Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

An air conditioner's filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance and increases your energy uses. 


Making sure you air filters are cleaned regularly helps the unit run efficiently. Clogged, dirty filters block airflow and reduce a system's efficiency significantly.When your filters are clogged and dirty this obstructs the air flow. What air that does pass, will carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil's heat-absorbing capacity. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. It is necessary to replace your systems air filters on a monthly basis.  Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or if you have pets in the house.


The air conditioner's evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, have your evaporator coil checked every year and clean it as necessary.



Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins. 



For more information on maintaining your air conditioner give us a call. We are happy to answer any questions you have. 


If you are interested in purchasing a maintenance agreement, check out the benefits and discounts under the repairs tab and give us a call.