Central Air Conditioning System Inspection
In order to function properly, a home's central air conditioning system must be periodically inspected and maintained
in the Boardman Ohio area. While it's always recommended to have an annual inspection performed by a trained professional
is, Boardman homeowners can do a lot of the work themselves by following the tips offered below.
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Clean the Exterior Condenser Unit and Components
The exterior
condenser unit is designed to push heat from the inside of the home to the outdoors. It is the large box located outside the
home that has a fan motor in it. There are coils of pipe in it that are surrounded by thousands of thin metal "fins"
that allow the coils more surface area to exchange heat. First and most important before maintenance "Turn The Power
Off To The Unit" Follow these tips when cleaning the exterior condenser unit and its inner components.
- Remove any debris, such as leaves and spider webs, from the exterior of the
unit. Trim back shrubs and trees several feet from the unit to ensure proper air flow.
- Remove the cover grille to clean any debris from the unit's interior. A garden hose can be helpful for this task.
Do not use a power washer as you can damage the fins/coils.
- Straighten
any bent fins with a tool called a fin comb.
- Add lubricating
oil to the motor. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Clean the evaporator coil and condenser coil at least once a year. When they collect dirt, they may not
function properly.
Inspect the Condensate Drain
Line
Condensed water is collected in condensate drain lines and drained away from the unit. They are located on the side
of the inside fan unit. Sometimes there are two drain lines—a primary drain line that’s built into the unit, and
a secondary drain line that can drain if the first line becomes blocked. Boardman homeowners can inspect the drain line by
using the following tips, which take very little time and require no specialized tools:
- Inspect the drain line for obstructions, such as algae and debris. If the line becomes blocked, water will back
up into the drain pan and overflow, potentially causing a safety hazard or water damage to your home.
- Make sure the hoses are secured and fit properly.
Clean the Air Filter
Air filters remove particles, such as dust and
pollen, that would otherwise circulate indoors. Most filters are typically rectangular in shape and can vary in
size and thickness. Filters slide into the main ductwork near the inside fan unit. The filter should be periodically washed
or replaced, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Dirty air filters can give you not only poor indoor air quality,
but it will also strain the motor to work harder as the unit tries to move air through it, increasing energy costs
and reducing energy efficiency. During the cooling seasons, the filter should be replaced monthly if the unit is
being heavily used. You may need to change the filter more often if the air conditioner is in constant use, if the home occupants
have respiratory problems, if you have pets, or if dusty conditions are present.
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Cover the Exterior Unit
When the cooling season is over, you should cover the top of the exterior condenser unit in preparation for winter. This
measure will prevent ice, leaves and dirt from entering the unit, which can harm components and require additional maintenance
in the spring. Sometimes covering the unit with a full cover can create rust or premature deterioration of the coils and fins.
Just a small piece of plywood to cover the top opening should be sufficient. If a full cover is purchased, be sure
to turn the unit off before covering it.
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Close the Air Distribution Registers
Air distribution registers are duct openings in
ceilings, walls and floors where cold air enters the room. They should be closed after the cooling season ends in order to
keep warm air from back-flowing out of the room during the warming season. Pests and dust will also be unable to enter the
ducts during the winter if the registers are closed. These vents typically can be opened or closed with an adjacent lever
or wheel. Remember to open the registers in the spring before the cooling season starts. Also, make sure they
are not blocked by drapes, carpeting or furniture.
In addition,
homeowners should practice the following strategies in order to keep their central air conditioning systems running properly:
- Have the air conditioning system inspected by a professional each year before the
start of the cooling season.
- Reduce stress on the air conditioning
system by enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. Switch from incandescent lights to compact fluorescents, for instance,
which produce less heat.
In summary, homeowners
in the Boardman area can perform periodic inspections and maintenance to their home's central air conditioning system.
