DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance
Home maintenance experts include DIY air conditioner maintenance on every list. Despite being on the list, air conditioners are often the most overlooked appliances. Homeowners frequently forget to list their air conditioning unit as an appliance. Perhaps, this because the units are outside, in closets, attics or basements. Creepy crawlers and spiders like these spaces, which makes them unattractive spaces to visit.
The point of home maintenance lists is to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs. According to Home Advisor, the average cost of an air condition repair is $250 to $450. So, they are one of the most expensive appliances to repair.
Three Simple Steps
There are three quick easy money saving tasks that any homeowner can do. You can inspect the condensation hose and drain, change the furnace filter, and clean off the condenser coil. Most homeowners have no idea what these items are. Ask your HVAC technician or a handy relative where to locate these items.
You inspect the condensation hose for holes and cracks. This hose drains water off the evaporator coil. Water should freely flow down the drain. The drain pan is often wet but should not have stagnant water. If you see debris on the drain remove it and recheck for free flow. Disinfect and clean the area if you see any signs of algae or mold. If the drain had debris return monthly for a few months and check to make sure that it stays clean. Check less frequently once you know neither algae nor mold is growing.
Your second maintenance task is to change your filters. Change them according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. This is usually every three months for standard filters. Common reasons for neglecting filter changes are cost and forgetting to buy them. Buy filters in bulk so you save money and have them available when you need them.
The third task is cleaning the condenser coil. The condenser coil helps remove warm air from your home. It needs to be clean and surrounded by flowing air. Dirty condensers with little air flow have trouble releasing heat. To compensate for retaining heat your air conditioner runs more frequently. You see higher energy bills. Additionally, parts wear out from faster from overuse. Only use water and solutions recommended by your HVAC technician. Some cleaners can damage the condensers.
DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance Success
Do these simple maintenance tasks and your air conditioning system will last longer and work more efficiently. At least every two years use a qualified heating and cooling technician professionally clean, adjust and service your system.