Do It Yourself Air Conditioner Service

A professional air conditioner service or checkup can cost you a lot of money, but you can keep that cash in your pocket by doing some simple maintenance of your own at the beginning and the end of the air conditioning season. Follow these do-it-yourself air conditioner servicing steps, and stay cool all spring and summer long.
 
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Step 1 – Switch off the Power
Switch off the main electricity current to the air conditioner and locate the capacitor. You can easily locate the capacitor by following the directions provided by the manufacturer.
 
Step 2 – Clean the Condenser Fan and Oil the Fan Motor
Clean the condenser fan with a brush. The condenser will probably be covered with dust.
This is a must to avert any serious technical problems with the condenser. An air conditioning servicing expert will charge you around $700 to repair the condenser. Remove the cover grill and detach the setscrew holding the fan in place. Remove the fan to gain access to the oil ports. Lubricate the fan motor with oil specified by the manufacturer.
 
Step 3 – Clean the Condenser Coils
Clean the condenser coils using a garden hose. Remove the coil guard before spraying the inside unit. This will prevent the accumulation of water-soaked debris inside the fins.
If the fins are bent, straighten them with a fin comb. You can also clean the fins with the fin comb.
 
Step 4 – Recycle the Refrigerant
If you need new refrigerant, that's a job for a pro, to ensure no harmful gases are leaked into the atmosphere during this process. Hire an expert to replace the refrigerant. Change the filter if it is damaged beyond repair.
 
Step 5 – Service the Filters
An air-filter is one of the most important components of the air-conditioning unit. The filter cleans the air we breathe. Failure to clean it can lead to the onset of fungi and bacteria. To clean the filter, remove the casing that encompasses the air-filter. Remove the filter and clean it with a cloth. You can then clean the filter with non-abrasive soap and water. Repeat this procedure once every two weeks to enhance the life of the air-filter. Ensure that the filter is dried off completely before reattaching it to the unit.
Avoid using a foam filter that is worn out. Purchase a plastic electrostatic mesh filter
from a local supplier. This will cost you around $7. Cut the new filter with a pair of scissors.
Rinse it with clean water, and then allow it to dry off completely. You can then install the filter.
 
Step 6 – Service the Ducts
Clean the air ducts regularly with a vacuum cleaner. This will help to remove obstacles like debris or dust particles that get sucked in the ducts.
 
Step 7 – Do Routine Check-Ups
Check various parts such as fuses, breakers and the thermostat on a regular basis. Ensure that all the connections are in place.
 
Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/do-it-yourself-air-conditioner-service#b#ixzz2YZYKYWmS

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