Great air conditioning is an essential feature of any comfortable home, and maintaining top-quality air conditioning is all about catching problems quickly. At the beginning of the cooling season and every month thereafter, it’s a good idea to perform a full home maintenance check on every air conditioner. Watch out for these common issues and take steps to correct them to keep your air conditioners running efficiently all season long.
Dirty Air Filters
The air filter is the essential component of your air conditioner that removes dirt and dust from the cool air before it blows into your home. Over time, air filters naturally become clogged with dirt and dust; left unchecked, this blockage can cause cold air to build up inside your unit and make it freeze over. The slower airflow also reduces the efficiency of your air conditioner and can lead to other problems over time.
If your unit has a reusable filter, wash it thoroughly in warm water and let it air dry completely before putting it back in the air conditioner. Drying the filter with a cloth can cause damage. If your air conditioner uses disposable filters, go to your local factory authorized dealer to find replacements that fit your machine instead of relying on generic models from a hardware store.
Condenser Fin Issues
Over time, your air conditioner’s condenser fins may also become clogged with dirt and debris, slowing the air flow and reducing the overall efficiency of your machine. Cleaning them off is fairly simple, but be sure to invest in a dedicated fin brush first. Other brushes may damage the fins, which will require a much more substantial repair.
Physical Blockage
Sometimes air conditioning efficiency issues have nothing to do with the air conditioner itself and everything to do with the physical conditions around the unit. If anything is blocking the airflow to or from your air conditioner, its efficiency will suffer. Take a look at the outdoor unit and clear away any vegetation or debris that may be blocking the air. Likewise, look in your ducts: If they are clogged with dust, professional cleaning may be in order.
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the heart of your air conditioner, as it physically transfers heat out of your home to cool the air. As such, a low refrigerant level can cause a whole host of air conditioner problems. Use the refrigerant gauge to confirm that the refrigerant level is still in the recommended range. If it is not, your air conditioner most likely has a leak, which must be fixed by an HVAC professional right away.
If your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak or other maintenance issue that requires professional intervention, give Griffith Energy Services Inc. a call right away. Our technicians know how to address these and other common air conditioner problems, and we will work with you to fix the issue and keep your air conditioner in good working order for years to come.
Written by Kevin Spain
