Lee Collins AC Routine Air Conditioner Maintenance in Phoenix

The most important thing to do when it comes to maintaining your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged and dirty air filters can block normal airflow and reduce your AC system’s efficiency by a significant margin. Dirty or obstructed air filters in your air conditioner can carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and damage the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity resulting in a less than optimal cooling performance or the need for a new coil. Replacing a dirty or clogged air filter with a clean filter can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15%. For central air conditioning systems, filters are usually located along the return duct’s length. Common filter locations are in the walls of your home, chimney, or in the air conditioner itself. Room air conditioners have a filter mounted in the grill that faces inside of the room. Some types of air filters are reusable while others must be replaced over time. Air filters are available in a variety of types and efficiencies so it is best to consult with our technicians before making a purchase. You should clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter or filters every month during the hot Summer months. Your air conditioner’s filters may need frequent maintenance if the air conditioner is constantly in use or is subjected to dusty conditions or if you have pets in your house.

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over time. Months and years of use can render your air conditioner’s coils unusable and inefficient. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil inside your system from dirt and damage. However, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt over long periods of time. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem with your air conditioner, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary. If you need help doing this, don’t hesitate to contact Lee Collins Air Conditioning.

Your air conditioner has aluminum fins on its evaporator and condenser coils which are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil and the rest of your AC system. Air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool called a “fin comb” that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition. If you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, our technicians will gladly help align your air conditioner’s fins.