Keep Your Cool

Maintaining Your Sacramento Air Conditioning System

Air conditioners have become a mainstay of modern life to help us stay cool in hot and humid climates.  Newer Sacramento homes are usually outfitted with central air conditioning systems, while some homeowners in older Sacramento area houses opt for less expensive window units.  Any cooling system is an investment with both the initial cost and its significant contribution to the monthly utility bills.  It is critical that the system work well so that you reap the benefit of a comfortable environment.  Monitoring its use and maintaining it regularly will help you reduce your costs.  Keeping both central and window units running effectively and efficiently will not only ensure that your family stays cool throughout the summer, but also that your costs stay in line.

Air conditioners are expensive appliances, and periodic servicing by a Sacramento professional is required.  Central air conditioners should be inspected and adjusted annually before the warm season begins and you start running it.  However, you can do your part to avert expensive repairs with some simple maintenance.  Over time regular wear will affect the system – debris can become caught in the exterior condensing unit and dust can clog or cover the filters.  Keeping your air conditioning unit clean will go a long way to guarantee that it is operating at peak efficiency.

Prepare by gathering the required information and tools.  Review the owner’s manual for your specific unit and carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and for appropriate products to use for cleaning.  Most tasks can be completed with regular household products such as a screwdriver, dust brush, vacuum, garden hose, liquid soap, and bleach.

Before you begin any maintenance turn off all power to the unit.  If you are working on a window unit, remove it from the opening and place it on a firm surface such as wood or concrete.  Routine cleaning will involve many components including the condenser, condenser coils, drain pan, filter, and air ducts.  You should install a new filter and freshen the fan motor oil as necessary.  Inspect all mechanisms including the thermostat, fuses, and breakers to check that all connections are in place. Allow a window unit to dry completely before reinstalling it.  After finishing a thorough cleaning routine you should notice a difference in output.  Monitor the thermostat so that you know how well the unit is working.

Even the most avid do-it-yourself Sacramento homeowner will need to bring in an expert for certain tasks.  Hire a Sacramento professional to replace the refrigerant and prevent harmful gases from leaking into the atmosphere during the process.  Most repairs will also require a Sacramento HVAC professional.

As the weather turns cooler and you are ready to stop using the system for another year, repeat the cleaning process.