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“If you must cover your air conditioner leave the side vents clear to let air circulate.”

Preventative maintenance is an important factor to increase the life span of your ductless air conditioner and reduce break downs. Every year there are a few little things that you can do to make a big difference.

Here are a few tips to increase the life of your air conditioner:

The outdoor condenser should always remain clear of sticks, garbage or other debris that can fit through the protective grille and damage the fan or compressor. Most condenser fan blades are made of plastic and can easily be broken by items fitting through the grille.

When mowing the lawn make a conscious effort to blow grass away from the condenser and cut back long weeds that grow around the unit.

Once a year you should spray out the condenser with a hose or a bucket of water and let dry without use for at least 24 hours. I like to remove the few bolts on top of the condenser and remove top cover. When the cover is removed I can easily see any damage or debris inside the condenser.

Check the copper piping inside the condenser and line set connections on the side of the condenser for any oily residue. Refrigerant leaks leave an oily residue and a quick check once a year can save you hundreds in repair costs. Manufacture warranties will not cover the air conditioners compressor if it is operated low on refrigerant.

The last preventative maintenance I do on the condenser is to make sure the unit is still level. Over time condensers can sink and become uneven. Non-level condensers are a quick death for the units compressor.

I also get questions from consumers about covering the condenser in the off-season in areas with snow fall or other unsightly weather. I do not agree with the idea that covering your condenser helps prevent rust. In fact, when condensers are covered moisture builds up inside the unit and fresh air doesn’t have a chance to dry the unit. If you must cover your air conditioner leave the side vents clear to let air circulate.

Moisture = Rust

We all rely on our air conditioners to come to life when the weather gets hot and unbearable, follow these few preventative maintenance tips and you will not be disappointed.

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