Air Conditioning Maintenance: The How-To Guide from Homeowners Insurance Folks
There’s a science to everything that goes wrong: things that go wrong usually do so at the wrong time!
Ask the property and homeowners (landlords and renters too) and they will tell you emphatically that yes, when the air conditioning system fails, it is usually during a heat wave, during the hottest times of the season! Of summer!
How can the unfortunate situation be prevented? Your safest bet is to “take the bull by the horns.” Start a maintenance program that’s consistent and proactive, say refrigeration experts in the know.
Of course, the insurance agent who helped you with your home coverage will nod in agreement. This is because, although his plan may cover A/C breakdown in general, A/C claims arising from inattention will never be covered! To the compensation industry, if you don’t take care of your home’s air conditioner, it’s your responsibility (ie your own fault) and you won’t be compensated.
So here we go with the important care and maintenance guidelines.
Number one: increase the crankcase heater on your air conditioner BEFORE you start using your system. This is called ‘energizing’, an act that helps minimize the chance of system refrigerant leaching into the air conditioning oil.
Number two: Clean your outdoor AC coils at least twice a year: once before the cooling system starts, and once just before the hottest time when your air conditioner will be working overtime.
Number three: check the compressor starter. Keep an eye out for any repair needs, and in particular corrosive electrical contacts that need replacement.
Number four: Check your air conditioner’s moisture filters. If the gauge shows moisture buildup, call a technician to check the source and repair any leaks. Per protocol, technical workers will vacuum and, as necessary, replace filters and dryers.
Number five: check the refrigerant charge of the air conditioner. If you have experienced a coolant shortage in the past, you will need to perform regular checks and make any necessary repairs.
Number six: make sure you keep an eye out for any leaks in the air conditioning unit. To make checking easier, use coolant additives that make checking easier.
Number seven: clean the fumes from the air conditioner so that the airflow channels are not blocked. In general, be sure to also install new air filters on a regular basis.
Number Eight: Install surge protection on your air conditioning system. Also, you can install a thermostat that will allow your compressor to delay restarting once it has been turned off. This should help prevent breakdown from overuse.
Number nine: learn how to spot malfunctions. If something doesn’t sound right, smell right, feel right, or look right, call your repair car ASAP before the problem becomes a bigger one!
