Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Tips On How To Keep Your Reversible Air Conditioner Running Smoothly.

A major benefit to owning a reversible air conditioner in Mobile is that you no longer need to suffer through those hot summer days.

The reversible air conditioner is powerful and effective. In just a few minutes, you can improve comfort levels with very little effort.

Despite the many advantages of the reversible air conditioner, a lack of proper maintenance can hinder its performance.

Consequently, operating such a unit is pretty simple, however, it is essential to provide regular maintenance so that it will last longer.

In order to obtain maximum results, such as keeping the quality of air consistent in each room, it is imperative to schedule regular maintenance.

Read this article to find out how to keep your reversible air conditioning system running efficiently and avoid a sudden malfunction.

Air conditioners require routine maintenance in order to function properly. Filters, coils and fins must be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid the system from deteriorating and potentially breaking down.

Periodic maintenance ensures the efficiency and longevity of an air conditioner’s performance, especially when energy use increases.

DIY: Maintain your reversible air conditioner without having to call a professional technician.

Though it’s usually best to hire a professional service technician to service your air conditioner, it is possible to perform basic maintenance all on your own. Here’s how. If you have a reversible multi split or monobloc air conditioner, follow these simple steps.

• Step 1: Turn off your air conditioning unit.
• Step 2: Remove the plastic cover from the indoor unit of your air conditioning system.
• Step 3: Carefully remove the filter. In order to prevent dust from getting everywhere, be sure not to shake the filter.
• Step 4: Wash the filter with cold soap and water, carefully eliminating debris.
• Step 5: Thoroughly dry the filter before returning it to the unit. If there’s any trace of humidity left on the filter, the system may not function properly or will eventually become less efficient.
• Step 6: Properly return the filter back in its place and close the cover of the indoor unit.

Regular maintenance is essential in preserving your air conditioner and securing its efficiency. If your air conditioner develops larger issues, it’s best to contact a well-trained technician that should be able to find and fix problems that you may not see or understand.

You may notice that some systems come with a suggested timeline that suggests equipment should be checked approximately three years after installation and every five years thereafter. However, we believe that annual maintenance is a proactive approach that potentially prevents larger, long term issues. Even more, it’s financially smart and could save you a lot of money down the line. It would be most beneficial to have the heating system checked in the fall and the air conditioner checked in the spring. This way your entire system is prepared for the winter and summer months in Mobile.

Average costs to have your air conditioning unit serviced can range from $50 to $150, depending on the type of unit you have and the type of service performed. For example, to service a reversible air conditioner will cost less than servicing a ducted or multi split air conditioner. The amount also varies depending on whether your equipment needs a simple tune-up and cleaning, or major repair due to dysfunction or failure.

Perhaps you’re wondering what will happen if you don’t service your air conditioner. If you’re running your air conditioning without it being serviced, many problems can arise. For example, if the filter doesn’t get cleaned or replaced, the air in your home will become unhealthy and ridden with bacteria. The impure air can result in bad odor and sometimes cause serious health concerns. Other problems include an increased electrical bill, compressor failure, untimed breakdowns, a shorter lifespan, and more.

To prevent a potential disaster and be without air conditioning on a very hot day in Mobile, it’s important to stay ahead of the game by properly maintaining your air conditioner.

Is your air conditioner making a strange and unfamiliar noise, or suddenly failing to blow cold air? When your air conditioner breaks down, your environment can become very unpleasant and if you live in Mobile, often unbearable.

If your air conditioner is acting up and possibly in need of repair, here are some signs to watch out for:

• Unusual sounds… your unit should be fairly quiet.
• You smell an unusual odor coming from your unit.
• Your air conditioner is failing to blow cold air. Blowing hot air or even just cool air indicates a deficient compressor, or that you might be running out of refrigerant.
• You begin to notice moisture or leaks coming from your system.
• Your system is no longer responsive.

Whether the issue is large or small, it is critical that your system functions properly. Problems with air conditioners will not only cause discomfort, but can result in severe health problems… at times can even be life-threatening for those who are elderly or ill. While problems, such as a dirty filter or low battery life can easily be fixed without assistance, the larger, more complex problems generally require a HVAC technician.

A well-trained technician specializing in heating, ventilation and air conditioning is able to detect the problem(s) and provide you with an estimate for repair. Depending on the issue, the technician may be able to fix the problem at the time of service or recommend that you replace the system entirely.

We strongly recommend that you do not attempt to repair a broken air conditioner unless you are familiar with the equipment, such as the refrigerant and electrical wiring.

Caring for your air conditioner: Always check the filter first!

Has your air conditioner suddenly stopped blowing cold air? Perhaps you hear an unusual sound coming from your system or your air conditioner stops running for a few moments at a time. Any of the issues mentioned are often due to having a dirty filter, which is a very common A/C problems.

Don’t be alarmed if you have a dirty filter; it’s actually very simple to clean.

Here’s what to do:

• Turn off your air conditioner.
• Locate the filter and begin cleaning it by vacuuming the dust.
• Remove the filter and rinse it with soap and water. If you prefer, you can use vinegar instead of soap.
• Be sure you’ve rinsed the filter thoroughly. Replace it when completely dry.
• Filters eventually wear out. If you notice any holes, tears or other damage to your filter, replace it with a new one.

If you have a multi split air conditioner, simply repeat the aforementioned steps on each of the indoor units.

Please note: Water may only be used on plastic filters. If your filter is made of any other materials, it is suggested to use a vacuum or to replace it.

Damage caused by leaks...

If you notice moisture or any leakage coming from your air conditioning system, it could be due to a clogged condensate drain line. Sometimes these drains get clogged with dirt, dust, pollution, even mold, which then causes the unit to leak backed up water. One solution is to empty the drain pan.

A low level of refrigerant is another reason you may have a leak. Simply adding refrigerant is not going to solve the problem. Therefore, it’s best to call a well-trained technician who can fix the leak, repair any damage and correct amount of refrigerant.

If you’ve contacted a trained technician to come out and repair your air conditioning unit, we suggest you always turn the air conditioner off while waiting for service.

The bottom line: Routine maintenance is required in order for your air conditioner to be operating at its highest efficiency. Staying attentive to your air conditioning system will save you money and increase its lifespan.