Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

Performing regular maintenance on your air conditioning system not only extends its life but also help keep you cool. This video by Build.com presents several tips for servicing your own air conditioning system:

If you have a central heating and air system, it is very important to have a licensed professional to come out at least once a year to service your system as there are several steps you may not be able to do yourself.

1. Start by clearing away any debris from your air compressor fan and trim back any plants growing nearby.

2. Over time, dirt can build up on the air compressor fins and limit the air flow, causing your system to have to work harder. You can clean these fins by using a vinegar and water solution, or you can go to your air conditioning supply store and buy a cleaner. Cleaning with a garden hose is not recommended as the water will turn the dirt into mud and make the situation worse. Once you’ve finished cleaning, gently straighten out any damaged fins using a special tool from your AC supply store or a plastic putty knife. A metal tool is not recommended as it could tear the aluminum.

3. Clean the compressor fan coils. Before you start cleaning, make sure you cut the power to your compressor. Spray the cleaner, covering the entire surface of the coils. Allow them to dry before you turn the power back on.

4. You should change the air filter every 90 days. Once you remove the old filter, take a dry paint brush or a vacuum cleaner and remove any excess dust from the grate.

5. Clean out he condensation pan. This is found with the condenser of your system which is usually located in the attic. If you notice any mold or mildew build-up, go ahead and clean it out with some all-purpose cleaner.

If you have a window or a wall unit, the same rules apply, only on a smaller scale. Most window or wall units use a reusable air filter. Remove the filter and give it a good cleaning. The compressor coils are located in the back of the unit. Clean and repair the fins using the same methods as for a central system. This is also a good chance to clean out dust and debris from the inside of the unit. At the bottom of the unit is the evaporator fan. Again, you want to clean out any built-up mold and mildew.