How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

Thank heavens for the modern air conditioner! Summer heat can be intolerable and dangerous, especially for infants and the elderly, We all appreciate a respite from it, though!

Air conditioners are a modern convenience that most of us in areas that get hot in the summer would not want to be without - right up there with indoor plumbing and electric refrigerators.

Just like automobiles, you will need to maintain an air conditioner to get the best and longest service from it. Keeping yours running efficiently will save you money by saving electricity, too. Just a little time spent now and then can give you many years of service.

The most obvious and most common maintenance chore is cleaning or changing the filter. When air filters are dirty, the air conditioner has to work harder to force air through the shrinking holes. Cleaning the dirt, dust, stray plant material, cat hair or anything else from the filters will help keep your home cooler for less money. Not only will your air conditioner last longer, you'll be spending less on electricity during that time.

Before you do any other maintenance, turn off the electricity.

What you need to check:

Condenser coil. Dirt, dust and other materials wind up in the condenser coil, which strains the fan motor and makes the air conditioner work harder to do the job. Use a vacuum cleaner and carefully vacuum out any debris or dirt that you can see in the fins, and if you find bent fins gently bend them back into position. They're generally made of soft enough material to be easily reshaped, but you don't want to break them.

Condenser tube. It can become clogged with dirt or other debris. If the tube on your air conditioner is made of rigid material, it would be worth it to remove and replace it with a new one. Some air conditioners have flexible tubes that can be removed and cleaned out, then replaced.

Insulation. Make sure the insulation is in good condition and attached to the suction line. Look over each panel and make repairs as needed.

Air flow. Keep plants and brush as well as piles of bricks, rocks or anything that will obstruct air flow, away from the air conditioner. It may not look like it will cause a problem, but it does.

Thermostat. Don't forget to check the thermostat. You can use a regular thermometer to see if it reads the same as the thermostat. If not, you may need a new one. You may waste electricity if the thermostat can't maintain the temperature you want.

Maintain your air conditioner well and it will reward you well.