Air conditioner maintenance in Kaunas

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Filters, coils, and other parts in your air conditioner require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. If you ignore the necessary maintenance tasks this will lead to a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases. Make sure the conditioner in your home is working smoothly and enjoy the fresh air in your home.

Check and clean the filters

Regularly cleaning or replacing the filters in your conditioner is the main way to keep it working efficiently. If the filters are clogged and dirty, the normal airflow is blocked, and the system's efficiency significantly reduces. The air that circulates through the filter can carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and if this happens, the coil's heat-absorbing capacity reduces. Replace a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one and you can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

Filters are generally located somewhere along the return duct's length in the central air conditioners. Usually filters are located in walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioner itself. The smaller room air conditioners should have a filter in the grill.

Filters in the air conditioner sometimes are reusable; however, others must be replaced. There are a big variety of filter types and efficiencies. During the cooling season make sure to clean or replace your air conditioning system's filters every other month. You may need to check the filters more frequently if the air conditioner is in used constantly, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in your home.

Don’t forget the conditioner coils

The evaporator coil as well as condenser coil in your air conditioner collect dirt over their months and years of service. If you regularly clean and change your filters – congrats. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. However, in a long term, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. Then the airflow is reduced by this and the coil becomes insulated. That’s how its ability to absorb heat diminishes. Don’t forget to check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary to avoid the mess.

The condenser coils which are outside can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment around your home is dusty or if there is a lot of trees nearby. Check the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on it.

The main thing you can do to prevent this is to minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Falling leaves and lawn mower are potential sources of dirt and debris. Clean the area around the outside unit, remove any debris, and trim foliage back at least half of the meter. This will allow the adequate airflow to circulate around the condenser.

Make sure the windows are sealed

Before each cooling season, check the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame to ensure there’s contact with the unit's metal case. Otherwise, moisture will damage this seal, and the cool air will escape your house.

Prepare for winter

When the wintertime comes, cover your room air conditioner, or remove and store it. The outdoor unit of a central air conditioner should also be covered to protect it from winter harsh weather and debris.

If there’s a problem, hire a professional

If your air conditioner needs more than regular maintenance, call a professional service technician. An expert of the air conditioner will find and fix problems in your conditioning system.

During the visit, technician should:

Check if there is a correct amount of refrigerant

Test for refrigerant leaks

Capture any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system, making sure it is not released to the atmosphere illegally

Seal duct leakage in central systems if needed

Measure airflow through the evaporator coil

Verify if the electric infrastructure is correct and make sure that the heating system and cooling system are not operate simultaneously

Clean and tighten electric connections, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary

Oil motors and check belts for tightness

Check the accuracy of the thermostat.

Find an air conditioner system expert near you

If you have completed all the necessary maintenance tasks for your air conditioner, but still suspect that the system is not working as it should, or you are not sure about how to do some of the tasks yourself, do not hesitate and call a technician. A professional will not only ensure that the air conditioner runs smoothly but will also provide more information for further maintenance.