The Importance of Air Conditioning Maintenance
The Importance of Air Conditioning Maintenance
Air conditioning maintenance is a must, especially for homeowners who want to keep their systems running smoothly. It will help prevent problems from happening, and it may even save you some money down the line.
Aside from regular filter changes and cleaning, air conditioning systems also need a tune-up twice a year. It will give your technician a chance to spot any problems before they turn into big repairs.
Condenser
The condenser is one of the most important parts of your air conditioning system. Depending on the season and the temperature, this part either collects or releases heat.
The main function of the condenser is to convert hot vapor into cool liquid. It does this by contacting the vapor with an external fluid that has a lower temperature than the vapors.
This process reduces the vapor’s temperature and makes it ready for the compressor to use to cool the air in your home or vehicle. It is an essential component of central AC, heat pumps, and split air conditioning systems.
There are a number of ways to keep your condenser in good condition and help it last for years to come. The most effective way to do this is to have professional HVAC maintenance performed on it. This ensures that all major components are checked and inspected on a regular basis. It also allows the technicians to spot any potential problems that may arise.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is part of your air conditioner or heat pump that works with the condenser coil to produce cool, fresh air. It uses a refrigerant that is eighty percent liquid and twenty percent vapor to absorb and transfer the latent heat in the air that it passes through.
However, like any mechanical component, the evaporator coil can become dirty over time. This buildup can reduce its effectiveness at cooling the air in your home and result in higher energy bills.
This problem is exacerbated when the evaporator coil freezes, limiting its ability to absorb heat from the air and causing your AC to run longer.
In order to properly clean the evaporator coil, you need a professional-grade sprayer, a cleaning solution, and a brush. The sprayer helps loosen and agitate dirt in tight spaces, while the brush picks off chunks of it that are too stubborn to be removed with the sprayer.
Air Handler
The air handler is a key component of any home’s heating and cooling system. As an HVAC component, it works in conjunction with the outdoor condenser or heat pump to circulate and distribute heated or cooled air throughout your home.
Typically, the air handler is located inside the home in a basement, attic or closet. The air is pushed through the ductwork and distributed to different rooms in the house, depending on the type of system you have installed.
An air handler uses a blower fan to move the cooled air through the ducts. It also includes a filter that cleans the air before it is sent through the ductwork.
It is important to have the air filter changed regularly, as it helps prevent dirt and debris from clogging the air handler and air conditioner’s evaporator coils. This can lead to problems with the evaporator coils freezing up or other issues.
The most reliable way to protect your system from these common faults is by scheduling a maintenance schedule. This will help you keep track of significant changes in your energy usage and catch any potential problems before they lead to complete breakdowns.