Learning About Commercial Air Conditioning Units

How To Help Your Central Air Conditioner's Condenser Last A Long Time

10 June 2016

Floyd Carroll

Most of the time, it will seem like your home's air conditioner is constantly running without you having to pay any attention to the appliance. Unfortunately, you could wind up with a very expensive repair bill at some point because you failed to do a few simple things. You cannot completely ignore an air conditioner, since these 2 tips will help prolong the appliance's lifespan.

Change The Air Filters

All of the air that passes through your HVAC system will need to go through the air filter. It is what removes all of the airborne contaminants, like pet hair and pollen, which could be in your home. Over time, the filter will become very dirty and potentially hazardous to an air conditioner.

A dirty filter will result in an air conditioner having to work harder to push the air through your filter. It puts more strain on the moving parts in the appliance, such as the fan motor, and will generate heat that would otherwise not be necessary. If the fan is overworked, then it's possible that the motor will eventually break down.

Prevent this from happening by changing your air filter regularly. They are only a couple bucks and need to be changed every 2-3 months. Make it a habit to change the filter on the first day of each season, and you won't forget to do it again.

Clean The Condenser's Fins

The essential part of your home's air conditioner is the condenser located outside. It helps compress the Freon by drawing heat from the air inside your home. While the compressor will create heat doing all of this, the unit keeps cool thanks to the fan and the metal fins on it. The problem is that dirt, debris, and even pollen could be drawn into the fins and obstruct the airflow, making it more difficult for the unit to cool down.

Thankfully, it is easy to clean the condenser all on your own. Cut off the power, take off the fan cover, and use a shop vacuum to clean out the fins from the inside. It helps to use a soft brush to loosen the debris that is stuck in the middle of the fins. Now is also the time to straighten out the bent fins to improve airflow. It may not seem like you are doing much, but you are improving the condenser's ventilation which will improve its lifespan.

For more information, visit http://www.pacaire.com or a similar website.

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