905-743-0213Just a little bit of time and effort can go a long way. Before scheduling a service call, there are some little things that can be done to help improve the efficiency and performance of your air conditioner. Basic maintenance will increase the overall lifespan of your unit, allowing you to save money in the long run.
Note; It is the professional opinion of KDM Home and Gas that air conditioning maintenance be done by a certified and trained HVAC technician.
Change or Clean the Air Filters
One of the most important tasks to help maintain the efficiency of your unit is to make an effort to clean or replace the air filters. The one-inch pleated filters should be replaced once a month. Filters may need more frequent attention if your air conditioner is in constant use, is exposed to dusty conditions, or if you have pets in the house. If you aren’t sure what kind of filter your unit uses, contact a dealer from your brand.
Remove Debris
After unplugging your unit, remove the fan cage. Using a wrench or screwdriver. Remove the fasteners and lift the cage away from the top of the unit. Clean leaves and any other debris from the interior either by hand or with a vacuum. Also, trim any shrubs or other plants around the air conditioner to prevent the obstruction of airflow to and from the unit.
Clean the Coils
An air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils will collect dirt over time. This built-up dirt eventually reduces your unit’s airflow and its ability to absorb heat. Outdoor condenser coils can become very dirty if the environment is dusty or if there’s foliage nearby. Use a soft brush to dust off the coil, then spray it with commercially available, no-rinse coil cleaner.
Straighten the Fins
The fins found on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and could restrict the airflow to your unit. Carefully straighten bent fins using a butter knife or commercially available fin-straitening tool. You need to be gentle to ensure the tubing embedded within the fins is not damaged.