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When it comes to AC maintenance, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to learn that getting it done can lead to a substantial reduction in repairs and breakdowns. Just like a car, it makes sense that complex machines that aren’t regularly maintained are more likely to suffer from poor performance.
In fact, roughly 70-80% of the repairs and breakdowns we see are for air conditioners that haven’t received regular annual maintenance. It may seem counterintuitive that we’re advising you to get maintenance so we’ll see you less often for AC repair in Orlando, FL. But that’s what we’d prefer to happen with our local homeowners.
There are two kinds of maintenance: the things you can do yourself as a homeowner and the things we’ll do on a routine maintenance visit. Let’s go over these now.
Homeowner AC Maintenance Tasks
There are a number of simple tasks that homeowners can do themselves as part of a regular AC maintenance routine. Here are some of them.
Change the air filter.
Your AC’s air filter has an incredibly important job. It keeps dust and dirt from getting into your AC’s interior, complicated working parts. When the filter is dirty and clogged with dust, it can’t keep those things from interfering with your AC’s ability to do its job.
Change or clean the air filter every 1-3 months during the cooling season. If you have pets, smokers in the home, or live in an urban area with low air quality, you should replace it more frequently.
Keep the compressor clean.
The AC’s outdoor component is the compressor and it’s essential to keep it free of debris. Over time, the AC’s evaporator and condenser coils will naturally collect dirt and dust which will reduce airflow and insulate the coils, reducing the ability to absorb heat.
You can clean the compressor by hosing it down. Also, make sure to keep the grass mowed around it. It needs a 2-foot perimeter that’s clear of grass or objects for optimal airflow. In the winter, keep the compressor covered.
AC Maintenance from a Professional HVAC Contractor
To properly maintain an air conditioner, you need the service of an HVAC professional. Annual maintenance will ensure that your AC is ready for the cooling season, reduce the need for repairs, avoid unexpected breakdowns, and help your system last for its estimated lifespan. Here are some of the things we’ll check for on a routine AC maintenance visit.
- Checking the evaporator and condenser coils to make sure they’re unobstructed, clean, and able to absorb/release heat.
- Check the refrigerant level to make sure it’s at the proper level.
- Check that there are no refrigerant leaks.
- Measure airflow through the evaporator coil.
- Check and tighten the electric connections.
- Clean the condensate pan and drain to avoid overflow.
- Clean and lubricate the motors for the fans and the compressor.
- Check the belts for tightness and wear and tear.
- Check that the thermostatic is working and recalibrate if necessary.
This list of tasks we’ll perform is by no means exhaustive. When you hire us for AC maintenance, you can rest assured that you’re doing the best thing you can to avoid repairs and breakdowns during our extensive cooling season.
Contact Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning maintenance today!