5 DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips
by Rohit on May 9, 2018
Most homes are nowadays well equipped with modern home appliances. Regular service of any home appliance is very necessary at regular intervals for the proper functioning of the product and the best results in terms of efficiency and energy-saving.
Similar is the case with an air conditioner which needs to be serviced at regular intervals to keep the compressor in good shape and be effective at cooling. Proper maintenance will also ensure a prolonged lifespan of the air conditioner. Negligence in regular service might reduce the efficiency and cause damage to the unit.
1. Regularly Clean Air Filter
Cleaning the air filter of your AC is one of the most important tasks and needs to be done more frequently than others. It should be done almost every month during the summer or when it is in high use while just once during the fall or winter. The air filter is usually located just behind the mainframe AC and it basically filters the air entering. It needs to be cleaned when it gets clogged with dirt, dust, and other allergen particles. This also reduces the efficiency of the AC making it work harder and hence consuming more energy. The filter can be washed off, dried, and re-used in most cases or replaced otherwise.
2. Check the Thermostat
This is necessary to ensure that your AC isn’t running unnecessarily and to save energy consumption. Some older ACs have a mechanical type of thermostat which is not very efficient and is definitely not automated which leaves you vulnerable to either doing the task yourself or risk wasting money on excessive energy consumption. First and foremost, change it to a programmable thermostat and set it to a moderate temperature to bring the room to the desired environment and it will automatically turn off the AC. You are sure to save power and money this way.
3. Check Wiring and Components
It is very essential to first turn off the main power supply to the AC before beginning to start working on it to avoid any electric shocks. This part is mainly for inspection purposes and not for repairing. You can open the mainframe and look at the wiring circuit. Don’t do this very often but only if you find some abnormality or excess sound. Check for any melted wires or short-circuits (anything burnt). You can use an electric tester to check the working conditions. If smaller components seem to have blown away, you can find the parts and replace them. However, if you aren’t comfortable, call an expert.
4. Cleaning Coil Fins
There is more to air conditioning maintenance than what meets the eye. You can do a lot yourself and not depend on professionals for minimal servicing of your AC. The coil fins which are usually wrapped with aluminum can be seen on the condensers and the evaporative coils. Dust can accumulate over these and disrupt the efficient functioning of the condenser and evaporator. Also, often unclog the rear drain to avoid blockage and continued free flow of water else it will increase the humidity levels in the room.
5. Maintaining Condenser and Fan Unit
This is the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and is often left untreated under harsh environmental conditions. It dissipates heat and helps keep the compressor cool and when dust and debris settle on the unit, heat dissipation is reduced and the efficiency of the AC in turn reduces. Take extreme care to not bend the fins of the fans and you can gently wash off the dust and debris. During winters, when the AC is not in use, cover it up to avoid dust and dirt entering the outdoor unit.
While these were some DIY tips to maintain the good health of your AC, you should never miss the routine service of your AC. Make sure you get it serviced right before the onset of summer to enjoy uninterrupted results from your AC. Now that you know what all needs to be taken care of yourself, make sure that you do.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
90709 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
71744 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
70706 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
50370 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29729 Views
Latest Articles
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
![What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire? What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?](http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/uploads/a/admin/construction_47639__e04de.jpg)
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Helpful Hints for a Jammed Pocket Door
Pocket doors can be frustrating when they do not work properly. The door itself is hung from rollers that run on a track above the door and into...
7 Tips on Maintaining Your Lawn from Professional Lawn Care Companies
One of the very first things that people see when driving past your home is the lawn. An attractive and well-manicured lawn is very pleasing to the...
Tips on Replacing Bathtub Faucets You Would Not Want to Miss
Bathtub faucets allow water in pipes to be used in controlled manner. Generally the bathtubs have either 2 valve or 3 valve faucets. They start...
What You Should Know before You Replace Garage Door Openers
Once you install garage door openers, the reverse system takes over and ensures the proper and safe movement of the door. And the automatic...
How to Compost and How it Works
Look at any thriving forest and you will see composting in action. The complex interplay of green plants, fungi, bacteria and other microscopic...