A home air conditioner is a system that contains multiple parts, and these parts depend on cleanliness to run efficiently. One of those components, the A/C coils, can really affect your energy costs. You can keep your air conditioning coils running efficiently and keep your home cool with some DIY care and annual service from a professional.
There are two coils contained within an air conditioning unit. One is the evaporator and the other is the condenser, and both coils are important for creating cool air. The evaporator coil collects absorbs heat from inside the house and moves it outside. The condenser coil then rejects that heat to the outdoors.
This system operates at peak efficiency when the coils are clean. Many factors can lead to increased energy costs due to decreased efficiency.
The number one problem that can affect the coil’s performance is dirt buildup. Dirt buildup keeps heat from moving through the coils the way it should because it acts like insulation. Dirty air conditioner coils consume extra energy making your system less efficient.
Inefficient coils do more than cost money, and they can reduce your system’s cooling capacity. It also increases the operating temperature of your system and can cause an expensive failure if not fixed in time. There are steps you can take to avoid having to replace your system or pay higher energy costs.
The first step in keeping your air conditioner coils clean is to keep your filter clean. Change your filter monthly during the summer and possibly more often if you have many hairy pets. You should also open your outdoor condenser casing and rinse it off with a garden hose on a monthly basis. Make sure to turn the power to the unit off before doing so.
You should schedule service for your HVAC system on a yearly basis to keep your system running at peak performance. A professional will employ the industry’s best methods for cleaning your air conditioning coils. DIY maintenance is important, but to keep your system at its best you should trust the professionals.
For more expert information on you air conditioner, call CCAC today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioner coils and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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