What to Expect When You Avail Air Conditioning Services?
With the onset of summer, the first thing that needs your immediate attention is the servicing of your air conditioners.
Not only the beginning of the season calls for servicing your air conditioner, but it is also equally imperative to pack the unit for winters after getting serviced.
Since an air conditioner works on the principle of sucking air from the environment and then condensing it, various parts like filters, coils, fins require regular maintenance. They may get choked up due to dust and pollution. Neglecting necessary maintenance affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit’s performance and also, the energy bill inflates steadily.
What Services to Expect from The Professional
-
Air Conditioner Filters
If the use of air conditioner is substantial or you live in an area where the particulate matter in the air is heavy or some construction activity in your surroundings is in full swing, the air filters are likely to get choked faster. Cleaning the filters is the most important task to ensure the efficient working of the unit.
The filters are mounted in the indoor unit in room air conditioners. The air conditioning unit is unable to suck air for condensing if the filters are clogged or dirty. When the normal airflow is obstructed, the air that passes the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and thus, the coil's heat-absorbing capacity may be impaired.
Cleaning the clogged filter can lower the air-conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Filters, which are reusable, must be cleaned by the technician either by simply washing them or by using a fine brush to dust off the dirt. And in case, the air filters are to be replaced, the needful should be done.
-
Air Conditioner Coils
The air flows through the air filter to the air conditioner's evaporator coil. Here, the condenser coil, also, collects fine-dirt particles. A clean filter ensures clean air passes to the condenser and prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly.
However, in due course of time, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. The heat absorption capacity reduces considerably due to the dirt which obstructs the airflow and causes insulation. Make sure that the technician checks and cleans the evaporator coil.
The fins of the Outdoor condenser coils can, also, collect a lot of dirt. Ensure that during the air conditioning service, the technician cleans the fins properly.
-
Coil Fins
Another point to be kept in caution is to note that the cleaning of the fins of the evaporator and condenser coils should be done delicately as they can easily bend and in turn, block the smooth passage of air through the coil. The technician must have a tool called a "fin comb" to comb the fins back to their original condition.
-
Melt any ice
The unit may accumulate ice due to clogging. The technician must check for any ice and should turn off the system and run just the fan to help melt the ice quickly.
-
Condensate Drains
The drains are used to drain out the water that generates during the process of condensation. The air conditioning service must include passing a stiff wire through the unit's drain channels. If the drain channels are clogged, the unit may not function properly and be rendered unable to reduce humidity efficiently.
-
Electrical Checks
Technicians would inspect the system's electrical wiring and check for any loose connections or for any evidence of overheating. Inspection and testing of capacitors for any leakage should also be done.
-
Motor and Fan
He must check the motor bearings for any wear and tear. Also, the motor should be replaced if required. Besides, inspection of the fan blades for any visible cracks is important. And if such issues are detected, replace the fan blade.
-
Seals Between the Window Frame and Air Conditioners Metal Case
Once the unit is thoroughly cleaned, the technician must inspect the seal between the window frame and the metal case of the air conditioner. The condensed air may escape from the room, thereby, increasing your electricity bills.
-
Other Aspects
Below are some of the considerations required to keep a check during your air conditioning service:
-
The correct amount of refrigerant
-
Measure amount of airflow through the evaporator coil
-
Gas pressure in your cooling unit
-
A leak detector should be used to detect the refrigerant leaks. If the gas pressure is low, the cooling efficiency of your unit will be affected.
-
Checking for The Final Settings Before Leaving:
A well-trained technician will ensure that your air conditioning system has final settings, according to your requirements. He would check for room temperature settings, sleep on and off mode, humidity control and proper functioning of the remote.
If you are getting the service done before packing the air conditioner for the winter, then, he should ensure that the room air conditioner is covered properly.
These guidelines will help you to maintain your air conditioner and keep the unit operational for a long time.
