IMPORTANT TIPS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE

The last thing you want in your Chicagoland home or business is a broken air conditioner in the middle of the summer heat. The best time to have your air conditioner maintenance done is right before you need to begin using it. So anywhere between mid to late spring is a good time to have both components of the air conditioner (outside and inside component) undergo proper maintenance. A professional Air Conditioning maintenance company can help ensure that your system is prepared for the demands of a hot Chicago summer.

For best results, and for a longer life of the air conditioner, here are some of the things that you could do:

OUTDOOR AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE

1. CLEAR THE DEBRIS

It’s best that the outside AC component has about 2 – 4 inches of space without any obstruction. So, clear all vines, untrimmed hedges, or tall grass surrounding the unit. This will improve air circulation near the unit and avoid any rust or overheating caused by the debris.

2. CLEAN AND FIX THE FINS

Fins can get clogged over time and even bent due to harsh weather conditions. You can use a garden hose to clean the fins of any buildup. If that is not effective, you could remove the condenser lid and spray inside the unit.

In the case of bent fins, you can buy a fin comb (or use a butter knife) to drag and straighten fins on the condenser unit.

3. CLEAN WITH A CONDENSER COIL CLEANER

This is a great way to keep the outside unit in working order. However, use caution when using condenser coil cleaner designed for outside components. Wear gloves and wash away any residual chemical with water. Also, make sure you label the cleaner bottle, as it cannot be used for indoor coils due to harmful chemicals that are emitted.

4. INSPECT INSULATION

Insulation is important for protecting the pipe and keeping the refrigerant cold. Severe weather exposure can destroy the protective lining of the insulation. Early detection and repair of the insulation can help the unit function efficiently.

INDOOR AIR CONDITIONING MAINTENANCE

1. CLEAR AREA AROUND VENTS

Vents are important in the summer, just as they are when your furnace is on in the winter. Make sure there is adequate space around the registers and vents. This will facilitate air circulation and help in keeping your home or business cool and comfortable.

2. CLEAR THE DRAIN

The drain pan fills with the water that is released and condensed by the AC unit. If left unclean, it could be a home for mold that can grow and clog the system. Moisture can also trap dust, debris, and bugs that can hinder other parts of the central air system as well.

3. CHANGE THE AIR FILTER

The air filter is ideally changed once before summer and once before winter. However, if you have pets, it might be helpful to change it more often, since fur or hair can clog the filter. Alternatively, you could also use a vacuum cleaner to clean the filters regularly.

4. CHECK FOR LEAKS

It is important to check the areas around the air conditioner unit to see if there are any leaks. This could be a refrigerant leak that needs to be diagnosed immediately by a professional.

Looking for expert air conditioning maintenance service in Chicagoland?

By following the above maintenance tips, you should be able to get your air conditioner ready for the summer. Most times, it is wise to let a professional air conditioning maintenance and air conditioning repair company maintain your system for you.

We at Elite Air Inc have a team of seasoned air conditioning maintenance experts who can help you in getting your air conditioner serviced, tuned-up, and functioning at optimal efficiency for the summer.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!