What Maintenance Does Your Indoor AC Equipment Require?
When the topic of air conditioning maintenance comes up, people often focus on the maintenance required for the outdoor condensing unit. On one hand, this makes sense. Since it is exposed to the elements, leaves, and dirt, the exterior unit does require a lot of cleaning and maintenance. However, the indoor evaporator coil part of your air conditioner requires some maintenance as well. So does the blower fan associated with your HVAC system. Here are some key ways to maintain the indoor components of your AC system.
Filter Changes
If you do nothing else to maintain your indoor AC equipment, change the filter on a regular basis. Air filters get dirty and clogged fairly quickly. Once the filter is clogged, your AC unit has to work harder to pass air through it, which can be really hard on the unit's mechanical components. A dirty filter can also lead to dirt buildup on the AC equipment itself, which can allow for greater damage over time. Homeowners often benefit from keeping a stack of filters on-hand so they don't have to run to the store every time they change it.
Drain Pan Cleaning
The condensate drain pan catches moisture that condenses off the coil. This little pan is usually found near the base of your AC unit. There is generally a clear, plastic tube leading to it. If you have not cleaned the condensate drain pan or the associated tube in a while, you'll probably notice some algae inside. Prepare a mixture of bleach and water, and use it to clean out this drain pan. You can also use a bottle brush dipping in bleach water to scrub down the inside of the tube. This will prevent clogs and overflows with this system.
Coil Cleaning
Every few years, you may want to clean the actual evaporator coil. This is easier than you might think. There is a product called coil cleaner. Basically, you spray it onto the coil and then wait as the cleaner drips off, taking the dirt and grime with it. Then, you wipe down the coil, removing the rest of the grime. Cleaning the coil in this way allows it to operate more efficiently over the years.
Your indoor AC equipment probably does not get as dirty as the outdoor components of your air conditioning system. However, it still deserves the care above. Contact your HVAC company to learn more.