Air Conditioning Maintenance (central air)

 Maintenance Task #1:  Replace or wash air filter

This task involves removing the old air filter and replacing it with a new one (or washing the old filter, depending on the manufacturer's directions).  The filter is typically rectangular in shape, about 20 inches by 16 inches, and about 1 inch thick.  It slides into the main ductwork (near the inside fan unit) to help take dust, pollen, etc. out of the air that circulates in your home or building.  Ensure that the filters are placed in the correct direction of air flow.

There are two reasons for replacing this air filter:

• As a filter gets dirty over time, it begins to clog with dust, pollen, etc.  A dirty filter means the fan motor of the air conditioner has to work harder to move air through it, which means it has to consume more energy, and is therefore more expensive to operate.

• The filter helps to clean the circulating air, which makes room cleaning easier and less frequent, helps improve home health air quality, and helps to provide relief to allergy sufferers.

 Maintenance Task #2:  Clean water drain

When an air conditioner cools the temperature of the air, water condenses out of the air (similar to the way water condenses on the outside of a cold drinking glass on a hot day).  Most central air conditioning units have a condensate drain to collect this water.  This is typically located on the side of the inside fan unit.

This condensation system and drain should be inspected to make sure there are no obstructions, and that the hoses all fit properly.

If the lines or drain becomes blocked or develops leaks, the result could be water spilling out around your unit, which can cause safety hazards and/or water damage.

 Maintenance Task #3:  Clean outside condenser unit

Cleaning the outside condenser unit involves four activities.  Before doing any of these activities, be absolutely sure to shut off power to the unit and consult your owner's manual regarding discharging the capacitor and proper maintenance procedures for your unit.  If you have any questions about how to do this, seek professional maintenance help.

1. Remove leaves, debris, spider webs, etc. from the outside of the unit.  Be careful to push debris away from the fins, not pushing debris into the fins.  
2. Remove leaves, debris, etc. from the inside of the unit (after ensuring that power is shut off to the unit).  After you remove the cover grille, you can use a garden hose to spray the coils from the inside of the unit.
3. If any of the fins are bent, you can use a special tool called a "fin comb" to straighten and clean them.
4. The motor which drives the fan typically has ports which allow lubricating oil to be added (check your owner's manual).

The purpose of this maintenance task is to help maintain the energy efficiency of the condenser unit.  A dirty unit is less efficient at doing its job, which means that your air conditioning unit has to work harder, which causes it to consume more energy, and shortens its service life.

 Maintenance Task #4:  Cover (and uncover) outside condenser unit

Covering the outside condenser unit involves placing a plastic or cloth cover over the unit.  This cover can be purchased pre-made, or you can "do-it-yourself" by taping together plastic trash bags, or a plastic drop cloth, etc.

The purpose of covering the unit when it is not in use is to keep leaves, dirt, freezing water, etc. away from the condenser.  Keeping the unit clean helps to maintain its energy efficiency and extend its service life.

 Maintenance Task #5:  Close (and open) air distribution registers

Air distribution registers are the duct openings on your walls, floors or ceiling where the cold air conditioning air comes out.  These registers typically have a lever or wheel that allows the register to be opened and closed.

After your air conditioning system has been shut down for the season, these registers should be closed.  They should be opened again before you start up the system in the Spring.

Make sure the registers are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.

Closing these registers keeps warm air from being lost by back-flowing through these vents in the winter.  It also keeps dust, pests, etc. from accumulating in the ducts when they are not in use.

 Maintenance Task #6:  Air duct cleaning

A professional service company typically uses specialized tools to dislodge dirt and debris in the ducts and then removes it with a high-powered vacuum cleaner.  In addition, the service provider may also have treatments for killing microbiological contaminants.

Leaving moisture, dust, pollen, etc. in your ductwork can create a breeding ground for molds and spores which affects your home health.  Cleaning the ductwork removes these contaminants and also increases the air flow efficiency of your ductwork which can save energy.

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