AC maintenance ?

UffDa

UffDa

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Sep 11, 1999
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Central AC maintenance ?

OK experts, here's a question I have asked around the neighborhood. Other then changing the filter regularly is any other maintenance required for modern central air conditioning systems? Most folks I talked to say that if it's working, don't mess with it.

A little background. We moved from the central coast of the PRK to AZ 5 years ago. We never had central AC before. The house and AC unit is about 8 years old and I doubt that it has ever been serviced. I get fliers in the mail and see ads for AC checkups which run from $59 to $100. Most people I talk to think that it's just another way for the AC companies to make money and that they don't really do anything.

Anyway, the heater worked fine all winter and the AC is on now and seems to be working good. Does anyone have any experience on this subject?

TIA:)
 
You need to spray coil cleaner on the unit's coils and let it soak, then rinse it out with a hose. Maybe the freon would need topped off. That and make sure your belts on the blower motor are in good shape and Filter like you said.
 
If they follow the same format as they do in Florida, they will put a thermometor in the air handler, possibly check to see if the bearings on the fan can be oiled, go out and remove the cover from the outside unit, look long and carefully at it, replace the cover, then advise you that the ducts now need cleaning, to limit the amount of dust circulated in the house. OH Yes, the duct cleaning is another $150 or more. Make sure no vegetation is growing up and interferring with air flow around the outside unit, and as long as it is working, don't mess with it. If they come out, I'll bet they will find some reason to sell you a new very expensive unit.
My Father had all of this take place in Florida, as he fell for one of those big discount adds, and shortly afterward, learned he needed a new compressor and condensor unit, to the tune of $2400, not knowing any better, he agreed to it, then later I learned he had just an air conditioner unit, instead of a heat pump. Most are crooks. I could have bought a new heat pump outside unit in Georgia for $875., paid the crew very well plus mileage to go down and replace it, and still have saved money, plus got what I would have paid for.
 
Other than changing inside filters (and possibly a filter inside the evaporator coil box) not much to do aside from (as has been said) keep the outside unit clean. ( if comfortable & mech. inclined and trash IE. leaves etc. inside unit remove top grate w/ fan usually attached and wet/dry vac out debris) If the inside temp is as you set it and temp is consistent no freon is necessary!!
 
Make sure grass and weeds (esp from lawn mower) don't clog up the condenser section.

Pour a cup or so of beach down the condensate line every couple months.
 
Since you moved there, you probably don't have the manual for the unit. If not get the make and model # off the unit and see if you can find the manual online. If so, it will have any required basic upkeep listed.

I too was in the same boat when moving to Vegas. I had the service, and it is pretty much what everyone here has said.

"Whoa, this thing is old, you should get it replaced, that'll be about 5 grand. The power company is giving a discount so it'll only be $4,800 if you act fast."

Other than that, they just open the access panel, blow some canned air in there to remove all the dust, and dink around until you get tired of watching them.

I did eventually replace the air con, because the new ones are remarkably more efficient, but that isn't worth it if you don't plan on staying in the house for many years.
 
It is very important to keep the condenser coils clean. I've seen head pressure drop 75 psi after a good cleaning. High head means high suction and high suction means a warm A-coil. A warm A-coil is less efficient, costing you comfort (it won't dehumidify as well) and utilities as it has to run longer to satisfy the call for cooling.

So, yes, an A/C clean and check from an honest, reputable company is worth it. If your refrigerant level is off by as little as a few ounces it can also cause the a-coil (called the evaporator) to freeze. When the coil thaws, the condensation can cause a huge mess and I've even seen it ruin $400 blower-control boards.
 
When I was a teenager I worked at a heater/AC place as a tech's helper for a summer, when we did a service on an A/C, it was usually a refigerant top-up, check (possibly replace) the thermostat, and most importantly, clean the coils. We used a weed sprayer with hot soapy water and would spray from the inside out. Be careful not to use too much pressure as you can damage/bend the coils (don't use an air compressor!)
 
Just a reminder, filters are made so that air flows thru in one direction. Make sure your filter is "pointed" in the right direction. Obvious to most, but easy to overlook.

If you have a humidifier, most have a cleanable or replaceable pad. Those can some times build up scale depending on water hardness. Replace or clean that pad to help promote efficiency.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I use filters that have a sticky substance on the inside. They work very well. There is absolutely no dust getting through it.

The air coming out is pretty cold, so I'm guessing that it's working OK. My electric bills have not changed in the last 4 summers. They are outrageous, but they haven't the usage has been the same. I'll see how it goes when the temperature goes into the 90s next month.

Hey! It's a dry heat! :D
 
I've always heard it's a good idea to run a house AC about once a month during the cool season, and your car AC once a week, both just for a few minutes. Something to do with the compressor oil and also good for the belts, if any. Just my .02.
 
By all means keep condenser coils clean, but it is also certainly worthwhile to clean the evaporator coil also (for quality and efficiency). Probably a little too involved for many homeowners, but definitely worthwhile and often not done by many outfits that offer periodic maintenance services. I clean my coils with simple green and it works great, is cheaper, and less nasty than the acid based cleaners. If you get the mfg and model number off your unit, you have a good chance of finding a service/maintenance manual on the internet for it if you really want details.
 
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