The Ultimate Guide to At-Home AC Maintenance Between Professional Visits

Regular preventive AC maintenance visits are key to proper air conditioner function, since they:

• Keep the system as efficient as possible
• Keep your electric bill as low as possible, and
• Keep the system running as long as possible

However, preventive maintenance visits are not the only key to maintaining an air conditioner. Do-it-yourself preventive AC maintenance tasks are also effective measures to improve the long-term function of an air conditioner.

Three Simple DIY AC Maintenance Tips To Help

1 Start outside, cleaning the condenser unit

The outside component, the condenser, is responsible for compressing the refrigerant gas, releasing it into the evaporator coil, and then dispersing the collected heat outside. For the condenser to disperse heat properly, it needs to be cleaned regularly.

The condenser consists of walls of coiled tubes with very thin fins attached, much like an automobile radiator. The coil and fins are designed to give as much surface area as possible to move the heat into the air. A central fan pulls air through the network, collecting the heat and cooling the refrigerant gas inside the tubes.

As the air moves through the network of tubes, it also carries dirt, pollen, dust, and other airborne particles. It gets deposited on the coil. (Pollen is very sticky.) This collection of particles acts like insulation to keep the heat inside the coil.

Use a screwdriver to remove the condenser unit’s covers. With a garden hose, gently wash away the dust, pollen, and grass clippings that collect on the surface and between the tubes. Return the covers to the condenser.

2 Start inside by changing the air filter

All the air in the home gets pulled through the return ducts and passes through the air filter. This air moves quickly, and airborne contaminants are captured on the fiber surface. Everything is working as designed until the surface of the filter is completely covered and clogged. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which decreases cooling efficiency and creates stress on key components such as the air blower motor.

To avoid problems, the air filter should be changed regularly, at least every three months. Properly sized air filters are available at hardware and home improvement stores. Purchase four filters annually and set a reminder to prompt you to change the filter as needed.

3 Clear the drain line as needed

The evaporator chamber receives the cool refrigerant gas into the large coil, and the blower fan pushes hot air from inside the house across the cooled coil. Not only does this cool the air, but it also causes humidity from the home to condense on the evaporator coil. A drain pan collects the water, and a drain line moves the water to a floor drain.

The cool, dark, moist spaces in the evaporator chamber are perfect growth spots for mold. A common occurrence is mold growth in the drain line. If the mold completely closes the drain line, the water will leak onto the floor. Several gallons of water can leak onto the floor every day.

Locate the cover for the evaporator chamber: there should be a few screws that hold the cover in place. Flip the circuit breaker for the air conditioner to ensure that it does not come on while you are investigating the chamber. Locate the drain pan near the bottom of the chamber and use a wet/dry shop vac to remove water from the drain pan. Apply suction to the opening of the drain line. Pour a cup of vinegar or bleach into the drain pan. These liquids create a poor growing environment for mold. Make sure to clean the mold from the shop vac, button up the evaporator chamber, and restore power to the air conditioner.

Remember, these DIY tasks do not replace the need for annual preventative AC maintenance. Schedule a visit prior to each cooling and heating season.

Schedule Your Professional AC Maintenance Today

While DIY care keeps your system running smoothly, it cannot replace the comprehensive care of an annual tune-up by a professional AC technician. Schedule a professional by calling 713-683-9474 for an AC maintenance appointment with Northwind Air Conditioning and Heating to receive a thorough inspection of your entire HVAC system. Protect your investment and stay comfortable year-round by visiting https://www.northwindac.com/ to book your appointment today.