Effective Steps That Ensure Your Air Conditioning System Functions Smoothly!

1. Effective Steps That Ensure Your Air Conditioning System Functions Smoothly! Maintaining your air conditioner is not just beneficial for energy savings, but also helps extend the HVAC system’s lifespan. Overall, regular Air Conditioning Service in Katy, TX is imperative for comfort, energy efficiency, safeguards occupant life and increases system performance. A properly operated HVAC system eliminates excess moisture in the air, ensuring occupants remain comfortable and cosy. Dirty air conditioners and faulty operating systems can be hazardous as they contribute to the growth of microorganisms like mold which can cause allergies and asthma. The ideal time to use these tips is just before each cooling system starts. 1. Turn Off the Power: While working with electricity and the moving components of the air conditioner, it's vital to completely shut off the power to the unit to ensure safety. Locate the exterior shut-off box near the condenser/compressor unit and turn off the power at the breaker box inside your home. 2. Remove Debris: Now, you should clean the exterior condenser/compressor. For that, first, remove the fan cage then use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the fasteners, now lift the cage or fan grill away from the top of the unit. At last, clean the interior by hand or with a wet/dry vacuum, removing leaves and other debris. 3. Clean the Fins: Take off the outer covers and utilize the brush attachment on a powerful shop vacuum to eliminate all external dirt. Next, use a gentle stream from a garden hose to spray through the fins from the inside out, getting rid of any accumulated dirt or debris between them. Avoid using a pressure washer as it can harm the fins. If the fins are exceptionally dirty, utilize a fin cleaning spray accessible at home improvement centers. Be sure to read and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions. 4. Straighten the Fins + Clean the Area: Any reduction in airflow through the fins leads to reduced efficiency. It becomes essential to carefully straighten bent fins and clean the area, for this, you can use a butter knife or commercially available fin-straightening tool. Make sure to be gentle while cleaning to avoid damage to the tubing embedded within the fins. 5. Clean Area Around the Unit: Once the cleaning process is done, reinstall the fan cage. Clear away leaves and debris from around the condenser, and trim branches and plants at least two feet away from all sides to ensure proper airflow. In winter, when the condenser isn't in use, it's advisable to place a plywood or plastic cover on the top to prevent debris from falling in. However, avoid covering the unit entirely to prevent moisture buildup and corrosion. A fully covered unit might attract pests to build nests inside, so always remove the cover when the unit is operational.

2. 6. Level the System: Over time, the pad supporting the condenser unit might tilt due to settling soil underneath. An uneven condenser can lead to premature compressor failure. Verify the condenser's levelness and use rot-resistant shims to adjust it as required. 7. Clean the Evaporator Coil: Now, it’s time to think about cleaning the inside of the unit.Locate the evaporator coil door on the blower/furnace unit. Remove any foil duct tape and screws. Use a soft brush to clean the coil, then spray it with a no-rinse coil cleaner, available at stores. The foam created will drip into the drain pan. Clean the pan with soapy water and bleach. Pour a bleach/water mix down the drain and use a drain pan tablet to prevent algae growth. If drainage is smooth, skip the next step. Otherwise, proceed to clean the evaporator drain. Finally, replace the coil door and seal it with foil duct tape if necessary. 8. Clean the Evaporator Drain: Warm, humid air from your home passes through the evaporator coil, where it's cooled and condensed into liquid. This water flows into a drain tube, usually made of PVC, which can get clogged by algae and mold over time. To clear it, locate the drain line, often near the condenser unit. Use a wet/dry vacuum without a paper filter, securing it to the drain end with tape or a rag. Run the vacuum for 2-3 minutes to remove any blockages caused by biological growth. This prevents potential flooding or cooling system issues. 9. Replace the Blower Filter: Replaceyour HVAC system filter twice a year, before the heating and cooling seasons. Dusty areas may demand more frequent changes. Ensure using a filter with the same airflow rating to prevent reduced airflow that can cause issues. Locate the filter enclosure, open it with a screwdriver, replace the old filter following airflow arrows, and close the door securely. 10. Turn the Power Back On: The above steps will encourage you to keep your air conditioning system in the best condition possible. Be informed that some maintenance repairs only certified HVAC technicians can perform best. It is advised by experts toschedule professional service in spring before the cooling season and fall before the heating season for a well-functioning AC. To schedule an appointment with an expert for Air Conditioning Service in Katy, TX, kindly visit us at https://www.texasstarhvacr.com/equipment-we-use/air-conditioners or call us at 281 686 6861.