The summer wind is about to start blowing in, and that means you’ll soon be relying on your air conditioner to counter with some cool indoor breezes. But how well do you know this appliance, and are you giving it the maintenance it needs? If you’re relying on your AC to work without any assistance from you, you’re bound to feel hot under the collar if problems arise.
No one wants that. So, check out this totally chill guide to everything AC. With your newfound knowledge, you’ll be seen as the coolest cat in the neighborhood.
The ABCs of ACs
Air conditioners transfer heat from your home’s interior to the outside environment. For a central air conditioning system, this involves two main components: an inside unit (called an evaporator coil) and an outside unit (called a condenser coil).
The TLC Your AC Needs
We tend to ignore ACs until they break down, but like most things, they do better with regular maintenance. Make these steps a part of your regular household chores.
Air filters. Replace your home air filters every month. These filters trap dust, pollens, and smoke particles in your home and keep them out of the delicate AC machinery. If you don’t replace these regularly, your indoor air quality will be poorer and your AC will have to work harder, which could cause parts to wear out faster.
Water leaks. Keep an eye out for any signs of water leakage from the drain line or overflow pan. (Check your owner’s manual for the exact locations of these parts.) If your evaporator coil (the indoor component of your AC) is installed in a utility closet or the garage, check in on it once a month. If it’s mounted in the attic, watch for water stains on the ceiling below the unit.
Outdoor maintenance. Keep the area around the outdoor condenser clear. Trim foliage back at least two feet to maximize air flow, and remove leaves or debris that collect in the area. Also hose off your outdoor condenser unit periodically when the system isn’t running. This keeps dirt and debris out of the machinery.
Drains. Regularly clear the drains that collect water condensation from the system. Consult your AC owner’s manual or ask an AC technician where these drains are and how to keep them clear.
Professional servicing. Have your AC professionally serviced at least once a year. A technician can inspect and clean parts as needed, as well as answer any questions you have. Remember, regular maintenance can extend the life of your unit and head off costly repairs.
What to Do If Problems Heat Up
If your AC is not turning on or is blowing warm air, keep your cool. There are a few simple things you can try before calling a repair person.
Problem: AC is not turning on.
Confirm the unit is plugged in.
Check to see if batteries in the thermostat are dead. (Note: Not all thermostats have batteries.)
Check to see if the AC circuit breaker has tripped. (This is in your home’s main circuit breaker box.)
Problem: AC is blowing warm air.
Check that thermostat is set to the correct setting.
Inspect the outside condenser to see if there is dirt and debris on the unit itself or anything (like plants or bushes) obstructing air flow. Clear the area and hose off the unit.
Problem: Water is leaking from inside unit.
Check that condenser drains are clear.
If you’re experienced working with electrical appliances, you can check YouTube tutorials or other references to explore other things to try. However, your AC is likely one of your most expensive appliances, so it may be best left in the hand of professionals.