How to Maintain a Central Air Conditioning System
Neglecting to maintain a central air conditioning system is the number one cause of the system's failure, according to Energy Star experts. Also, proper cleaning and maintenance can keep operational costs down. Basic cleaning and filter replacement are just a couple of things that a homeowner can do. By following a twice-yearly checklist, you can keep your air conditioning system running at peak performance. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner Lubricating oil Screwdriver Clean filters Garden hose Handheld thermometer
Instructions
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1
Remove all power from the air conditioning system. This can be done by switching off the main breaker or pulling the power fuse.
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2
Open the filter area and remove the old filter. Vacuum out the interior of the space. Pay particular attention to the evaporative coil. This coil resides behind the air filter. Dust and dirt can become lodged in the coils. Use the brush attachment and gently run the brush against the coils.
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3
Lubricate the bearings on the fan motor and the centrifugal fan unit. There will be small oil caps on either end of the motor and the fan shaft. Lift the metal cap and place two to three drops of the oil in the reservoir.
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4
Check all electrical connections with the screwdriver to ensure the tightness of the wires. Turn the screw heads in a clockwise direction. Look for any blackened places on the screw terminals. This could indicate a burned-out component or a severely loose connection.
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5
Replace the old filter with a clean or new unit at least once a month. Restrictive airflow from a dirty filter can make the system work harder. Harder working systems can raise the electrical usage.
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Clean the outdoor condenser coils. Spray the coils with the garden hose during the summer months to keep the closed-in space free of dirt and debris. Keep all foliage and plant material at least 5 to 6 feet from the outside of the unit. This will allow for maximum airflow to the coils.
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7
Reapply power to the air conditioning unit. Set the thermostat to around 76 degrees. Use the handheld thermometer and check the temperature in various rooms while the unit is running. The reading on the thermometer and the thermostat should be within 2 to 3 degrees of each other. This reading will depend on the room's location and the distance from the thermostat. The greater the distance, the longer it may take to achieve a close-range reading.
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Check the temperature in the thermostat area. Hold the thermometer approximately 6 to 12 inches from the thermostat. The two readings should be very close to each other, within 1 degree plus or minus. If the readings are off by more than 2 degrees, calibrate the thermostat. Consult the manufacturer's directions for adjustment.
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Tips & Warnings
Service agreements between you and contractors should include a thorough checklist. The service tech should be more than happy to show you every task he performs. Units older than 15 years old may be warranted for replacement. Great strides have been made on newer, energy-efficient models. The cost of replacement may save you a lot on money on the overall utility bill.
