A lack of information and awareness of their air conditioning systems can leave a homeowner unable to efficiently cool their house. While these can be among the most mechanically complicated systems in a home, it is still relatively easy for a homeowner to maintain these units if they are informed.

Myth: A Loss Of Cooling Is The Only Sign Of A Refrigerant Leak

A refrigerant leak can be a very disruptive problem for an air conditioning system to experience. When the unit suffers this problem, it can rapidly lose the ability to cool as the refrigerant is responsible for absorbing the heat from the air before it is blown into the home. While a loss of cooling can be an indication of a refrigerant leak, there are other warning signs of this problem as well. For example, you may notice refrigerant fluid dripping down the exterior of the unit or puddling near the base. Also, some units may even make a whistling sound due to air exiting through the leak.

Myth: Cleaning The Exterior Unit Does Not Provide Important Benefits

Cleaning the exterior air conditioning unit is a type of maintenance that can have surprisingly important benefits. When the exterior unit is cleaned, much of the dust and pollen that is on it will be eliminated before it can get inside the home. Also, this can help to improve the efficiency of the unit by increasing the amount of airflow that it is getting. If the exterior becomes too dirty, it may inhibit or otherwise reduce the amount of air that is flowing into the unit. As you are cleaning the exterior, you should only need to thoroughly rinse it with a hose and provide light scrubbing with a microfiber cloth or other soft cleaning surface. Avoid using a rough surface to clean the metal as this could damage the exterior coating that prevents corrosion from developing.

Myth: Shade Is Not A Major Factor In The Unit's Performance

Reducing the amount of power that an air conditioning system needs can allow a homeowner to drastically lower their energy expenses. However, it can be easy to overlook the importance of shading the exterior unit. By making sure that the exterior unit is not receiving direct sunlight, you can reduce the amount of convective heating that is occurring. This will enable the unit to cool the same amount of air while spending much less energy in the process. Placing a small awning over this unit can be the easiest way to provide shade if it is currently exposed to direct sunlight. 

Contact an air conditioning service if you need any help caring for your AC system.

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