Whether you’re planning to do some air-conditioning maintenance yourself or you’re just looking for a few tips on how to do it right, there are a few things you’ll want to know.
Cleaning condenser fins
Having clean condenser fins improves the performance of your air conditioner and can help keep your unit running efficiently. However, you may not be aware of how to clean your air conditioner’s fins. Luckily, there are three simple ways to get your AC unit looking like new again.
First, you can use a garden hose to spray your fins. This method will be gentler on your coils.
Second, you can use a soft bristle brush or a vacuum attachment to do the job. These tools are better than using a power washer as they are unlikely to damage your fins.
Third, you can use a foaming coil cleaner. This is a more convenient option. You can buy this at your local home improvement store or online. The foaming gizmo will not only clean your fins but will also help remove any loose dirt. The cleaner should be sprayed in a back-and-forth motion and then rinsed with water.
Finally, you can clean your condenser fins using a fin comb. This is a small and malleable tool that can easily straighten bent fins. However, it may take some time to achieve this effect.
While it may not be as powerful as a power washer, the fin comb will do the job. It can straighten bent fins and remove debris.
Cleaning evaporator coil
Getting your air conditioner coils cleaned is essential to maintaining the system’s efficiency. Dirty coils inhibit heat transfer, making the system work harder than it should, and resulting in higher energy bills. Fortunately, there are several cleaning methods that homeowners can use to get their air conditioner coils cleaned.
One of the easiest ways to clean coils is with a foaming coil cleaner. These products are sold at hardware stores and can be used to clean your air conditioner’s condenser. They are easily applied and rinsed away with water. You may also purchase a no-rinse cleaner at your local hardware store.
When cleaning air conditioner evaporator coils, you should use safety equipment. For example, you should wear eye protection and chemical-resistant gloves. Also, you should spray the cleaning solution from a safe distance away. Use a hose and spray nozzle to apply the solution to the coils. You should also allow the solution to sit for five to ten minutes before rinsing.
You can also use a shop vac with a soft brush attachment to clean your ac coils. However, this technique can damage your coil fins.
You can also use a mild detergent to remove debris from your coils. If you aren’t sure about which detergent to use, you can mix one part liquid detergent with one part water and apply it to the coils. You can reapply the detergent as needed.
Checking capacitors
Taking care of your air conditioner is important, and one of the things that you should always check is the capacitors. They are an essential part of your air conditioner. Having one that isn’t working properly can cause a variety of problems. If your air conditioner isn’t getting cold air from the vents, or your fan isn’t turning on, you should have your capacitors looked at.
Capacitors are small cylindrical objects that send jolts to the motor to help it run. Some capacitors are rated for a large range of voltages, but some are designed for a more modest voltage.
To test your capacitor, you’ll want to purchase a clamp multimeter. These tools are available at most home improvement stores. You’ll also need a screwdriver with an insulated handle.
When using a multimeter to test a capacitor, you’ll want to check the capacitor’s voltage and capacitance. You should also check for continuity. This is because it’s a good way to figure out whether your capacitor is broken or not.
If you are having a hard time figuring out what capacitor your AC unit needs, you might want to take a look at a capacitor quiz. You can find these on the Internet, but you’ll probably want to look at one that has been created by a professional.
Our HVAC Furnace Repair Experts
DIY is a good way to keep your items running and functioning. Sometimes you might need an expert opinion from an HVAC Specialist, we highly recommend JPM Heating and Air Inc. They are located in El Cajon and are an expert heating and cooling company. They offer furnace and air conditioning services in and around El Cajon. Please, feel free to contact them for more information on their services, products, and company.