Even though you may not be a qualified HVAC technician there are several things you can do to you improve your air conditioner efficiency and you don’t need special tools and equipment to maintain your system.

• Inspect your system air filter monthly and replace as needed. A clean air filter is important for the air conditioning season and the heating season.
• Try and keep the supply registers (small grills in the ceiling) open during operation. Your heating and cooling system is sized for a specific amount of air flow. Closing too many registers can affect the system’s ability to function adequately.
• Be sure the drain line, most often PVC pipe that drains the indoor coil or evaporator, is kept clear and that there are no kinks in the hose or line. If this line seems dirty you can pour a small amount of common household bleach through it to kill growing bacteria and help to maintain flow.
• Turn the power off to the outdoor unit or condenser at the breaker. Remove all grass and shrubs growing within 8-10 inches of the coil that surrounds the air conditioner. Use a garden hose to soak down the coil surface area making sure not to use so much pressure that you damage the coil fins. Apply a condenser coil cleaner product and let soak for 3-5 minutes. Remove the unit’s top and flush the coil clean with a garden hose…preferably from the inside out. While working inside the condensing unit oil the condenser fan motor with 4-5 drops of light weight oil, provided the motor has oiling ports.
• Reassemble and restore power to the air conditioner. Set your thermostat to cool and below room temperature. Let it run for 5-10 minutes and check the discharge temperature at one of the supply registers closest to the indoor air handler (the main furnace). A quick rule of thumb is that you should have a 15 to 20 degree difference in supply air temperature and room air temperature. Test the air temperature at the return air filter and if it’s 76 degrees in the house your supply air temperature should be around 56 to 61 degrees. If the temperature difference is less than 15 degrees it may require servicing.

For more information on home inspections, home maintenance and how to tips visit www.garynsmith.net or call 601-454-5559.