Give Your Air Conditioners
a Preseason Check-up
A pre-season check of your air-conditioning system prior to the summer
months can be a real money saver. Air conditioners at peak efficiency
will use up to 20 percent less electricity and last years longer.
To get this peak performance from your unit, maintenance checks need
to be made throughout the summer.
Here is a checklist to help you keep your air conditioner at peak efficiency:
• Have refrigerant levels and condenser coils professionally checked.
• Check and clean filters regularly. Reusable filters should be
vacuumed twice a month, hand washed and dried. Electronic air-cleaning
filters should be cleaned.
• Check the filter door for fit and replace any damaged gaskets.
• Clean and lubricate the indoor blower unit regularly. (Always
shut off the electrical power to the unit before lubricating the blower
and motor bearings.)
• On belt-driven units, check the belts for cracks and other damage.
If the belt is badly damaged or worn, replace it.
• Check the housing of the unit outside your home. Keep all grass
and shrubs at least 12 inches clear of the unit.
Your air conditioner will also work more efficiently if you located
the compressor in a shaded area. If air flow is restricted, however,
leave the compressor in a sunny area.
Always consult the unit's maintenance and operation manual before making
any check or repairs.
