subject: How to Maintain an Air Conditioner [print this page] How to Maintain an Air Conditioner How to Maintain an Air Conditioner
Maintenance is the key to maintaining any machine. You must understand that keeping your air conditioning running smoothly without proper maintenance is not going to work for long, and if it does you have really great luck! Air conditioners are an investment, and they will cool your home for years to come with a little TLC.
Unplugged
First things first, unplug that lovely piece of equipment. Yes, that means you need to have it off! Next, take off the front cover revealing a ton of odd looking components that work in effort to keep you cool and humidity free each and every day.
Next, locate the filterit could be on the back depending on your unit and could possibly be attached. Look near the front of the coils if you have trouble locating the filter. Take the filter off and gently wash it with soap and warm water. When you're finished removing all the soap, remove all the excess water. Lay filter flat to dry before placing it back in its original location. If you notice your filter looking a little mangled or tornmake sure to replace it.
Cleaning coils. . .
Take a clean cloth and wipe the cover, the grill located on top of the evaporator coils. Next, take your shop vac and vacuum the grill and evaporator. Don't get too excited, this needs to be done gentlythese coils are made from aluminum and can be easily bentbut not easily fixed.
Down the drain:
Locate and removed the drain tubelook inside each piece and make sure there are no blockages. You can use a bottlebrush purchased at your local grocery or home improvement to run through the tube. This can help you eliminate any blockages you cannot reach yourself. You can clean the tube by pouring one cup of chlorine bleach mixed with equal parts water through the tube. Reassemble tube, and put the cover back on the unit.
Time is Money
So you've plugged your air conditioner back in after putting everything togetherand it is running smoothly. You should conduct this type of maintenance at least once a year. It's imperative for you to decide what other types of maintenance need to be performed and what you can do yourself as opposed to what you should leave up to the professionals.
