Without a doubt, we cannot ignore the importance of an air conditioning system in the home. Beyond cooling the room and making it habitable for its occupants during hot seasons, the air conditioning system also serves the purpose of adding ambiance to the room.
The only difference between the air conditioning system and other electric gadgets in the home is what functions each serves. Other than that, the air conditioning system needs to be serviced and maintained to serve its purpose and live out its warranty efficiently.
The need to maintain the air conditioning system arises because machines break down from consistent use over time. And thus, it would need the services of a professional to be repaired and maintained.
That is where the problem lies—maintaining an air condition the right way.
Even though it is advisable to maintain your air conditioning system regularly, there is a right and a wrong way to do that. If you want to maximize your cash spent and, of course, increase the appliance’s longevity. Suppose you’re going to save yourself the stress of dealing with minor hitches when using your air conditioner. In that case, it is non-negotiable that you know the signs to look out for so you know when your appliance needs a break before it breaks down, leaving you hot and sticky and restless on a hot summer night.
For the sake of this article, we will focus on the best ways you can maintain your air conditioning system and make it serve its long-term purpose.
But just before we go into that, you need to first know about a couple of things, such as how your air conditioner works and simple tips on how you can manage your system yourself without calling a professional. I mean, this is important so you can save yourself some extra cash without having to constantly call in a professional to check in your appliance for the most uncomplicated issues.
So, let’s dive right in!
What makes an air conditioner work?
You are reading this because you have at least one air conditioner installed in your home. Even though you have enjoyed the soothing cool air it spreads across your room, I believe you have no clue as to how an air conditioner functions.
So before we delve into how you can maintain your cooling system , let’s talk about how this system works.
The concept behind the functionality of an air conditioner is called heat transfer. For the cool air to circulate in your home, hot air has to be eradicated, and this is possible through two units called “the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.”
Inside the indoor unit, there is a box containing an evaporator. The job of the evaporator is to allow the refrigerant (a cooling fluid) to vaporize and extract heat in the process. Simply put, as soon as the hot air is removed from inside the building, the cold atmosphere you feel is released back into your house.
On the other hand, the outdoor unit comprises three components: a compressor, a coil, and a fan.
The compressor is like a highway through which the refrigerant flows to the entire system. As it flows, the refrigerant is then compressed to increase its pressure, after which it is then transported through the condenser coil. The fan sends atmospheric air through the loop, which reduces its temperature into a much cooler one.
The hot air is released outside, and the refrigerant is sent inside—repeating the entire process.
So, contrary to what you think, the entire air conditioning system is about dispersing heat from your home than circulating cold air in your home.
Why you must maintain/service your air conditioner
The simple answer is to increase the longevity of your system while at the same time saving you the cost of avoidable repairs and unplanned replacements of your appliance.
Even though the air conditioner is static, it is much like every machine that requires regular maintenance to salvage them from wear and tear that might lead to a significant breakdown.
Some simple maintenance practices you can carry out on your system include:
- Check if the thermostat is obsolete and replace it with a much newer, automatic model. The unique model saves you time by automatically adjusting the temperature several times a day.
- Fix any worn duct to prevent leakage and loss of coolant in the home.
- Allow unrestricted airflow in the air vents.
- Unclog your drain line always. The drain line is a perfect home for molds due to its moist nature. These molds and mildews can clog the drain line when in excess. A simple way to keep the drain clear is by flushing a cup of bleach down the drain or simply calling a professional cleaner to handle it.
- Replace the air filter at least four times a year. Doing this will make your system function efficiently and improve the quality of air circulating in the room.
- Ensure the condenser unit outdoor is unblocked. Clean out every dirt, dead grass, or leaves. Vacuum the fins using up and down movement. You can also choose to wash the outer part of the fins using detergent and water. Rinse till the water that flows out is clean all through.
- Check to see if the refrigerant lines are insulated. If it isn’t, call the services of a professional immediately.
- Ensure there are no noticeable wear and damage on your electrical wiring. Call the services of a professional to fix any damage.
These tips shared above are easy DIY tips you can use to maintain your air conditioning system. However, there are certain maintenance practices you may not be able to carry out on your own, which is where and why it is essential to consult a professional. They have the training, knowledge, and expertise to fix these problems. Know when to contact a professional to avoid damaging your system.Finally, just like every other machine, the air conditioning system has a life span, and no matter how well you manage it, it will wear out when it has exceeded its life span. So, know when your air conditioning system needs to retire and let it go.
