Maintaining your air conditioner through the cooling season will improve air quality, lower your energy bills and extend the life of your equipment. A preventive maintenance plan scheduled with a professional technician will guarantee the equipment will operate cost effectively with fewer chances of problems costing you expensive repairs. A technician will examine and clean four main parts of your system requiring regular attention to assure efficiency.
Part 1: Condenser/compressor unit – located outdoors, it releases heat and cools refrigerant. Maintenance will:
- Clear dirt, leaves and grass around the condenser
- Remove dirt from coils
- Clean blocked fins
Part 2: Air handler unit – indoors, it contains the evaporator coils, which transfer heat and cool the air. Maintenance will:
- Remove dust and dirt from evaporator coils
- Clean dirt from evaporator fins
- Examine condensate pan for standing water
- Open blocked condensate drain
- Inspect unit for mold from excess humidity
Part 3: Ducts – supply ducts carry conditioned air to your rooms, and return ducts send air back to the unit. Maintenance will:
- Seal ducts with cracks in seams or loose joints
- Inspect insulation covering ducts in unconditioned air spaces, such as attics or basements
- Examine dampers for proper settings
- Remove dirt and dust from ducts
- Clean or replace dirty air filters
- Check for mold inside ducts
- Clean dirty registers and grills
Part 4: Refrigerant line – carries cool refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator coils. Maintenance will:
- Examine refrigerant line for damaged insulation
- Check refrigerant line for leaks
- Ensure correct levels of refrigerant
In addition to these four main parts, a specialist will examine other areas such as thermostat accuracy and electrical components.
According to the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), a properly maintained air conditioner will last a homeowner 12 to 15 years. It is to your benefit to contract an experienced technician to inspect your air conditioner annually.
To schedule an air conditioner maintenance visit, please contact us at Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning Co., serving the northwest area of Chicago for over 65 years. Our experienced team is committed to providing our customers with many options for their home comfort needs.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ibbotson Heating & Air Conditioning Co. services Arlington Heights, Illinois and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
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