Picking the Ideal Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Contractor for Your AC Unit Maintenance

AC Unit Maintenance in Selkirk, R1A

To begin with, one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain an AC unit is to replace or clean its air filters regularly. Clogged or dirty filters obstruct normal airflow, reduce a system’s efficiency significantly, and can even impair the evaporator coil’s ability to absorb heat. Depending on the type of filter and the usage of the air conditioning system, filters should be replaced or cleaned every one to three months. This not only helps to maintain healthy air quality but also prevents dirt from building up in the system, which can lead to expensive maintenance or even early system failure.

In addition to filter maintenance, ensuring that the AC unit’s coils are free of dirt and debris is another key aspect of proper AC maintenance. Over time, the evaporator and condenser coils collect dust, which insulates the coils and reduces their ability to absorb heat. To avoid this issue, it’s important to check the coils annually and clean them as necessary. Moreover, outdoor condenser coils can become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. To keep these coils working efficiently, the area around the condenser unit should be kept clear of debris and foliage should be trimmed at least two feet around the condenser for adequate airflow.

The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils can easily bend and block airflow through the coil. Therefore, inspecting the fins and straightening them as part of routine maintenance is crucial. A tool called a “fin comb” can be used to comb these fins back into nearly original condition.

Another important aspect of AC unit maintenance is checking the condensate drains. Plugged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity, and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet. Occasional passing a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels will prevent this problem.

Moreover, window seals for room air conditioners should be checked regularly. At the start of each cooling season, it is wise to inspect the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame to ensure it makes contact with the unit’s metal case. Moisture can damage this seal, allowing cool air to escape from your house.

In climates where humidity is high, a programmable thermostat can aid in managing the cooling system efficiently by setting the AC to a higher temperature when the house is empty and cooling only when it is needed. Ensuring that the thermostat is always functioning correctly will maintain performance. If the thermostat is not working properly, it can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary, increasing wear and tear on the system.

Periodic checks and timely repairs of the fan, blower, ducts, and other components of the AC unit are equally important. The fan mounted on the exterior unit is responsible for transferring the heat from your home to the outdoors. If the fan fails, it can lead to compressor failure, which is often a death sentence for an AC unit. Checking the fan blades for cracks and damages is a part of professional maintenance that should not be overlooked.

Moreover, ducts that move air to-and-fro throughout your home must be clean at all times to maintain healthy indoor air quality and optimize the efficiency of the system. Leaky ducts can also cause significant energy losses – up to 20-30 percent.

Expert Repair

Professional maintenance services should be employed at least once a year to check the amount of refrigerant, test for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector, capture any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system instead of illegally releasing it to the atmosphere, check for and seal duct leakage in central systems, measure airflow through the evaporator coil, inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, oil motors, and check belts for tightness and wear.

Enlisting a qualified technician to perform an annual service on your AC unit can result in detecting minor issues before they escalate into major ones and can also provide peace of mind that the unit will run smoothly throughout the peak season. During this maintenance service, technicians will also check the accuracy of the thermostat and the correct electric control sequence to ensure proper operation of the system.

In conclusion, AC unit maintenance is not merely a chore, but a necessary endeavor to ensure the functionality, efficiency, and longevity of your air conditioning system. By following these best practices, you minimize the risk of midseason breakdowns, improve indoor air quality, reduce energy costs, and extend the lifespan of your AC unit, illustrating that preventive maintenance is the most economical and intelligent strategy for managing this critical aspect of your home or business infrastructure.