HVAC

Getting An Air Conditioning Unit Summer-Ready After HVAC Training

May 25, 2018

When it’s scalding 25 degree weather out, the last thing someone needs is for their air conditioner to stop working. If this does happen, however, an overall lack of maintenance on the unit could be to blame. Properly maintaining an A/C unit is vital to helping it last longer, preventing breakdowns, and ensuring it provides cool high quality air all summer long.

As a result, many clients call on the help of HVAC technicians to get their air-conditioning systems summer-ready. Here are a few of the things you can do to make sure that an A/C unit is in working order to last the summer.

HVAC Technicians Must Clean the Condenser Coils on an Air-Conditioning Unit

When maintaining a central air conditioner, you will need to clean its condenser unit, which is located outside. Unless the condenser unit is protected by a special cover, keeping out dirt and snow, you’re likely to have plenty of debris trapped inside. This can clog the coils, which means they need to be cleaned too, otherwise it obstructs air flow and prevents the condenser from running as it should.

Air-conditioning units should be maintained regularly to keep them summer-ready

HVAC grads can clean the condenser coils by using a screwdriver to remove any panels and grilles covering the unit. Once the side panels and top of the condenser have been removed, you can use either a refrigerator coil brush or a soft vacuum brush to carefully clean off the coils on both the inside and outside of the unit. You may also want to use a commercial coil cleaner for any dirt that you cannot remove with the vacuum. Be sure to turn off the power to the unit before beginning any type of maintenance, and be careful not to bend or damage any of the more delicate pieces, such as the fins.

Pros with HVAC Training Will Check if the A/C is Cooling Properly

Another important maintenance tip for students in HVAC trainingis to make sure that the unit is cooling effectively. One way to do this is by comparing the temperature that the air conditioner provides to the temperature of the air that flows back into the return air vent. Normally, the difference would be around 27 to 32˚C (15 to 18˚F), but if there is a wider gap then it’s an indication that your A/C unit has a problem.

You can also check the air conditioner’s coolant lines to see if they’re running properly. The coolant lines, or pipes, bring air from the evaporator to the condenser, and will usually be covered with foam insulation. You will need to replace the insulation with either foam insulation sleeves or foam insulation tape if there are any rips, tears, or pieces missing. With maintenance, it’s often good to be thorough, so make sure to check the unit’s wiring to see if it’s in good shape as well.

Check for Filters on an HVAC Unit That Need to be Cleaned or Replaced

Another good suggestion is to check the filters on an air-conditioning unit every month, or more if it is being used often. An air filter is responsible for pulling in dust and allergens from out of the air before it starts to cool it. Like condensers, the build up of dirt and debris in the filter can prevent air from passing freely to and from the unit, and that could reduce its effectiveness.  You can clean and replace filters by taking off the grill covering the register. If the filter is clogged beyond repair, remove it and make sure to clean off the grill, and then install a new filter.

While all of these tips can be helpful for keeping A/C units in good shape, enrolling in a good HVAC school can give you even more skills, so that you can keep your customers cool and satisfied throughout the hot summer months!

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