Top DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Your home's air conditioner will work best if it is maintained as frequently as needed. You will save a lot of cash in terms of reduced energy bills and cost of repairs while staying in a comfortable indoor environment all through the year. More importantly, by performing routine inspections of your air conditioner, you will extend its lifespan. Considering these benefits, here are some easy-to-follow DIY maintenance tips for your home's air conditioner:

Clean and replace the air filters

This is one of the most important maintenance activities that should be done regularly. Some types of the air filters are reusable, while others should be replaced every now and then. Generally, air filters that are subjected to dusty conditions require more cleaning and/or replacing.

If you fail to clean and replace the filters of your air conditioners, then the airflow inside your home will decrease, and the system will work less efficiently. Also, the dirty airflow in your air conditioner system may trigger allergic reactions, e.g. asthmatic attacks, to those living in the house.

Check and clean the condenser unit fan

After months of running, the condenser fan is usually covered with dust, and you will be required to carefully clean it with a soft-tufted brush. First, remove the cover grill and detach the screws holding the condenser fan in place.

Next, carefully remove the fan and brush off the dust that may have covered it. You may also lubricate the motor of the fan at this point with the manufacturer recommended oil.

Check the air conditioner coils

The evaporator and condenser coils also collect dirt over time. Cleaning the air filter will reduce soiling of the coils. However, the coils will still collect dirt and decrease the airflow passing through the air conditioner. To effectively control this problem, you should regularly check the evaporator and condenser coils and clean them as necessary.

Check the wiring and other components

Always turn off the power to your air conditioner before checking on the wiring. Lift the access panel of the condenser unit to see if there any signs of melted insulation or overheating of wires. These wires are usually burned-looking or blackened. Also, check various parts of the air conditioner such as the breakers, fuses, and thermostat to ensure that they are working perfectly and that all connections are in place.

In case you encounter any problem and may not feel comfortable and confident replacing and repairing the parts of the air conditioner yourself, it is recommended that your seek the services of a professional HVAC contractor to do a proper job for you.

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