After a long season with low temperatures, we have to maintain our air conditioning systems so that they optimize their operation and return to work with the same potential as the first day, but …
What parameters will we take into account? Can a private person do it or should we request the services of a professional? In this post, we clarify all these issues and much more. Shall we start?
Air Conditioning Maintenance: 7 Key Factors
1- Instruction manual
As in all electrical appliances, our air conditioning system comes with an instruction manual and technical specifications in which the guidelines for its revision and maintenance are explained.
In general, most air conditioning systems have the same maintenance processes, but it is necessary to make sure that ours in particular does not have any additions in addition to the general processes.
2- Electricity
First of all, for our own safety and that of the equipment, it is advisable to turn off the AC system switch of the electrical panel.
Also keep in mind that you must unplug the equipment, keep any liquid away and avoid direct contact with the sun.
3- Cleaning filters
Filters are very sensitive components in this type of system since they retain all kinds of impurities from the air such as mites, viruses, bacteria … And precisely for that reason it is important to clean them thoroughly, especially if we want people with some type of allergy sufferers to feel comfortable in our space.
To clean the filters, the following is usually done:
- We open the lid of the Split (indoor unit) and remove the filters.
- Once we have the filters in our possession (normally there are 2), we can first use a vacuum cleaner to remove the particles and then brush them with water.
- Now, once the task is finished, which will not take us more than 15 minutes, we always let them dry in an airy place but without direct contact with the sun or any source of heat.
It is not a complicated task, but it requires time and attention to detail, so it is advisable to call a professional to avoid inconvenience.
4- Inner Split Powder
In addition to filters, the indoor unit can also accumulate a lot of dirt depending on how we use the AC system.
That is why we must use a cloth with soap and water and clean the entire unit, giving more importance to the areas where particles accumulate, such as the grates. It is convenient to dry very well after the process.
5- Cleaning the outdoor unit
The air conditioning system battery is located just behind the outdoor unit, so it tends to collect a lot of dirt and should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a year.
This operation is somewhat more complicated since, if we do not have the necessary dexterity, we can end up bending the fins. This is when it is convenient to hire the services of a professional who, through the use of a pressurized air device, will leave it as new.
There is also the option of using a brush and a lot of patience but it is not recommended, as it is less effective, requires more effort and can damage the structure of the equipment.
6- Fan function
To ensure that the air conditioning system is in optimal cleaning conditions, we can activate the fan function with our remote control and leave it active for half an hour.
With this task, the system will finish expelling any dirt that may be contained in the blades. Of course, remember to turn on the light switch on the meter.
7- Check the refrigerant gas charge
The refrigerant gas charge is important for the operation of the air conditioning system.
However, it is more important to know why the lack of this gas is due since if the system is in optimal conditions, this type of gas should not be scarce at any time during the useful life of the appliance.
Signs that indicate the AC system requires maintenance
In reality, the air conditioning system should be serviced frequently, especially with the Florida climate, which tends to affect these systems more strongly.
We should not wait for it to fail to do this task. There is even the option of agreeing on periodic dates for the specialist to carry out this task.
To know if we have a problem with the AC, we must look at the different symptoms that may appear:
- The air conditioner does not cool or cool little
- The copper pipe in the outdoor unit freezes
- Indoor unit freezes
- Indoor unit leaks
Contact the best air conditioning and refrigeration professionals
So, if we detect any of these symptoms in our AC system, it is necessary to call a professional. By using pressure gauges and other tools, he/she will verify the possible leak and give us an immediate solution.
Now that you have the keys to maintaining the air conditioning system, remember to ventilate the rooms first thing in the morning and not abuse the thermostat since 69.8 °F (21 °C) is more than enough to create a comfortable environment.
Remember that at AJ’s Air we are experts in air conditioning repair & maintenance service. We serve the entire Kissimmee, Florida area.
