Central air conditioning is a necessity in St Petersburg, Florida.
The cooling system runs just about non stop and is crucial to indoor comfort and air quality.
Its performance greatly impacts carbon footprint and budget. An air conditioner that is regularly maintained lasts longer, costs less to operate and provides greater cooling capacity. Upkeep for the AC involves servicing both the indoor and outdoor units. One of the most important steps of an air conditioner tune-up is replacing the air filter. I buy filters at the local improvement store. Changing the filter takes less than two minutes. I make an effort to change out the air filter every four to six weeks. I take the time to thoroughly clean the indoor and outdoor components every spring. I shut down power to the outdoor unit and vacuum the condenser fins located on the top of the air conditioner. A soft-bristled attachment to the shop vac works well to remove grass, dust, leaves and debris that would otherwise inhibit airflower. I am careful not to bend the fins. I unscrew the top grille of the AC to remove the fan and then wipe it with a damp cloth. With the hose set to a fairly light pressure, I spray the inside of the air conditioner unit. Once everything is put back together, I wait 24 hours before starting up the cooling unit. For the indoor wall unit, I shut off power and remove the rear exhaust panel. I clean the fins and coils with a soft brush attached to the vacuum cleaner. Once again, I am very careful to not damage the fins. At the button of the unit, there are drain channels that can easily become clogged. I use a pipe cleaner to remove any dirt or grime from the drains. I also vacuum the front vents and grille.