The Importance of Regular Aircon Maintenance to Avoid Costly Repairs
We’ve all heard stories of homeowners hit with expensive repairs that they “never saw coming.” Often, these are repairs to plumbing or electrical systems.
Air conditioning maintenance can help prevent problems and reduce repair costs. By catching minor issues early, technicians can keep your system running smoothly and efficiently and extend its lifespan.
Air Filters
Air conditioners move a lot of air, both within the home and outside, which can contain contaminants such as dust, smoke, and mould. As the air circulates, it passes through a filter that either needs to be cleaned or replaced depending on the level of contaminants. Failure to clean or change the filter can result in impurities being blown into the room, which poses a health risk to those occupying the space.
How often you need to inspect and clean your air filters depends on various factors, such as where you live (in a desert climate, for example, your filters may need to be changed more frequently) and the number of pets or people living in the household. Some filters are reusable and can be vacuumed or washed, while others must be replaced with a new one.
The best thing to do is set a reminder in your calendar to inspect and clean your filters regularly, especially during the summer. This will ensure that you don’t end up with a clogged filter that causes problems with your air conditioner that would require professional help for ac repair Forney, TX.
Evaporator Coil
The condenser and evaporator coils are essential for the heat transfer process. These copper tubes house a refrigerant that absorbs the heat from the blowing air in your home then passes through the condenser coil and dumps that hot, high-pressure liquid back into its gaseous form. The blower fan then pushes cold air into your home, completing the cycle and cooling your home.
Over time, the dust and dirt can build up on these coils, obstructing the heat transfer. As a result, your air conditioner will have to work harder than it should to cool the same amount of space. This leads to higher energy costs and, eventually, system breakdowns. These instances can be prevented by regular maintenance and cleaning of the evaporator coil. A trained professional can identify potential issues and remove any accumulated debris from the waves to ensure they are free of any obstructions that can affect performance. A regularly cleaned evaporator coil also lasts longer. Dirty or blocked coils require the compressor to work harder, reducing lifespan.
Fan Blades
Fan blades are an essential part of a mechanical revolving fan and can be made from various materials, depending on the application. Most common household fans have plastic blades, while industrial fans use metal ones. The material chosen depends on the static pressure required for the specific application.
Airplane engines, for example, have titanium fan blades. These are lightweight, strong, aerodynamic, and are shaped to reduce drag. However, such knives are unsuitable for household use, where the edges must be lightweight and affordable.
The standard blades on most fans are made from medium-density fibreboard (MDF). They’re usually available in various colours and patterns for aesthetic purposes. Higher-end models use furniture-grade, natural wood with hand-carved designs. These are also suitable for outdoor damp or wet locations, as they’re built to resist warping due to environmental conditions.
A buildup of solid material on the fan’s blades or housing can cause imbalance, vibration, and reduced capacity. Improper belt tension can also affect performance. Regular preventative maintenance allows technicians to spot minor issues before they grow into major repairs.
Compressor
If the compressor, evaporator coil, or fan blades are cleaned regularly, they can allow airflow and cause damage. These problems can result in costly repairs or system replacement if checked. Keeping the compressor, evaporator coil, and fan blades free of dirt, debris, and weeds is crucial in ensuring optimal performance and extending the lifespan of your AC unit. Another simple preventive measure is scheduling the AC system to run at a higher temperature when you’re at work and lower temperatures at home. This will reduce the load on the compressor and save energy.
Pipes
With summer right around the corner, ensuring that your air conditioning (AC) works well becomes a top priority. Singapore’s tropical climate, long usage hours, and heavy dust accumulation wreak havoc on your AC system, primarily when improperly maintained. Aircon maintenance is a crucial part of preventative maintenance and includes tasks like cleaning, checking, and testing to identify problems that may be developing. These problems can be addressed proactively before they become major issues requiring costly repairs. Standard tests conducted during routine AC maintenance include a power consumption check, refrigerant pressure test, temperature, and cooling rate check. Also, the drain pan and pipe are checked for any clogs or leaks. Read on to learn more about the importance of regular aircon maintenance, the potential consequences of neglect, and how regular servicing can save you money in the long run.