Once I purchased my first home, I realized that I needed to do my part in caring for my home appliances. In addition to reading the user manuals for my kitchen appliances and state-of-the-art plumbing system, I realized that I also needed to do a little research about HVAC. Because I had no experience with HVAC systems, I called out a professional to teach me a thing or two. It was fascinating to talk with him, and I was able to take notes about all kinds of important topics, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, and even shopping for a new system. This blog is all about understanding HVAC guidelines.
Understanding HVAC Guidelines
Simple Tips to Keep Your Air Conditioner's Condenser Running All Summer Long
Marilou Girard
According to the United States Department of Energy, approximately two-thirds of all homes in America have an air conditioner. For many of these households, it would be unimaginable to face a long summer without their trusty air conditioner. Unfortunately, if you don't maintain the condenser throughout the summer, there's a good chance your air conditioner won't be functional when you need it. Here are a few simple tips that will help ensure your air conditioner keeps you cool, even on the hottest day:
Give It a Good Cleaning at the Beginning of Summer
Before the summer months begin, it is important to make sure your air conditioner is functioning and to give the condenser a good cleaning. If the condenser is located in the attic or not easily accessible, it is best to leave this chore to a professional. However, if the condenser is easy to access, go ahead and clean it yourself.
Begin by turning the unit to the "off" position. Next, clean off the fins of the unit, which are the thin wire mesh blades that suck in the air that is cooled and blown into your home. In some cases, you will need to remove a metal box to access the fins. Clean the fins with your vacuum's brush attachment.
Grab a screwdriver and remove the top metal grille of the unit. Examine the inside of the unit and look for any damage. If you notice any damage, go ahead and call someone to replace or service the unit. If the unit's interior is in good shape, clean out any leaves or other debris.
Next, carefully disconnect the fan and set it on the ground. Clean out the interior of the air conditioning unit with your garden hose's sprayer attachment. Let the unit dry completely before putting the fan back in and replacing the metal grille. Turn on the unit and enjoy the cool air!
Keep Your Condenser Protected
In an effort to keep their condenser clean and well protected from the cold, many homeowners cover their AC unit during the winter. However, after you put away that cover, it is still important to keep your condenser well protected during the summer months, as well.
The best way to protect your condenser during the summer is to keep it covered when not in use. For example, if you're taking a family vacation or there is a cold snap, grab the cover and protect your condenser when the AC is turned off.
The shrubs and vegetation around your condenser can also cause damage. Make sure that there isn't any vegetation or shrubs within a two-to-three-foot area around your condenser. Additionally, make sure that there isn't anything growing above your condenser, either.
In addition to the weather and your shrubs, there is another danger that your condenser faces: dogs. If you have dogs that use your condenser as a spot to relieve themselves, or if your dog has decided to mark its territory there, the urine can be very damaging.
The best way to protect your condenser is to fence it in. In addition to the fence, consider teaching your dog to relieve itself in other areas of the yard. This can be accomplished by leashing your dog and taking it to the same spot every time. Eventually, your dog will figure out that this is the spot where it should do its business.
From cleaning your condenser before the summer begins to making sure there isn't any vegetation growing around your unit, there are several simple things you can do to ensure your air conditioner is working all summer long. Additionally, if there are any problems or your AC isn't running properly, don't hesitate to contact a professional from a company like Weather Control Air Conditioning, Inc.
Share