The Importance of Air Conditioner Maintenance
At CJ Brubacher Ltd., we have been servicing all makes and models of air conditioners since 1923, from central air conditioning to window AC units to newer floor units. That’s why we know the importance of homeowners being vigilant and having the knowledge to perform light air conditioner maintenance on their own. To help you out, we compiled a short list with five tips that will help your units last longer and save you money in the long run.
Air Conditioner Maintenance Tip #1
Clean/replace Your Air Filter
Replacing your air filter (for reusable filters, simply follow the cleaning instructions provided) is the #1 most common service tip our technicians give out. Although many air conditioner owners in Elmira, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge and surrounding areas are already doing this, it is still worth mentioning because the unit will provide cleaner air and last considerably longer.
If you are not aware if your AC unit is equipped with an air filter, where it is on the AC unit, how to remove/replace it, or where to buy a new one, we recommend giving your nearest air conditioner service professionals a phone call. If you’re looking for air conditioner service in Waterloo Region, we’re happy to help.
Air Conditioner Maintenance Tip #2
Examine Your Thermostat
For replacing or technical servicing of a thermostat, we recommend calling a professional, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t simple checks you can do to determine if your thermostat is working properly or needs service in the first place. If you have an older mechanical unit, we suggest upgrading to a programmable type, as they are more accurate and allow you to save money on cooling by choosing the best times to cool your house down (such as just before you arrive home).
If your air conditioning seems to be not turning on when you feel the temperature rise it could indicate your thermostat isn’t working properly and needs to be serviced.
Double-checking that all of the functions work properly according to your thermostat guide, or using Google, will help you determine if a service call is needed.
Air Conditioner Maintenance Tip #3
Inspect Internal Wiring
Ensure your air conditioner is turned off and unplugged from the wall! Never pull, cut, or tamper with wires. We recommend only a visual inspection.
Follow our above advice thoroughly, then continue.
Next, you will want to look at all the wires and check for signs of damage/decay. Are there signs of melted wires? Blackened wires? Can you see any fraying or rust near the connectors? We aren’t suggesting you begin tampering with or trying to fix any internal components, but a thorough glance will let you know if an expert needs to service your unit before continuing to use it.
This maintenance tip requires the most technical knowledge and we want to advocate safety first, so if you are uncomfortable removing the casing or inspecting the wires, please contact your local mechanical contractor for a service call. A complete list for air conditioner services in Waterloo, Kitchener, Elmira, Guelph, Cambridge, and surrounding areas can be found on YellowPages.ca.
While you have the casing off feel free to clean out any dirt & dust that may have accumulated.
Air Conditioner Maintenance Tip #4
Central AC Outdoor Unit? Clean, Clean, Clean!
If you have central air conditioning, it is important to clean around your unit. This includes making sure there is no thick brush or overgrowth blocking the vents – trim long branches that push into the open vents. It’s also important to sweep the top of your central air conditioner unit if you have trees or other vegetation that “sheds” its blooms on top of your unit, such as Maple Keys.
The fan blades on your outdoor AC unit should blow strong enough to reduce most light dust & dirt naturally, but if you’re coming back from a few days vacation or another period where your unit was shut off for a prolonged period (ie. winter), make sure the screens and coils are cleaned well.
Air Conditioner Maintenance Tip #5
Ensure Your Evaporator Drain is Flowing Properly (Not Plugged)
Evaporator drains hold a lot of moisture in a tight space which means that over time, biological matter like mold or algae may grow.
First, find the drain line where it leaves the evaporator coil enclosure. The drain is usually a one-inch PVC pipe (white, grey, or black). Typically, the line drains outside or into a basement utility sink, but it may also run right into a laundry room floor drain.
For the next step you will need a wet/dry vacuum, and you will want to remove the dry filter as leaving it in may ruin it. Hold a cloth over the opening to make a tighter seal, and run the wet/dry vac against it for a few minutes to ensure any debris that may be in the line has been pulled out.
Congratulations, you are now an Air Conditioner Maintenance Guru ready to take on the world! If you aren’t quite comfortable servicing your AC unit by yourself, and are living in Waterloo, Kitchener, Elmira, Guelph, Cambridge, or surrounding areas, feel free to call us here at CJ Brubacher Ltd., your family-owned Air Conditioning experts since 1923.
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions about electrical work, plumbing, heating, or air conditioning, please contact us at:
(519) 669-3362
CJ Brubacher Ltd.
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19 First St E
Elmira, Ontario
N3B 2E6