Central Air Conditioning Maintenance For Homeowners
You should complete your air conditioner maintenance by checking the temperature drop across the unit. You can do this by measuring the return air temperature (temperature of air entering the air handler) and the supply air temperature (temperature of air leaving the air handler). Subtract the supply air temperature from the return air temperature to find the observed temperature drop.
This video explains some easy steps you can take to maintain your air conditioner and prevent costly air conditioner repairs.
How to Maintain an Air Conditioner
Central air conditioners have two separate components: the condenser and the evaporator. The condenser unit is usually located outside the house on a concrete slab. The evaporator coil is mounted in the plenum or main duct junction above the furnace.
Most central air conditioners are connected to a home’s forced-air distribution system. Thus, the same motor, blower, and duct work used for heating are used to distribute cool air from the air conditioning system. When a central air conditioner is operating, hot air inside the house flows to the furnace through the return-air duct. The hot air is moved by the blower across the cooled evaporator coil in the plenum and is then delivered through ducts to cool the house. When the air conditioner works but the house doesn’t cool, the problem is probably in the distribution system.
The condeser unit, which is located outside the home, is the other main component of the central air conditioning system. Both the evaporator coil and condenser are sealed systems, and require servicing by a professional technician. However, homeowners can perform some basic air conditioner maintenance that can keep the system’s components clean and functioning properly.
EVAPORATOR CLEANING
The evaporator is usually located above the furnace in the plenum. If the front of the plenum is covered by foil-wrapped insulation, you should be able to clean the evaporator – but if you’re not comfortable cleaning the evaporator yourself, a professional technician can do this as part of your A/C system’s annual maintenance.
Carefully remove the insulation from the front of the plenum, which may be taped in place. Ac access plate should be located behind the insulation – remove the screws securing it to the plenum to gain access to the evaporator.
The underside of the evaporator should be cleaned with a stiff brush. When the coils are free of dust and dirt, clean the tray below the evaporator, then replace the access panel and insulation. Periodically cleaning the evaporator allows heat to transfer easily from the air to the coils, and can help maximize the efficiency of the air conditioner.
Importance Of Central Air Maintenance
First, the air supply inside of your home is sucked in through a vented register and sent to the furnace. The furnace is responsible for both heating and air conditioning. After air has been conditioned, it travels through a network of ducts, commonly found in the attic of your home and dispenses itself through vents in each room. Though the procedures of collecting indoor air and distributing conditioned air are simple, the actual conditioning of air is a highly evolved routine. Call (214) 238-8353 us for your home service and repair needs.
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