Air Conditioning Maintenance: The Ultimate Guide

Providing air conditioning maintenance and repair in the Seminole, Momentum AC Services LLC is the trusted choice for all your AC needs. We pride ourselves on providing top-quality service at a fair price, and our team of experts are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. 

How Your Air Conditioner Works

An air conditioner works by removing heat and moisture from the air inside a building. The basic components of an air conditioning system include a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a refrigerant.

The compressor compresses and pumps a refrigerant, such as Freon, through the system. The refrigerant then travels through the condenser, where it releases the heat it has absorbed and cools down to a liquid state.

The cooled liquid refrigerant then flows through the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the air inside the building. As it absorbs heat, the refrigerant evaporates into a gas state again.

The cooled, dehumidified air is then circulated back into the building through ducts or vents, while the hot, humid air is expelled outside. The process is then repeated as the refrigerant continues to cycle through the system.

Regular maintenance is important to keep the system running efficiently and effectively. This includes cleaning of the filters, coils, and fins, checking refrigerant levels and the condition of the compressor and fan motors, and inspecting and tightening any loose electrical connections.

How to Shut Off Your A/C Power

There are a few ways to shut off the power to your air conditioner (A/C), depending on the type of system you have:

• Disconnect the power at the circuit breaker: Locate the circuit breaker for your A/C in your home's electrical panel. Switch the breaker to the "off" position. This will disconnect the power to your A/C unit.

• Disconnect the power at the switch: If your A/C unit has a switch near the unit, you can use it to turn off the power. This switch is usually located near the outdoor compressor unit.

• Disconnect the power at the thermostat: Some thermostats have a switch or button that can be used to turn off power to the A/C unit. Consult your thermostat's manual for instructions on how to do this.

Note: Before shutting off the power, always make sure to turn off the thermostat to the off position or the cooling position to avoid damaging the unit.

It is important to note that shutting off the power to your A/C unit should only be done when performing maintenance, cleaning or repairs on the unit. It is not recommended to shut off the power to the unit for an extended period of time as this can cause damage to the system and may void the warranty.

How to Clean Your Outdoor A/C Condenser Unit

Here are the steps to clean your outdoor A/C condenser unit:

1. Turn off the power: Before cleaning the unit, make sure to turn off the power to the A/C unit at the circuit breaker or switch.

2. Remove debris from around the unit: Use a broom or leaf blower to remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris that has accumulated around the unit.

3. Clean the condenser coils: Use a brush or coil cleaning solution specifically designed for A/C units to clean the coils. Gently brush away any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the coils.

4. Clean the fins: Use a fin comb to straighten out any bent fins. This will help the unit to run more efficiently.

5. Clean the fan blades: Use a soft brush or rag to wipe down the fan blades. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the blades.

6. Clean the surrounding area: Make sure to clean the surrounding area of the unit, such as the base pan, to ensure that the unit has proper drainage.

7. Turn the power back on: Once you've finished cleaning the unit, make sure to turn the power back on at the circuit breaker or switch.

It is recommended to clean your outdoor A/C condenser unit at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, or more frequently if you live in an area with a lot of dust, debris or pollution.

If you do not feel comfortable performing this task, it is recommended to hire a professional HVAC technician to do it for you.

How to Level Your Outdoor A/C Condenser Unit

Here are the steps to level your outdoor A/C condenser unit:

• Turn off the power: Before leveling the unit, make sure to turn off the power to the A/C unit at the circuit breaker or switch.

• Measure the unit: Use a level to determine if the unit is level. If it is not level, make a note of which way it is tilted.

• Adjust the unit: Adjust the unit by turning the feet or pads that the unit sits on. If the unit is tilted to the left, turn the left foot or pad clockwise to raise it. If the unit is tilted to the right, turn the right foot or pad clockwise to raise it.

• Measure again: Use the level to check the unit again to make sure that it is level. Repeat the adjustment steps if necessary.

• Turn the power back on: Once you've finished leveling the unit, make sure to turn the power back on at the circuit breaker or switch.

It is important that the A/C unit is level because it can cause the compressor and fan to not work properly and can cause damage to the unit and reduces efficiency.

It is important to note that you should only adjust the feet or pads of the unit and not the unit itself. If you're not comfortable with leveling the unit, it is recommended to hire a professional HVAC technician to do it for you.

How to Clean Your Evaporator Coil

Here are the steps to clean your evaporator coil:

1. Turn off the power: Before cleaning the coil, make sure to turn off the power to the A/C unit at the circuit breaker or switch.

2. Locate the evaporator coil: The evaporator coil is typically located inside the air handler or furnace. It is important to consult the manual of your specific unit to locate the coil.

3. Remove the access panel: Locate the access panel on the air handler or furnace. Remove the screws or fasteners that hold the panel in place.

4. Clean the coil: Use a coil cleaning solution specifically designed for A/C units and a brush or rag to clean the coil. Be careful not to bend or damage the fins on the coil. Gently brush away any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the coils.

5. Clean the surrounding area: Make sure to clean the surrounding area of the coil, such as the base pan, to ensure that the unit has proper drainage.

6. Replace the access panel: Replace the access panel and screws or fasteners.

7. Turn the power back on: Once you've finished cleaning the unit, make sure to turn the power back on at the circuit breaker or switch.

It is recommended to clean your evaporator coil at least once a year, or more frequently if you live in an area with a lot of dust, debris or pollution.

If you do not feel comfortable performing this task, it is recommended to hire a professional HVAC technician to do it for you.

Changing Your Blower Filter

• Locate the filter: The filter is typically located in the air handler or furnace, either in the return air duct or in a filter slot on the unit itself. It is important to consult the manual of your specific unit to locate the filter.

• Turn off the power: Before changing the filter, make sure to turn off the power to the A/C unit at the circuit breaker or switch.

• Remove the old filter: Carefully slide out the old filter and dispose of it properly.

• Measure the filter: Measure the size of the filter to ensure that you get the correct size replacement filter.

• Install the new filter: Carefully slide the new filter into the filter slot or return air duct. Make sure that the filter is installed with the correct side facing out.

• Turn the power back on: Once you've finished changing the filter, make sure to turn the power back on at the circuit breaker or switch.

It is recommended to change your blower filter at least once a month, or more frequently if you have pets or live in an area with a lot of dust, debris or pollution.

It is also important to note that it is important to use the correct filter type and size for your unit and to check the filter's MERV rating. If you're not comfortable with changing the filter, it is recommended to hire a professional HVAC technician to do it for you.

Why Use Programmable Thermostats to Adjust Home Temperature

Using a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature in your home can provide several benefits:

1. Energy savings: By setting your thermostat to a lower temperature when you are away or asleep, you can save energy and lower your energy bills.

2. Increased comfort: With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature to adjust automatically to your schedule, so that your home is comfortable when you are there and energy efficient when you are away.

3. Remote control: Many programmable thermostats can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app or web interface, which allows you to adjust the temperature from anywhere, at any time.

4. Better temperature control: A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, which allows for better temperature control and a more comfortable living environment.

5. Easy to use: Programmable thermostats are easy to use and can be programmed to your schedule, so you don't have to worry about adjusting the temperature manually.

6. Increased convenience: With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature to adjust automatically to your schedule, so that your home is comfortable when you are there and energy efficient when you are away. This can save you time and effort in the long run.

Overall, programmable thermostats can help you save energy, increase comfort, and improve temperature control, which can make your home a more comfortable and efficient place to live.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an air conditioner (A/C) plays an important role in keeping your home or office comfortable by removing heat and moisture from the air. To keep your A/C running efficiently, it is important to perform regular maintenance such as cleaning the outdoor condenser unit, cleaning the evaporator coil, changing the blower filter, and leveling the outdoor unit. It is also important to use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature in your home for energy savings and increased comfort. If you notice any issues or problems with your A/C or if you are planning to replace it, it is best to call a professional technician for assistance. With regular maintenance and professional help, your A/C unit will be reliable and efficient, providing you with a comfortable living or working environment.