Realty.com » Resources and Services

Login • Register

Resources and Services

Quick Tips

Tip: Air Conditioner Maintenance

Spring is a generally mild season. It’s also the ideal time to budget a bit of that savings for an air conditioning tune-up. Done now, it can prevent many small problems from becoming big, expensive problems later.

Q: How often should I recharge my air conditioner with new freon?

A: Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners do not consume refrigerant (freon) as a car consumes oil, so under ideal conditions it would never need changing or filling. Therefore, a low freon level indicates a leak which should be repaired before adding more. While most new system connections are welded to minimize leaks, many older units (8+ years) were connected with mechanical flared fittings which can vibrate loose over the years, causing leaks.

Freon leaks are a problem because:


    * Low freon levels reduce efficiency of the air conditioner.
    * They can freeze the evaporator coil, causing it to literally ice up.
    * Freon is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) controlled substance, deemed hazardous if released into the environment.
    * The heart of the unit is the compressor, which is cooled by the refrigerant. Over time, low freon levels can cause overheating and premature failure of the compressor, often requiring complete replacement of the compressor or the entire condensing unit-a very expensive proposition.

Q: Recently I’ve been receiving calls from heating and air companies offering to tune-up my unit for a special price. I never buy from telemarketers, but I do wonder, are regular check-ups worthwhile?

A: Our company doesn’t solicit over the phone, but we do recommend annual air conditioning check-ups in the spring and furnace check-ups every fall. Although regular checkups will not absolutely guarantee that a unit will continue to work perfectly throughout the season, they will reveal most small problems that can lead to major, far more expensive problems if left unattended.

Q: What does an air conditioning check-up consist of?

A: It consists of the following steps:


    * Check for proper refrigerant (freon) levels. A low level indicates a leak, to be found and repaired before adding more freon.

    * Check all electrical components and controls.
    * Clean evaporator and condenser coils, as needed.
    * Oil motors as needed.
    * Calibrate thermostat.
    * Check Condenser.
    * Check filters.

Q: Is there anything a homeowner can do to maintain the air conditioning unit?

A: Yes. The first thing to check before turning on your unit is to make sure the condensing unit located outside is not covered up. The unit needs to draw air into the system in order to have something to cool and blow out inside, but the process is hindered if it cannot pull enough air in from outside.

We’re amazed how many homeowners call because their air conditioner isn’t cooling their house, only to find they forgot they had temporarily stacked lawn furniture, bags of leaves and lawn clippings, etc. around their outside unit over the winter.

Some people intentionally cover their condenser to “protect” it from the elements during the winter, although these units are designed for outdoor installation and require no protection at all.

Here are some basic tips:


    * Run your air conditioner for a few minutes now, before you need it. If you wait until the first hot day to discover is isn’t working, you’ll find yourself on a waiting list, sweltering sometimes for days before an air conditioning specialist can come to fix it.
    * Change the filters regularly. Dirty filters restrict air flow, reducing efficiency and worse case, can cause the evaporator to ice up. Disposable fiberglass filters should replaced. Electrostatic or electronic filters need to be washed regularly.
    * Be sure all access panels are secure, with all the screws in place.
    * Clean obvious obstructions such as newspaper, leaves, etc. from around the exterior of the unit.
    * Be sure the thermostat is set in the cooling mode. Just setting the dial below room temperature will not activate the air conditioning if it is set in the heat mode.

A thoroughly cleaned air conditioning unit will operate at top efficiency. However, homeowners are strongly discouraged from using a hose and water to try clean it themselves because of the very serious risk of electrical shock and possible shorting of electrical components.

Like most anything you own, you will find that regular maintenance sooner is far less costly than repairs or even replacement later.

More Popular Entries

Additions & Remodels

Soundproofing Techniques
Small Kitchen Projects Can Make a Big Difference
Easy Financing Options for Remodeling

Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors

Mortgage Prequalification and Preapproval
Renting or Buying: Advantages and Disadvantages
Single Family Homes

Appliances

Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Garbage Disposals

Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers

Critiquing a Floor Plan
When to Expect a Free Bid
Residential Designer

Carpentry & Cabinets

Comparing Timber Framing with Construction
Cost and Quality of Kitchen Cabinets
Different Sized Cabinets

Cleaning Services

Tip: How to Clean Your Windows Thoroughly
Making Furniture New Again
Cleaning Asphalt Shingle Roof

Concrete, Brick & Stone

Fireplace Efficiency
Fireplaces
Tuck-pointing

Consumer Guides

Using a Tree Stump Removal Service
Remodeling Increases Value
Planning Small Plumbing Installation

Design Ideas

Let it Shine!
Soundproofing Techniques
Designer Touches with Drywall

Electrical, Telephone & Data

Air Conditioners
Tip: Electrical Safety
Surge Protectors

Expert Advice

Repair Cinderblock Foundation
Maintaining a Residential Air Conditioner
Water Damage

Flooring

Reviving Wood Floors
Custom Looks with Standard Tile
Refinishing Hardwood Flooring

Handyman Services

Do-It-Yourself Compared to Hiring a Pro
Checklist: Fall Maintenance
Checklist: Biyearly Maintenance

Heating & Cooling

Install the Right Kind of Wood Stove
Tip: How to Maintain Your Wood Stove
Misting Systems and Their Positive Effects on Plants

Home Construction

Getting Design Help for Remodeling or a New Home
Remodeling/Room Addition Project
Water Damage in Bathroom

Landscape, Decks & Fences

Tennis or Game Court Facts
Metal Fencing
Masonry Materials

Moving & Storage

Some Assembly Required
Preparing Your House for Sale
Remodeling Increases Value

Other Services

Customized Hot Tubs
Pool Heaters
Organize Your Garage for Approaching Messy Weather

Painting & Staining

Electrostatic Painting is the Way to Go
The Importance of Paint Removal
Peeling Paint

Plumbing

Tip: Drain Clearing Service
Tip: Repair a Septic System
Frozen Pipes

Quick Tips

Tip: Air Conditioner Maintenance
Tip: Repair Concrete Flatwork
Tip: How to Repair Your Air Cleaner

Roofing, Siding & Gutters

Clean Gutters
Wood Shingle Siding
Helpful Roofing Terms

SP Feature Article

The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services

Walls & Ceilings

“Upgrade Batt, Rolled or Poured Insulation “
Tip: Insulation Basics
Nicotine Stains on Walls and Ceilings

Windows & Doors

Skylights
Replace a Mirror
Stylish Entry

copyright 2008 Realty.com