When homeowners decide to turn on their air conditioning for the first time in the season, central air conditioning units can fail to produce cool air or stop working altogether, especially if they have not received proper upkeep. Homeowners can practice cleaning and maintenance methods to avoid potential problems with their A/C unit, in addition to receiving service from an HVAC professional.
Central air conditioning units consist of two separate parts: the condenser unit, most often located outside of the home, and the evaporator coil, located inside, above the furnace. The condenser unit connects to the evaporator coil through a copper line set.Hot air inside the home moves through the furnace via a return air duct and then flows back through the evaporator coil to deliver cool air.
Outdoor condenser units are, consequently, exposed to the elements and may be surrounded by grass, weeds, trees, vines, etc. The condenser unit can be covered with a flat board on top that extends past the unit's diameter and that is secured with a heavy object, such as a cinder block.
One area of maintenance homeowners can practice to maintain the condition of their A/C unit and to ensure its functionality is keeping air filters clean. Air filters, located in the furnace area, should be changed routinely, anywhere from once a month to every three months, depending on how quickly the filter becomes filled with collected particles. When filters are dirty, airflow is obstructed and the air conditioning unit's fan must work harder to produce cool air. Filters can easily be changed and replaced with a filter of the same size for maximum airflow and better air quality. Clean air filters keep units running smoothly and allow clean air to flow throughout the home.
Condenser units may also require cleaning even if a cover is used to protect them. Before beginning any cleaning or maintenance on the condenser unit, the power should be turned off at both the condenser unit and the evaporator. Then, any grass, shrubs, tree branches, etc. should be cleared away from and off of the condenser unit. They can obstruct airflow that moves from the outdoor fan through the condenser coil. It is generally a good idea to keep about a foot of area around the unit clear at all times. If the A/C unit happens to be full of leaves or other debris, an HVAC professional should be called.
Condenser units may collect debris from trees, grass from mowing the lawn, and dust from the air. Condenser coils can be cleaned with commercial coil cleaner sold in stores that also comes with directions. Additionally, condenser unit fins can be cleaned using a soft brush. They should be handled carefully as they are delicate and can easily become damaged. Water should not be used to clean fins; mud can form and become compacted between them. Bent fins can be straightened using a fin comb. The fins may initially be covered by a grille that should be removed in order to reach them. Fan blades, as well, can be rinsed off to remove dirt and debris.
For producing cool air, air conditioning units use a refrigerant as a coolant that must exist in the right amount. If there seems to be a problem with refrigerant levels, an HVAC professional should be called to address the situation and to restore and recharge the air conditioning system. All refrigeration problems and repairs should be handled by a professional.
An HVAC professional may be needed in addition to cleaning and maintenance methods. Each spring, an HVAC professional can perform an A/C inspection to thoroughly check the condenser unit and the evaporator coil for any potential problems. That way, if something needs repaired or replaced, it can be done before summer arrives and temperatures rise. A professional inspection can also ensure that central air conditioning units work properly and safely so that homes can be kept cool and comfortable during summer months.
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