The air conditioner is an essential element for your home. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring the environment in your house is conducive for your stay. There are several instances your air conditioner may encounter some damage. This may leave you with the option of carrying out an air conditioner repair or replace it. The decision you make largely depends on the extent of the damage.
Usually, without major repairs, the air conditioner can work for about 10 years. But if you do not take care of the device, it will break down six months after purchase. Defective equipment will not supply fresh air to the room but unpleasant odors and dust. The following are ideal ways to take care of your air conditioner.
Cleaning the Filters
To know how to correctly take care of the air conditioner, you need to become familiar with the device. Any model consists of two components – an indoor and outdoor unit. The indoor unit is located indoors, while the outdoor unit is usually mounted outside the knowledge, on the wall. The indoor unit contains a filter that traps dust. Over time, mold develops on a dirty filter, and pathogenic bacteria enter the air. The filter should be cleaned every two weeks. To do this, you need to remove it, rinse it in warm water, then dry it and reinstall it.
Cleaning the Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger, which is part of the indoor unit, also requires annual cleaning. To clean the heat exchanger, you must first remove the front grille and then remove the filters. The heat exchanger has fins, from which it is necessary to remove dust with a vacuum cleaner or a long-bristled brush. The main thing is not to damage the ribs during manipulations. If they get damaged, the efficiency of the air conditioner will decrease.
Cleaning the Outdoor Unit
If water is continuously dripping from the outdoor unit, then a check is necessary. Leaking water indicates a blockage in the piping and can be cleared out with a simple blowdown. But purging is a temporary measure. For the stable operation of the entire system, professional cleaning of the outdoor unit is required. Also, an unpleasant odor may appear when the air conditioner is operating. To get rid of it, you will need to spray any antiseptic agent on the cooler radiator and turn on the air conditioner for a short time. For high-quality disinfection of the device, it is better to turn to professionals.
You should also carry out seasonal equipment checks and refuel with Freon to avoid overheating.