Maintaining Existing Air Conditioners
Maintaining Existing Air Conditioners
Older air conditioners may still be able to offer years of relatively efficient use. However, making your older air conditioner last requires you to perform proper operation and maintenance.
Air Conditioning Problems
One of the most common air conditioning problems is improper operation. If your air conditioner is on, be sure to close your home’s windows and outside doors.
Other common problems with existing air conditioners result from faulty installation, poor service procedures, and inadequate maintenance. Improper installation of your air conditioner can result in leaky ducts and low air flow. Many times, the refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) does not match the manufacturer’s specifications. If proper refrigerant charging is not performed during installation, the performance and efficiency of the unit is impaired. Service technicians often fail to find refrigerant charging problems or even worsen existing problems by adding refrigerant to a system that is already full. Air conditioner manufacturers generally make rugged, high quality products. If your air conditioner fails, it is usually for one of common reasons listed below:
- Refrigerant leaks. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation, or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer’s specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged.
- Inadequate maintenance. If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.
- Electric control failure. The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.
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It's recommended to replace or clean your air conditioner's filters every month or two during the cooling season to maintain optimal airflow and efficiency.
Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils prevents dirt buildup, which can reduce airflow and impair the system's ability to absorb heat, leading to decreased efficiency.
Inspect your air ducts for leaks or blockages and ensure they are properly insulated to prevent energy loss and maintain consistent airflow.
Clear the area around your outdoor condenser unit of any debris and trim nearby foliage to allow adequate airflow and prevent dirt accumulation.
It's advisable to schedule bi-annual tune-ups with a certified HVAC technician to ensure your system operates efficiently and to address potential issues before they become major problems.
