Air Conditioning Maintenance

​Here in South Louisiana, we rely on our Air Conditioning Units ALOT! Some people run their A/C for 10 months out of the year in order to stay comfortable.  When our units' break down, it can really put a serious damper on our morale, as well as our pocket books.  In order to keep your Air Conditioning System running at maximum efficiency, it must be periodically inspected and maintained. It is highly recommended to have your unit serviced twice a year by a licensed HVAC technician, but in between those times, there are some things you can do on your own to help keep that A/C cooling properly.

The first thing a homeowner can do themselves is clean the exterior condensing unit and it's components.  The exterior condenser is located outside the home, typically on the side of the house or in the back, and it's purpose is to push heat from the indoors to the outdoors.  Inside the unit are coils made of pipe, that are surrounded by thin metal fins that allow the coils more surface area to exchange heat.

Follow these tips when cleaning the exterior condenser:

1. Turn the power off by pulling the disconnect located near the condenser
2. Remove any leaves and other debris from the exterior and trim any bushes or shrubs back several feet from the unit to allow proper air flow
3. Remove the cover grille and clean any debris inside the unit.  A garden hose can be used for this.
4. If possible, straighten any bent fins.  There is a tool called a "fin comb" that can make this much easier.
5. Add any lubricating oil to the motor.

Cleaning the condensing unit should ideally be done at least twice a year.  Any debris that collects on the unit can create problems with it's functionality.

Now that the outdoor unit is cleaned, you can focus on the indoor unit. (Central Air Conditioners utilize a split system, meaning there is an outdoor condensing unit, and indoor evaporator coils.  They function together to cool your home). The unit will typically be located in the attic, but sometimes it is in a hallway closet or somewhere similar within the living space.  Once at the interior unit, the first thing to do is inspect the condensate drain line.  Condensate drain lines are a white piece of PVC tubing that are usually located on the side of the evaporator coils.  Their purpose is to collect and dispose of the condensation that takes place over the evaporator coils, so your unit and attic do not get soaked with water.

Follow these tips when inspecting the condensate drain line:

1. Inspect the drain line for obstructions, such as algae and debris.  If the line becomes blocked, water will back up into the drain pan.  If the drain pan is not equipped with a secondary drain line or float switch, the water could overflow, causing water damage to your home. If you do have water in your drain pan, or significant rusting, it would be best to contact an HVAC technician.
2. Make sure the line is secure and fits properly.
3. You can help keep the primary drain line clean and unclogged by pouring one cup of bleach, mixed with one cup of water inside the drain through the clean-out.

The last thing you can do to help maintain your Air Conditioner is the easiest, most obvious, least expensive, and all too often it is the least likely to be done: Cleaning the Air Filter.

Air Filters are designed to remove dust, pollen, pet hair, and any other particles that circulate indoors.  They are the first line of defense to protect your unit from those particles coming in through the return.  Filters are either disposable or washable, and are located either at the A/C return, or near the blower on the interior unit.  A dirty air filter will not only degrade the quality of the home's indoor air, but it will also put unnecessary strain on the blower motor, because it has to work harder to move air through the unit.  This also increases energy costs and decreases energy efficiency.  Air filters should be changed monthly if disposable, and cleaned monthly if washable.