How I Created a Great Garden and a Dream Home

DIY Air Conditioning Unit Service

Having your air conditioner fully serviced professionally is expensive but necessary at least once a year.  However, there are some simple maintenance tasks that you can carry out yourself in between full services to save money and keep your unit running smoothly all summer long.

Here's how.

1. Start by switching off the power to the air conditioning unit and unplugging it.  Never attempt to work on your unit while it's still connected to the electricity supply, as you are putting yourself in danger of receiving an electric shock.  
2. Your first job is to clean the condenser fan, which will probably be covered in dust.  The best way to do this is by using a soft brush to flick the debris away.  Vacuum up the dislodged dust using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner hose.  
3. Now take out the screws from the unit's cover grill and remove it.  Take out the large setscrew that holds the condenser fan in place and remove it so that you can get to the oil ports behind.  Lubricate the motor with suitable light oil that you'll find in good DIY stores.  
4. Now you need to clean the condenser coils.  Take off the coil guard and then spray the coils using a garden hose under low pressure.  Use a fin comb to clean the fins and straighten them out if they're bent.  Mop up any residual water using a paper towel.  
5. Next you need to service the air filters.  Clean filters are essential if you are to breathe clean air in your home.  If you neglect this task, fungi and bacteria can form inside the filter to be circulated through your home when you turn the unit on.  Unscrew and remove the filter casing.  Take the filter out and wash it with a solution of washing-up liquid and water.  Dry the filter completely using paper towels and reattach it to the unit. If the unit has a foam filter, it's a good idea to replace it with an electrostatic mesh filter.  These last longer, are more efficient and are easier to clean.  If the filter is old and in poor condition, replace it with a new one.  
6. Vacuum the air ducts to get rid of dust, cobwebs and other debris.  
7. Finally, check all fuses, power breakers, and the thermostat to make sure that the connections are all secure and properly in place.

In conclusion

Although it's a good idea to have your air conditioning unit fully serviced annually by an air conditioning repairs professional, you can keep things running sweetly by carrying out the routine maintenance tasks listed above at the beginning and end of the warm season.