Useful Tip about Central Air Conditioning Units!

How well do you know your home and its systems?

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, we know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month learn about central air conditioners!



How to Inspect the Air Conditioner:

• Identify the manufacturer along with the make and model of the central air conditioning. You then want to determine, based on the manufacturer's sticker and the age of the house, how old the air conditioning unit might be. Every air conditioning has a life cycle; this one might be coming to an end.

• Test the thermostat by turning the air conditioning unit on. Upon turning the system and listen for unusual sounds while feeling how cool the air is and how strong the air flow is from the vents. Move around the house, verifying the vents are pushing adequate air throughout the home. Don't just listen inside the house, go outside and listen to the air conditioning unit, too.

• Look at the air intake located indoors to verify cleanness. If this is dirty, the home may need a new air filter. Make note of the filter type, there are many types of air conditioner filters to choose from.

• Go outdoors, to check the air conditioning unit. The unit should be free from debris. Check the debris inside the air conditioner unit too! Look for leaves that may have fell or blown into the unit; all debris will need to be removed.

• Check the unit for any cracks to the casing. Most air conditioning units are made from metal, but some are plastic. Take a good look at the exterior of the unit for any rust or cracks. Inspect crevices to make sure that seals are tight. If you find that there is a crack or broken seal, contact a professional to perform the repair service.

• Check concrete pad underneath air conditioner to make sure it is level.



How to Maintain your Air Conditioning Unit:

An air conditioners filters, condenser, and fins require regular maintaining for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in an air conditioning unit’s performance while energy use steadily increases. In addition to the steps below, you may also need to hire a professional service technician to assist with maintenance on your unit.

Maintain the Air Conditioning Condenser
• Set the thermostat indoors to the off position.
• Turn off your exterior power to the central air unit.
• Remove condenser grille.
• Remove visible debris from condenser casing.
• Use vacuum to clean interior of condenser casing and fins.
• Visually inspect the condenser for mechanical failure, wear or damages.
• Using fin comb or hand, straighten out the fins.
• Replace the condenser grille.
• Turn on your exterior power to the central air unit.
• Turn the thermostat indoors back to correct settings.
• Repeat these steps for additional air conditioning units.

Changing your HVAC Filter
• Vacuum or wipe down the entire outside area of the return air grille.
• Open the return air grille. If removable, place on the floor or allow the grille to hang there until finished. Then, remove the old air filter.
• If needed, vacuum inside the grille to remove any dirt particles.
• Either replace the filter with a new filter taking notice to the air flow direction or depending upon the type of filter, take a hose and clean the filter, removing all debris.
• Replace the return air grille and secure in place.
• Repeat these steps for additional air filters.