Proper maintenance of your air conditioner is necessary for ensuring that the unit continues to function effectively when needed. Spending a hot day with a broken or a poorly working air conditioner can be very uncomfortable, but that should not happen if your conditioner is well maintained. Although on most occasions you may need a professional technician to maintain your air conditioner, there are some steps that you can take to keep your conditioner functioning properly for long. Equipping yourself with DIY technical knowledge will not only help you save money, but it can also get you out of an uncomfortable situation. Most air conditioners tend to break down at night, which can be challenging to get a technician but empowering yourself with technical knowledge can prevent you from spending a restless night. Some of the highly useful DIY things you can do to save money and keep your best portable air conditioner properly functioning include:
1 Cleaning the condenser
The condenser is located on the outside, which makes it more likely to accumulate debris and dirt over time. If the condenser is not clean, it can inhibit the efficient performance of your conditioner. Before you turn on your conditioner especially if it has not been in use for a longer time, you should do some basic cleaning. Before you start cleaning the condenser, you should first turn off the power. You should then remove the fan cage and clean out debris and leaves with a broom or a compressed air source. You should also remove dirt buildup on the condenser coils using a brush and coil cleaner. You should also remove weeds and trim shrubs in the surrounding area to allow the condenser to breathe.
2 Changing the air filter
Before you turn on your conditioner for the season, you should first inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary. Changing the air filter will help improve the quality of indoor air by ensuring the air does not get contaminated. The air filters are functional removable parts that prevent the coils from being clogged by dirt. The filters can also be cleaned with water and soap. If your conditioner has a secondary filter system, you should change them if they are dirty.
3 Cleaning the evaporator coil
The evaporator coils play an important role in the cooling process, and thus, you should always ensure that they are working effectively at all times. The evaporator coil is located in the blower unit. To access it, you should remove the screws or duct tape. You should then use a soft-bristled brush and a cleaner to clean the coil.
4 Cleaning the condensate drain
Condensate drain can overtime get clogged with sludge and algae buildup affecting the efficiency of the conditioner. To clean the condensate drain, you should use a dry or wet vacuum to clear out the buildup. You can also choose to flush the condensate drain with bleach and water solution.
5 Changing blower filter
How frequent you should change the blower filter depends on where you live, but if you are staying in a dusty environment, you should change the filter at least twice annually just before the heating and air conditioning season. To replace the filter, you should open the enclosure at the end of the fresh air return duct. When replacing the filter, you should ensure that the airflow rating of the new filter matches with the rating of the older filter.
6 Sealing loose or cracked joints
If you have a central air conditioner, you should regularly check the ductwork to ensure they are not cracked or loose. Cracked or loose joints will negatively affect the performance of the system. You can ensure efficiency by sealing the cracks with a sealant.
7 Testing the unit
Even if you are not using the system, you should regularly test the conditioner to ensure that it is working especially at the end of spring. You should also test all other components including the remote control to ensure that they are operating effectively.
Proper maintenance of your air conditioner minimizes the possibility of more significant problems developing shortly. Therefore, when you are looking to buy the best portable air conditioner, you should consider the one that is easy to maintain as it will help you save money in the long run. Easy to maintain portable air conditioners offer higher value and gives you control over the system as you will not need the services of a technician to carry out the general maintenance.
