If you're moving into a home with central air conditioning, it's important to know what to expect when it comes to maintenance. You'll need to know the following things that may need to be done over the years.

Filter Changing

FIlter changing is one thing that should be done regularly, regardless of if the air conditioner appears to be running well or not. Make sure to read the instruction manual to find out how often it is recommended to change the filter, and then follow that schedule. Every air conditioner is different, with some requiring three to four filter changes a year, while others requiring annual replacements. Find out what kind of filter your air conditioner needs and have extra filters on hand for easy replacement.

Refrigerant Leaks

Your air conditioner uses a closed loop of pipes that moves refrigerant through the system. It takes the liquid refrigerant, absorbs the heat in the air to turn the refrigerant to a gas, and then moves it outside to the compressor where the heat is removed, and the refrigerant turned back into a liquid. It's possible that this refrigerant line develops a leak, and it causes the whole system to start producing hot air due to not having enough refrigerant. You'll need to have the system inspected, which may involve putting a dye in the line to find where the leak is located. Once the line is repaired, you will need the system recharged with more refrigerant.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

It is possible for the thermostat to go bad from years of continuous use, which will require the thermostat to require replacement. Verify that your thermostat is reporting the correct temperature by placing a thermometer near the thermostat to confirm indoor temperatures. If it is not reporting accurate temperatures, it may be time to replace the device with a new one.

Drain Clogs

Every air conditioner will have water that needs to drain from the unit, and you can run into an issue with a clogged drain line. If that drain pan fills up, you'll want water leaking onto the floor that surrounds the unit. Dirt and debris from the air can easily lead to a big clog in this drain over time, so be aware of this potential problem if you see water around the blower unit.

If you need help performing maintenance for your air conditioner, reach out to a local air conditioning maintenance technician for assistance.

Share