Simple Air Conditioner Maintenance That a Homeowner Can Handle

Air conditioner maintenance breaks down into two categories: tasks that a technician must perform and tasks a homeowner can perform. If you haven’t scheduled your professional checkup, do it now before the rush. While you’re waiting for the technician’s visit, learn a bit about air conditioner maintenance so you can keep your equipment running smoothly through our long, hot cooling season on the Gulf Coast.

Change the Filter

You should be changing the filter every month, particularly if you use a cheap fiberglass filter or if you have pets and lots of traffic in your home. It’s recommended that you upgrade to a pleated filter made of polyester or cotton, rated minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) 8-12. These filters keep small particles of dirt and dust out of your equipment and improve your indoor air quality.

Remove Clutter

The outdoor side of your HVAC equipment is the condenser/compressor. Clear at least a two-foot area around the equipment, making sure all leaves, grass clippings, weeds and other obstructions are removed. Also, check if the unit is level on its concrete base.

Check the Coils

The condenser coil is in the outdoor unit and the evaporator coil is in the inside unit. After turning off the power to both sides, remove the outdoor housing and inspect the coil for dirt. Rinse the coils off with a gentle stream of water to rinse them from the top down.

Inspect the Condensate Drain

Run a stiff wire through the condensate drain (located in the indoor section of your HVAC system) to remove obstructions. You can also pour some vinegar and water solution through the drain channel to clean up mold, fungus or bacteria. Inspect the drain pan for leaks.

Inspect Ductwork

If you can gain access to your ductwork, inspect it for holes and loose segments. Contact a professional to repair holes and reattach loose segments with mastic and metal-backed tape.

For more on air conditioner maintenance, contact Mathews CCAC Inc. of Corpus Christi. We offer quality service to our Coastal Bend customers.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioner maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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