Family Handyman
Grasp How Your AC Functions
Most
central air conditioners
consist of two primary components: an external unit (compressor/condenser) placed beside your house and an internal unit (evaporator) situated within a main duct close to your furnace. In cases where you have a heat pump rather than a furnace, the internal component can typically be found in the air handler. Follow the upkeep procedures outlined below for optimal performance. Should your furnace appear distinct from what is illustrated or if you possess a
heat pump
Refer to the owner’s manual to navigate through it. The fundamental components will remain identical.
Correct Fins in the Condenser
Straighten misaligned or dented fins using a fin comb, a budget-friendly option (under $10) found online. Alternatively, you can achieve this by applying light pressure with a dinner knife; make sure not to insert the knife more than half an inch.
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Keep the Condenser Clean
Cleaning an air conditioner
in the spring, before you start running it, will help it perform better through the dog days of summer. To start, vacuum the fins of your AC unit clean with a soft-bristle brush. Note: they’re fragile and can easily be bent or crushed. If you bend one, straighten it with a fin comb.
On numerous units, you’ll need to remove a metal cover by unscrewing and lifting it off in order to access the fins. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions and be sure to gently lift off the cover to prevent damaging the fins. Are you aware if this procedure is advisable?
keep your air conditioner running throughout the day
?
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Fix a Sinking Home Air Conditioner Pad
The concrete slabs beneath the house
air conditioner
And heat exchangers often shift over time. Provided there’s no tension on the copper cooling tubes and electrical connections, and the equipment remains dry and balanced, it’s acceptable for the base to have settled. However, should the settling persist and tighten the lines, or if water collects around the device, corrective action will be necessary.
fix the sinking pad
.
Daniel Krason/Shutterstock
Get a Programmable Thermostat
A
programmable thermostat
It’s an essential air conditioning upkeep instrument designed for modern AC systems. These programmable thermostats enable you to schedule different temperatures at specific times of the day and will automatically adjust them during peak hours, helping you reduce costs and control your cooling with minimal manual intervention.
Install an Inline Duct Booster for Residential Air Conditioners
If you use forced-air cooling yet it isn’t sufficient, then
room that’s hotter
After everything else has been considered, a duct or ventilation booster fan can enhance the delivery of cold air to that specific area. There are two main varieties of these fans. The in-line duct booster fan (as shown) is designed to be installed within the ductwork of the space you aim to chill. This type of fan should be positioned close to the exit point and activates whenever your refrigeration system operates.
Exhaust and registration booster fans can be placed right above or as replacements for ceiling, floor, or wall vents. You have the option to configure them to work automatically based on different models, adjust using a manual switch, or manage via a remote controller.
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A Quiet Device That Makes Quite a Noise
If your system has a more recent condenser, the loudest noise likely originates from the compressor. (The fans in modern units tend to be quite silent.) A frequently recommended solution for this issue is to address the compressor directly.
noisy air conditioner
It’s a noise-dampening blanket. Reach out to the manufacturer to get a sound blanket specific to your model, or opt for a universal one instead. The installation process is straightforward. There’s no point in trying to install a blanket on an outdated unit since you will likely still be able to hear the loud fan.
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Clear the Condensation DrainTube
If you notice water pooling near your furnace while the air conditioner is operating, this indicates a blocked condensate drain line. The moisture buildup from
air conditioning
The coils have bacteria that can create slime and obstruct the condensate pan drain tube. This is an essential aspect of air conditioner maintenance.
task for this situation
is to clear out the drain pan and unclog the drainage tube.
GSPhotography/Shutterstock
Adhere To This Summer Maintenance List
Ensure your air conditioner is functioning properly to stay comfortable when temperatures rise. When the weather turns warm outdoors, you’ll appreciate having a refreshingly cool interior at home. Utilize this helpful suggestion.
inspection checklist
To evaluate your HVAC system and subsequently book a session for necessary AC maintenance or repair.
repairs
before summer heats up.
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Replace the Filters
Switch off the power to the furnace either at a local switch or at the primary electrical panel. Afterward, remove the furnace filter and inspect it for accumulation of dust. Replace it if needed. Should it continue not functioning properly, proceed to examine these indicators related to your air conditioning system.
requires fixing or replacement
.
Christian Delbert/Shutterstock
Choose the Right Size for Your Air Conditioner
AC units
They are precisely calibrated based on the volume of cubic feet they must cool. This is especially crucial when buying a new air conditioning system or remodeling your home. Should you choose an AC unit designed for a smaller area than what you require, it will overexert itself trying to lower the temperature, leading to faster deterioration and difficulty maintaining the desired settings as per the thermostat.
Consider a Whole-House Fan
Whole-house fans
Have assisted in maintaining comfortable homes for a hundred years now. The fundamental concept is straightforward: A fan installed at the top of the attic expels warm air via vent openings and pulls in fresher, outdoor air through open entryways and windows. This swift circulation of air—which allows large fans to eliminate all the heated air from within a home in as little as two to three minutes—not only eliminates accumulated warmth but also generates a refreshing draft.
Lisa S./Shutterstock
Control Heat Through Windows
Much of the warmth gets into homes via windows, particularly those left open. To effectively manage temperature inside your dwelling, also focus on how you handle your windows. Ensure they remain shut and use shades or curtains to cover them when temperatures peak—particularly for windows directly exposed to sunlight.
Troubleshoot Repairs Yourself
When
central air
conditioning fails during a heat spell, you may have to wait days for an HVAC repair technician to show up, and you’ll probably pay at least several hundred for the repair. But if you’re comfortable working around electricity and are willing to spend about $50 on parts, you can probably repair your air conditioner yourself in about two hours and save a lot of money on parts markup and labor.
Check the Insulation
The condensation forming on your outdoor air conditioning lines decreases efficiency and increases your energy expenses. However, enhancing your system’s performance can be achieved by swapping out any deteriorated or decayed insulation surrounding your external AC lines.
Additionally, determine whether you should
shield the air conditioner for the wintertime
.
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Use a handy-dandy fin comb
Recall the fine-toothed comb we discussed? It’s ideal for untangling compressed fins on a compact AC unit. Make certain to use gloves to shield your hands from potential cuts!
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Thorough Cleaning Using a Brush
Remove grime from a tiny surface.
room air conditioner
Using a plastic-bristled brush along with foaming cleaner.
Properly Dispose of a Defective Device
Occasionally, despite all efforts at maintaining an older or faulty air conditioning unit, it might still fail. In such cases, refrain from simply discarding your broken AC unit with the regular garbage. Local regulations often dictate specific procedures for disposing of appliances like this. Reach out to your nearby waste control authority for guidance.
get rid of your AC unit
properly.
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Cool Your Garage
Don’t allow the summer heat to hinder your DIY projects.
Stay calm in your garage
workshop by
installing
A room air conditioner installation. It can be easily handled by you personally.
Identify Air Leaks in Your Residence
Shut all the windows in your home, switch off every fan and extractor fan, and turn off the heating system. Ignite some incense sticks and move gradually along the exterior walls of the house. Whenever you observe the smoke drifting away from objects or getting drawn towards them, there might be an air leakage present at those spots. Once identified, block these leaks accordingly! Furthermore, discover techniques for repairing an air conditioning unit that isn’t functioning properly.
leaking water inside
.
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Don’t Wrap Your Condenser
Once it’s time to dismantle your home air conditioner condenser for the season, place a piece of weighted plywood over it instead of using a tarp. Wrapping it in a tarp can encourage mold development, and you might neglect to take off the tarp come springtime, potentially damaging the system upon restart.
FAQ
What indications suggest that my air conditioning system requires servicing?
If you consistently apply the advice provided here, your air conditioner should not display any signs requiring maintenance. Should you lack a routine for maintaining your air conditioning system, it’s important to provide your unit with some care if you observe any of the following issues:
- Poor airflow
- Inadequate or inconsistent cooling or not reaching the desired temperature specified on the thermostat.
- Stange noises
- Water surrounding the indoor unit on the floor
- Bad odors
-
High energy bills
,
Which of these indicate your AC unit might be overworking?
What steps can I take to enhance the performance of my air conditioning system?
Adhering to the maintenance advice provided below is the most effective method for keeping your AC unit efficient. Regularly replacing the filters (approximately every two to three months when the cooling season is active) is particularly crucial. Should your setup include ductwork, make sure to insulate these ducts to stop unwanted heat exchange. Instead of setting up booster fans to enhance ventilation, think about putting in a ceiling fan to aid in circulating chilled air throughout the room.
