AC Maintenance

During the winter months, your air conditioning system is the last thing you'll probably be thinking about, when in fact, it's probably the best time to do maintenance on your system. Use these tips and techniques for AC maintenance and you'll be sure to keep down air conditioning costs and make sure your central air conditioning system is in top condition when you need it most for hot summer weather.

Changing the Filters

Changing your return duct filter on a monthly basis is important to keeping your air conditioning in top form. But when it's not in use, it's a good idea to check and change all of the filters. A shop vacuum can help clean away any dust or debris that is trapped inside or around of your return filter vent. Check the air handler schematics on the side of the unit to find and change any hidden filters.

Cleaning the Drain

Your air conditioning system needs to drain away condensation to work correctly. The drain line of your air conditioning system is used to wick away water that condensates on the air handler. To clean your drain line, you will need to cap the end in the home with a temporary plug. A simple PVC cap can be attached to the drain line. Next, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck out any water, dirt or other debris that can clog the pipe. Once cleaned, remove the cap. A half cup of white distilled vinegar poured through the drain line can prevent mold and mildew growth. For stubborn clogged lines, a professional air conditioning mechanic may need to use a powerful vacuum to clean the line.

Cleaning the Coils

The exterior part of your air conditioner takes plenty of abuse. From leaves to dust to dirt, air conditioning coils can get full of junk that slows down the efficiency of the cooling mechanism. Before you clean the coils of your AC unit, you'll first need to turn off the power to the unit. Use a garden hose to wet the coils. Never use a heavy spray or pressure washer to clean the coils as they can easily be damaged. Next, use a commercial air conditioning cleaner to spray on the coils. Take the proper safety precautions when using this product as it can cause chemical burns on skin and stain building materials like vinyl or concrete. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then thoroughly wash it off with a garden hose.