clogged with dust. Unplug the unit, and then use a vacuum cleaner to extract the dust from interior heat exchanges.
Eliminate holes in the seal between the air conditioner unit and the window frame.
If you have a portable air conditioner, you should place it into storage over winter. Don't leave it plugged on or on standby.
Ensure furniture does not obstruct air conditioning vents. Forgo using bathroom and kitchen fans while the air conditioner is turned on. If you're not in a room, close off a vent so the air conditioner isn't wastefully cooling an empty room.
Avoid tasks like dishwashing until the end of the day, when it's cooler.
If you paint your home in dark colour, it absorbs more heat. Use lighter colours for exterior walls and decorating.
Don't buy an air conditioner that's bigger than you need you can always upgrade later if you need some more air conditioning in your home.
And, finally, you should always have your air conditioned checked and serviced by professionals. With continual care and maintenance, your air conditioner should last for at least fifteen years.
