Most central air conditioning units will run for years without major problems or breakdowns, but this doesn't mean you can simply ignore air conditioning maintenance. A few simple tasks done every year before summertime or as recommended by the manufacturer can ensure that your unit lasts as long as possible with as few needed repairs as possible. Note a few quick tips you might consider for your home's central unit.
1. Lubrication of the bearings
Some units will have sealed bearings for the fan or motor, meaning that they are encased in their own housing and won't need lubrication. However, some units may have exposed bearings that need lubrication every year or as recommended by the manufacturer. Check the owner's manual you have for your unit and note if yours has exposed bearings and how often they should be lubricated. Usually just a few drops or quick sprays of the proper lubricating oil is all that's needed to keep them running smoothly all year.
2. Clean and straighten the fins
The fins make up the grate of the compressor unit that sits outside of your home. These should be cleaned every year and any that are crooked or warped should be straightened so that air can easily flow through the unit and keep it cool.
After shutting off the power, unscrew the top of the housing and lift up the panel that holds the fan blades. This should give you room to wash down the fins from the inside; use a standard garden hose with a spray nozzle and hold it close to the fins as you spray water to the outside of the unit.
Once the fins are clean, note any that may be crooked and use a simple butter knife or chisel to straighten them. Slide the blade of the knife or chisel between the fins and gently push the crooked one into place.
3. Level the unit
Your outside unit should be placed on concrete to keep it level, but this concrete base can sink and shift over time, as the ground underneath it shifts. When the unit is not level, this puts added wear and tear on the fan blades inside as parts begin to rub against each other. Check the unit with a carpenter's level and if you notice that it's slightly sagging to one side, use rot-resistant shims under the concrete slab to brace up that side.
Share21 October 2015
Yo! My name is Lisa and I would like to welcome all you guys to my new blog. I was inspired to start this blog because I am tired of visiting people's homes and seeing the same old furniture and the same old designs in use. I used to have boring designs in my home and garden. However, all that changed when my friend Simon came to visit. Simon is a designer and property developer so he has a real eye for bringing out the best in any space. He gave me some top tips and helped me to transform my home and garden.
