Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioner
That pesky groundhog actually got it right this year! (Where did that legend begin anyway?) Summer seems to have come early; we are ready for air conditioning already. That puts a little added pressure on the air conditioning system this year, so it is time to schedule a preventative maintenance visit.
Many homeowners skip maintenance—after all, the air conditioner is running just fine. However, consider this.
- During the cooling season, the thermostat calls for cooling about 3 times per hour. That is about 72 cooling cycles per day.
- The cooling season easily lasts six months or about 182 days. That means your air conditioner will go through more than 13,000 cooling cycles during a normal summer.
Air conditioning systems usually last between 15 and 20 years, and the number of cooling cycles continues to grow. Your hard-working air conditioner deserves a little care, and here is what you can expect.
Testing Tasks
- A Northwind preventative maintenance visit will begin with a check on the function of the system: does the air conditioner adequately cool the space when cooling is called for? This might require measuring temperature change from various rooms. If there is a problem with performance, it will point to potential problems that deserve further investigation.
- Air conditioners use a chemical refrigerant that changes form; under pressure, it becomes gas, but when the pressure is released, it becomes a liquid. The air conditioner function requires this refrigerant to be maintained at a specified pressure, so a technician will test the refrigerant pressure.
Cleaning Tasks
Air conditioning function requires the movement of massive amounts of air. Dirt builds a barrier to proper air movement at every turn; preventative maintenance includes removing dirt and debris.
- The air filter collects airborne particles with each cycle, and when enough particles accumulate, it reduces the flow of air into the evaporator chamber. A visit will include replacing the air filter to ensure the free flow of air.
- Dust may also accumulate on the evaporator coil. Humidity condenses on this coil, so if dust bypasses the air filter it will accumulate on the coil. The dust will be washed away, and the drain pan below will be cleaned.
- The outdoor condenser unit draws massive amounts of air through a network of coils and fins; a large central fan pulls air across the coils and pushes out the top. The flow of air will also pull sticky pollen and larger items, like grass clippings and leaves. A technician will use a garden hose to clean the debris away. (It is important to trim ornamental grass and shrubs at least 2’ from all sides of the condenser unit.)
Electrical Checks
Modern air conditioners require several phases of sensors and switches; weakness or failure at any stage will put stress on other electrical components. Therefore, maintenance will include checking these electronics.
- The thermostat is the major switching unit for the system. Sensors constantly test the air temperature of indoor spaces and call for cooling as needed. Yet the thermostat is powered by batteries and may need to be calibrated occasionally. The technician will replace the batteries and check their accuracy.
- Strong controllers and capacitors power large components, including both compressor and blower motors. These electronics will be checked for weakness or failure.
Let us help you increase the lifespan of your Air Conditioner
Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help you increase the lifespan of your air conditioner. Contact us and get the help you need.
