Air conditioners are complex systems with many interlocking parts that work together. You’ve got the electrical components like the capacitor, the monitoring equipment and sensors like the thermostat, and the refrigerant that is constantly pressurized and depressurized to move heat.
This might sound like an overengineered piece of equipment—but air conditioners are actually very good at doing specifically what they’re designed to do, which is cool your home. Nothing else is required aside from a steady stream of electricity coming through your home.
But there’s one component that people tend to forget about when they’re surprised with air conditioning repair in Franklinville, NJ, and that’s the system’s coils. From evaporator coils to condenser coils, we’ll talk about your AC’s coils and what you can do to keep them in good shape.
Maintenance Is Most Important
First of all, we can end this blog right here with the most valuable tip of all: scheduled maintenance. Routine maintenance is a service that customers can invest in which basically ensures your AC’s coils are in good shape for the rest of the season.
During maintenance, a technician inspects your system, cleans components (including the coils), adjusts the unit to make sure it runs more efficiently, and even makes minor fixes to improve cooling capacity and keep components lasting longer. It’s basically a professional tune-up that can add years to your system’s lifespan if it’s done on a yearly basis.
We implore all of our customers worried about their air conditioners to invest in this service. Then, follow along for some additional DIY tips that can help you avoid AC repair as well.
3 Coil Tips for Homeowners
Here are three different coil tips for homeowners who are looking to keep them clean, efficient, and running smoothly.
Change the Air Filter
Do you have pets at home? If so, chances are that your system is constantly being inundated with pet fur, dander, and other contaminants. Your air conditioner comes with an air filter built-in, but that component needs to be changed out regularly. Otherwise, your risk running the system inefficiently and allowing the coils to get gunked up with contaminants.
Evaluate for Signs of Ice
Dirty coils can lead to ice build-up inside of your air conditioner. Think about it, the coils need direct access to the air around them so that the cold air can be circulated throughout your home. If there’s enough dust, dirt, or debris, the coils can become insulated and cool down to levels where they start freezing up.
Even a minor amount of atmospheric humidity will turn into ice when this happens, so make sure that your coils are in good shape so they can cool the air, not freeze over! Schedule a repair ASAP if you notice ice.
Rinse off the Condenser Coil
After a harsh winter, it’s a good idea to take a hose and spray the outside cabinet of your air conditioner. This can get covered in all sorts of problematic materials, from sticks to pebbles, dirt, sand, and even critter waste. Spray away so that your system is clean, shiny, cleared, and ready for the summer.