Checking Your Air Conditioning Unit

With the harsh summer seasons, it’s very important you prepare your air conditioning unit to cool your warm day at home. Air conditioning units use refrigeration to chill indoor air, a liquid converts to a gas which a process called phase conversion that absorbs heat. Air conditioning units exploit this feature of phase conversion by forcing special chemical compounds to evaporate and condense over and over again in a closed system of coils. An air conditioner, often referred to as AC, is among the most essential equipment that we need to make our lives comfortable and cooler. They help keep our houses warm when it is hot so that we are comfortable in it. Also, these gadgets decrease humidity levels so that we do not have to feel sticky. They purify air by filtering out smoke particles, mites and odors. In today’s great advancement of technology, air conditioning Las Vegas manufacturers today design that not only have faster cooling rates but which also saves electricity. Today's air conditioners also come with anti-dust filters, built-in stabilizers as well as auto adjust temperature feature so that you can have good night's sleep. But just like other equipment, air conditioning units need to be regularly maintained for them to give peak performance and prolong their lifespan.

Over time, the pad upon which the condenser unit sits can begin to tip as the soil settles beneath it. An out-of-level condenser unit can cause the compressor within to fail early. Check the condenser for level and use rot-resistant shims to bring it back to level. Over time, your air conditioning Las Vegas unit collects algae and mold can build up and potentially plug the drain, so if the drain is either not flowing or flowing very slowly, it will need to be unplugged. A plugged drain can either cause damage by flooding onto the floor or, if the system is equipped with a drain float, cause the system to stop cooling in order to avoid flooding. The filter in your HVAC system should be changed at least twice a year once just before the heating season begins and once before the cooling season begins. If you live in a particularly dusty area, you may want to change it more often. Always replace the filter with a new filter that has the same airflow rating.

The compounds involved are refrigerants that have properties enabling them to change at relatively low temperatures. Air conditioners also contain fans that move warm interior air over these cold, refrigerant-filled coils. In fact, central air conditioners have a whole system of ducts designed to funnel air to and from these serpentine, air-chilling coils. An air conditioning unit can change the temperature, humidity or general quality of the air. Specifically, an air conditioning Las Vegas unit makes your home cooler, by drawing heat energy out of the house and transferring that heat to the outdoors, then replacing the air inside your home with cooler air.

Central Air Systems Maintenance

Having the most energy-efficient system ever built won't matter much if it's not maintained. Lack of maintenance is the number one problem causes of central air conditioner systems. Before each cooling season, it's recommended that your system get a professional tune-up. However, there are things you can do in the meantime to make sure your North Las Vegas central air conditioner system runs efficiently throughout the year.

• Replacing the filter in any central air conditioner systems is a must. Learn your manufacturer's instructions for cleaning or replacing your filters. Never run the system without the filters in place, and always let a washed filter dry completely before reinstalling it. Once a month clear any leaves or debris from outdoor condensers. This is especially crucial during the summer months. Clean the condenser fan blades before the start of the cooling season. Brush any dust or debris off gently and then uncover the condenser coils, gently cleaning the dirty side. Then wrap the motor and other electrical components in plastic bags and gently spray from the inside with a hose. Also, check the base pan under the unit and clear it out of any debris that has gathered.

• Inspect your central air conditioner fan blades every maintenance period. If your fan has been making a clicking noise that means it's been striking something. If your blade has bent, don't try to straighten it. It could have become unbalanced and will only cause more problems down the line. Replace the blade. Maintain a 2 foot clearance around your unit. Don't let any plant or vegetation grow near it as it could obstruct the HVAC's ability to "breathe". If you have a lawn near the unit, make sure any grass cuttings fly away from it. During autumn seasons, be sure to keep leaves away from the fan grill to avoid blockage. Lubricate the condenser fan motor. If there are oil ports, they will be covered with rubber or metal caps. 10 drops of SAE 20 oil per port is sufficient. Shade the compressor unit if possible, have some kind of shading over it to keep the air temperature around it 5 to 6 degrees cooler than the unshaded air. 

• Have a form-fitting cover during the winter months. Do not run the unit when it's colder than 60 degrees outside. Clean the indoor evaporator coil and remove the front panel of your heating unit by using a soft brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner gently clean any dust off of the coil. Inspect the fins, making sure they're straight. If any are bent, a fin comb can be bought at any refrigeration supply dealer. Clean the drain pipe and evaporator trap: Flush the trap with water and then disinfect with one tablespoon of bleach.

Clean registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as needed. Be sure to move furniture, carpeting or drapes so they are not blocking the registers, heaters or radiators. Your North Las Vegas central air conditioner contractor should be able to provide fact sheets for various models so you can compare energy usage.