Air Conditioner Repaires And Maintenance

A central air system uses the same ductwork, fan, and controls as the forced-air furnace, so some of the maintenance requirements are the same.

In-Wall Air Conditioner

A qualified service technician should also:

Inside unit

  • Inspect and clean evaporator coil, drain pan, and condensate drain lines
  • Inspect control box, wiring, and connections for wear or damage
  • Ensure insulation on tubing is intact

Outside unit

  • Inspect for proper refrigerant level
  • Clean dirt, leaves, and debris from inside cabinet
  • Inspect base pan for restricted drain openings-remove obstructions as necessary
  • Inspect coil and cabinet-clean as needed
  • Inspect fan motor and fan blades for wear and damage-on older models lubricate as needed
  • Inspect control box, wiring, and connections for wear or damage
  • Inspect compressor and tubing for damage
  • Ensure penetrations through the house are properly sealed

Additional Recommendation

Additionally, there are many things that home owners can do to keep their air conditioners operating efficiently and safely:

  • As with the furnace, air filters need to be changed per manufacturer’s recommendations. Restricted airflow can cause evaporator coil to freeze up, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging components.
  • The area around the outside unit must be kept free of foliage or anything that can block airflow to the unit.
  • The coils of the outside unit can get clogged from leaves, dust, or other debris, thus reducing efficiency. Periodically spraying with a hose can ensure proper operation.
  • Window units require filters to be cleaned, drain lines to be clear and held away from siding, and proper sealing between the window and the unit.
  • Ductless and high velocity systems also have filters that need cleaning or replacing.