The heat in Texas is legendary. Every year, warnings are issued for the triple digit temperatures common in the Lone Star State come summer, and your HVAC system has to keep up with all of it. You don’t want to risk your air conditioner failing to keep up. Luckily, all it takes is a few DIY tricks to keep your air conditioner running all summer.
Air Conditioning Filters
The first thing you need to remember is to clean the filters and change them periodically. When your filters are dirty or clogged, they restrict airflow. The output for your HVAC system is restricted, causing it to either work harder to produce the cool air or stop working altogether. So, make sure to clean or change your filters at least once a month.
Evaporator Coils
Your air conditioner’s filter isn’t the only place air passes. It also passes over the coils. This part of your air conditioner has a refrigerant running through it. As the system draws in the warm air in your home, the air passes through the coil and is cooled. If the coils are dirty, the air conditioner could malfunction or fail altogether.
Condenser Coils
From the evaporator, the refrigerant boils from the heat and turns into a vapor. The vaporized refrigerant flows to the compressor outside, where it is heated and pushed through another coil then into the outside air. However, if the cage covering your outside unit is clogged with leaves, lawn clippings, or other debris, the condenser can’t work as well. Cleaning the outside unit regularly will help keep the condenser in good shape.
After the condenser, the refrigerant cools down to the condensation point and turns back into a liquid as it re-enters your home through the compressor system. When filters are clogged or coils are dirty, the compressor has to work harder to keep the temperature cool, risking overheating the motor.
To learn more about keeping your air conditioner running all summer long, visit your neighborhood experts at McWilliams & Son Heating & Air Conditioning or call us at 877-936-1974.
Image provided by Shutterstock
