Maintaining Refrigerant and Ventilation of your AC Unit

Maintaining Refrigerant and Ventilation of your AC Unit

Maintaining the refrigerant and ventilation of your AC unit are two of the most important aspects of AC maintenance. A well maintained AC unit won’t just save you big on energy costs, but it will also increase it’s lifespan, enhance comfort and reduce wide temperature fluctuations.

Maintaining Refrigerant

The best way to keep your refrigerant performing optimally is to ensure the rest of the unit is operating efficiently. In general, units won’t need to be ‘recharged’ with new refrigerant unless there has been damage or a leak.

Maintaining Ventilation

Often overlooked is the importance of ventilation and efficient airflow. Any resistance in airflow can put unnecessary stress on your unit.

Here is what you can do to maintain optimal ventilation for your AC Unit:

• Filters: Regular cleaning and/or replacement will reduce drag and enhance ventilation throughout your ductwork.
• Air Conditioner Coils: Both the condenser and evaporator coil are prone to collecting dirt and grime, insulating the coil and reducing its ability to absorb heat while also reducing airflow. Schedule regular cleaning of these parts to ensure adequate ventilation around your unit.
• Coil Fins: These fins are delicate, easily bent, and can become clogged with even the slightest amount of dirt or debris. Careful use of a stiff wire is often all that is necessary to keep them cleaned.
• Ductwork and Seals: Up to 30% of energy loss can be attributed to worn seals and/or poorly maintained ductwork.