Your air conditioning system has worked hard all summer. The components that affect indoor air quality (IAQ), comfort, and energy efficiency are sure to need cleaning, replacing, or sealing. Here are three ways and areas to check to prepare your air conditioner for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.
Maintain Components Affecting IAQ
A clogged air filter increases energy usage by up to 15 percent. Clean or change the filter as applicable. Consider using a high-efficiency filter for maximum HVAC protection and healthful IAQ.
The evaporator coil is the component that circulates cold refrigerant to cool your home. Condensate produced on its surface traps dirt and debris like a sponge. Mold development on the coil and fins is often a problem, too, which is characterized by musty vent odors.
Remove the panels to the air handler and evaporator compartment. Thoroughly spray the coil — inside and outside — with a disinfecting, self-rinsing coil cleaner.
Inspect and Seal Ductwork
Though not technically a component of your air conditioner, the air ducts convey cooled airflow to your home. Duct leaks waste as much as 40 percent cooling energy in the average home. Use these tips to make sure your ducts are tight:
- Do uneven temperatures plague your home? Hold your hand to each air vent in your home to check for balanced air pressure.
- Listen for rattling or clamoring noises from the ducts and vents.
- Unbalanced air pressure and unusual noises indicate duct leaks.
- Visually inspect accessible ducts for disjointed seams, leaks, and damage.
- Seal duct leaks with mastic paste and heat-resistant metal tape.
Prepare the Outdoor Unit
Clear vegetation and debris that obstructs airflow from the outdoor unit. Use the foaming coil cleaner on the unit’s sides to clean the condenser coil. Use a manufacturer-approved waterproof covering to seal the unit from winter elements. Or, better yet, ask your HVAC professional to perform these tasks during scheduled fall furnace maintenance.
If you need assistance preparing your air conditioner this fall or would like to schedule maintenance, contact Ace Hardware Home Services today. Our family-owned and operated company has served Dayton area residents since 1978!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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