insights

With the summer weather finally here, most of us will be running our Air Conditioners 24/7. Keeping your central air conditioning system clean and functioning properly is important to maintain the temperature in your home. By correctly maintaining your system, you can ensure it will work longer and more efficiently, costing you less in both repair and power bills over time.

First, basic maintenance should be done before using the unit for the first time in the summer season. Some easy ways to prep your central air conditioning system for the summer season include:

-Cutting down all weeds, grass or bushes that may be drawn into the unit by the fan or that may stop the flow of air to the fan.

-Gently hosing down the sides of the coil on the outdoor unit with a gentle stream of water starting from top to bottom.

-Checking to ensure the drain lines leaving the evaporator are clear. In humid climates where a lot of water will sit in the tray, add one tablespoon of bleach to the tray to prevent the growth of mold and fungus.

-Commercial condenser coils should also be cleaned prior to the first use. They can be cleaned in a similar fashion, by using a gentle stream of water alongside the fins (small aluminum pieces around the unit).

Furthermore, all central air conditioning systems have two separate components that are equally important in the functioning and efficiency of the system: the evaporator coil and air handler, and the condenser unit.

Located on the outside of the system, the condenser unit tends to collect debris, dirt and organic material, limiting free air movement. To prevent this, it is important to keep the unit clean and clear of potential blockages to ensure it works more efficiently.

Finally, regular Air Filter changes will assist in keeping the evaporator coil and air handling system clean and working properly.

If you feel that maintaining your A/C is too complicated to manage on your own and are in need of extra maintenance or an A/C market upgrade, the HVAC experts at Taunton Trades can help you get your home in top shape, just in time for summer.

We proudly serve the communities of Durham Region (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Port Perry and Uxbridge). Call 905.493.4227 or email mail@tauntontrades.com to get started today.