![]() Unfortunately, both of these are abundant in our country. There are a number of things that can go wrong with an automotive air-conditioning system. What are the common issues that plague the AC unit? This will give you the sufficient know-how to question the mechanic and find out if he has done a thorough job. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions. With so many parts, most car owners aren’t able to decipher what the actual trouble is when they sense that there is insufficient cooling. These parts are the evaporator, blower, expansion valve, compressor, drier and condenser. What you should be aware of is that ‘AC servicing’ is a broad and general term, and the system itself is quite complex with a lot of parts working together. To help the car’s air-con unit deal with high cabin temperatures, it is vital to get your car's AC unit serviced. Of course, air-conditioning comes into sharp focus during these scorching times and none more so than the units in our cars, given that temperatures inside the cabin can shoot up to as high as 60 degree Centigrade on some of the hotter days. Looking for help with repairs around your home? A home warranty may help.We're already a fair way into summer with the dreadful month of May just around the corner. The standards mandate a SEER of 13 and an EER of 8, but devices with higher numbers will cost less to operate. For central AC, look for the seasonal energy-efficiency ratio, or SEER for window units, the measure is simply called the energy-efficiency ratio, or EER. Upgrade for Efficiencyįederal laws require AC units to be a lot more efficient than they were just 10 years ago. If you want some privacy, keep doors slightly ajar instead. Shutting too many interior doors causes central AC systems to go out of balance, meaning there’s less airflow in the entire house. Schedule this checkup before the cooling season starts (or do it now if you didn’t do it earlier this year), and make sure it includes the following tasks: The dealer who installed your central AC (or one you find locally) should put you on a yearly cleaning schedule that goes beyond just cleaning the filters. Consider running the AC in conjunction with floor or ceiling fans to circulate cooled air more effectively. Keep Your AC Unit CoolĮxtend the life of your AC system by keeping blinds or shades down during the day you can also install awnings to shield south-facing windows from intense sun. It works best when there’s about 24 inches of clear space in all directions, so get rid of nearby shrubs, tall grass, leaves, and hanging branches. ![]() Putting them in direct sunlight reduces their efficiency by as much as 10 percent.” -Richard Trethewey, TOH Plumbing and Heating ExpertĪ central AC system’s air compressor and condenser are usually located outside the house, close to your foundation. Pro2Pro Tip: “Install condensers or window units on the north or east side of your house, or build a screen to shield them from the sun. For ductwork, use foil tape to seal small gaps and duct mastic for larger ones for window AC units, stuff foam between the device and the window frame, taping as needed. If the smoke blows around, you’ve got leakage. Find leaks using the old “smoke trick.”įor window units, light a stick of incense and hold it where the unit and the window frame meet for central AC, hold the stick near duct connections. Fix AC Leaksĭucts can lose up to 30 percent of airflow through leaks, and window AC units are notoriously tough to seal properly. ![]() Look for the filter’s minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV, which ranges from 1 to 12 for home AC units the higher the number, the better filtration it provides (and the more energy needed to pull air through it, so balance air-quality concerns with energy costs). Change Your Filtersĭirty filters kill your AC’s efficiency, so install a new one every month during the cooling season for central and window units (or clean them if you’ve got the washable type). We asked This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey to share his air conditioner maintenance tips for central air and window units. What Maintenance Does an Air Conditioner Need? Luckily, AC maintenance includes many tasks you can tackle on your own. ![]() Like any mechanical system, air conditioners needs a little care to run smoothly.
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