Tag: Air Conditioning. Tommy Smith

How to Keep an AC Unit Running Properly

Air Conditioner

In the summer or in areas with tropical climate all year such as south Florida, the heat may sometimes become unbearable. This prompts one to have a working air conditioner to assist one to relax at the comfort of their home in a cool environment. Most households have ACs installed, as is the norm in the tropical areas, but some do not realize what it entails to have a properly working AC. After installation, what next? This is an important question that people with ACs should get answers to.

AC installation is the first half of the puzzle. Tommy Smith Weston fl, recommends regular check ups, repairs and maintenance for the air conditioners to keep providing their service. Often people do ignore the repair and maintenance part. This is essential to ensure your AC unit runs properly throughout its life time.

AC unit serves up to an average of 15 years after which it is advisable to replace or consult with a technician for the best step to take. To ensure an AC unit runs properly and smoothly all year, below are some tips;

 

  • Removing Debris

AC units needs to be checked for debris once in a while to avoid clogging up and causing irreparable damage. Leaves and other debris are an easy fix. Using a vacuum, one can clear out debris from the interior to clear out the fan cage.

 

  • Cleaning And Straightening The Fins

The fins could be covered with dirt or debris which if left to build up affects the AC proper functioning. The cleaning should be done using a cleaning spray and a garden hose with a gentle stream to avoid damaging the fins. During the cleaning process, you can boost its efficiency by straightening any bent fins. Straightening the fins will enhance air flow.

 

  • Attend To The Blower Filter

In dusty areas, the blower filter should be changed frequently to avoid airflow reduction. When changing the filter, one should consider replacing it with one identical in the airflow rating. If you opt for a do it yourself process, ensure that you match the air-flow directions on the blower filter to those on the unit.

Other easy processes for a proper running AC unit include levelling the unit, cleaning the evaporator coil and cleaning a plugged evaporator drain. These tasks are simple and one can do them themselves or contact technicians to do the job. However, caution should be taken when performing the tasks yourselves. Before starting the above processes, shut off the power for safety purposes.

Aside from having your AC serviced for efficiency and preventing health issues such as asthma, there are some mistakes to be avoided that cause inefficiency of the air conditioning unit and pose great risk to your safety. These mistakes are such as;

 

  • Poorly Positioning Your Thermostat Or Vents

During installation, the positioning of the AC unit and thermostat should be of great importance. If the thermostat of the AC is exposed to sunlight or is placed near a lamp, it will cause inaccurate readings. Misplaced thermostat equals huge electric bills since you will always be cranking up the AC due to inaccurate readings. In addition, the AC vents should not be blocked by any furniture or curtains. Obstructed vents limits air circulation leading to ineffectiveness of the AC unit.

 

  • Not Having A Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostat not only save your annual AC bill but also improves its efficiency. With non-programmable thermostats, one may never tell or accurately predict weather changes when leaving the house. You may set your thermostat based on the morning weather only for it to change later. Programmable thermostats are easy to handle especially phone-controlled smart thermostats.

 

  • Keeping AC Unit Running Even When Not Necessary

Air conditioning units can run all year but sometimes it is advisable to give it a break. While away from the house, you can turn it off. If not so, one can set it high so as to avoid the house getting too hot which will take long hours to cool down.

 

  • Placing The AC Unit In The Wrong Place

Air conditioners do not add any beauty to the house and some may prefer to hide it somewhere out of sight. Some will place it behind plants or shrubs which is a very big mistake. By placing it here, ventilation will be hindered and condenser coils will become clogged up with leaves.

The deceptive self sufficient nature of AC units makes it easy to make the above mistakes and ignore the maintenance it deserves.

Tommy Smith Weston FL recommends frequent servicing of the AC units just like one will regularly service their cars. Avoid incurring huge AC bills and repair or replacements costs by acting upon the maintenance processes. If not sure on how to take care of the air conditioning system, seek technician’s expert opinion.