LaMorte Blog

Residential Air conditioning Repair and Maintenance Tips you can do yourself.

2/26/2019

These are steps you can take when getting ready to start your A/C or mini-split Heat pump at the beginning of the warm season.

First turn the central air system off on the thermostat. In the case of heat pumps, the outside disconnect will de-energize the whole system.
Keep weeds and grass away from the outdoor condensing coil. I prefer to put stone or mulch around the base to keep it that way.
Inspect the electrical disconnect box, as well as the flexible electric conduit for disrepair. You should turn off the unit at the outside switch or pull out the handle to be sure the power is off before cleaning the unit.
There are two refrigerant lines, the larger of the two is insulated. The insulation can be patched with electrical tape if its not to decayed, otherwise you can replace the short section of insulation if you are comfortable doing it.
When the AC is running, the larger line will probably be "sweaty", but it should never be frosty.
The outdoor coil can be cleaned with a garden hose. Never use a pressure washer or brush on the coils, they will be damaged immediately. The condensing coils need to breathe, so keep plants and objects away
Keeps dogs away from the outside unit. Their pee will corrode the aluminum fins very quickly and lead to a failed unit.
Most importantly, replace the filter in your central air system. If you have a mini-split heat pump, then you will clean or replace the filters on the inside units, as specified by the manufacturer. Some Mitsubishi heat pumps come with a charcoal filter additionally to the main filter. You should check these filters frequently to keep your system running well. You can also get anti-allergen filters for some brands, including Mitsubishi.
When everything is ready, you can turn the unit on at the outside disconnect, then you can turn on the thermostat, or the inside units, as the case may be.
Don't forget to change the batteries in your thermostat, if they have one. Thermostats behave strangely when the battery starts to get low, you may save yourself a service call that way.

Try these steps first. If the system is not cooling, then call an experienced tech who can check refrigerant levels and troubleshoot further. If you have an old R-22 unit, then its time to think about upgrading to a newer more efficient and environmentally friendly one.

29 Comments

Gerri Wiley

4/15/2019 03:39:40 pm

R410A refrigerant is not more environmentally friendly. R22 harms the ozone layer, but R410A emits high levels of greenhouse gases, so it is no less harmful and needs to 1) not leak and 2) be disposed of properly.

Sarah Schnabel

11/12/2020 01:12:13 pm

R410a of course must still not leak and be disposed of properly, but it is more environmentally friendly than R22 is. You can read more about the differences here https://www.bodinescott.com/article/r22-vs-r410a-refrigerant-why-need-make-change

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4/17/2021 06:19:29 am

I was looking for this information relating to residential air conditioning repair and maintenance tips you can do yourself. You have really eased my work, loved your writing skill as well. Please keep sharing more!

Eve Mitchell link

7/19/2021 11:29:35 am

I like that you mentioned that the outdoor coil can be cleaned with a garden hose, that's a really easy tip! My AC has been running a little hotter than I like for the past few days, and I think something might be wrong with it. I am hoping I can find a professional that can take a look at it.

Tez link

7/29/2021 06:47:11 pm

I like what you said about making sure you change out the batteries of your thermostat. That makes sense considering you want to make sure that your AC unit is correctly regulated by your thermostat. I'll have to consider getting a contractor to make sure that connection is solid.

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10/5/2021 05:52:24 am

For more established homes and structures, independent window units give invite help during times of high hotness and dampness, yet ordinarily for just one room. Beginning around 1970, focal cooling became pervasive in US homes. It has the advantage of hushing up, inconspicuous, and viable at cooling a whole house. Constrained air frameworks can burn power or normal gasoline, and are more affordable contrasted with fresher advances. The drawback: they require an organization of conduits, which is troublesome and costly to reach out for room increases or to retrofit in more seasoned development. In notable structures, such retrofitting is bothersome or even inconceivable.

Chance Cook link

10/13/2021 01:54:23 pm

I have tried everything to fix my system. So I think I'll call a tech to help me. Maybe they can repair my system and save me some money.

Kim Lackey link

10/16/2021 06:35:13 pm

The common and most important thing is an air conditioners filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service.

Hailey Miller link

10/19/2021 02:45:33 am

Thanks for pointing out that filters should be replaced regularly to keep the system running well. I would imagine that any facility would want to avoid costly repairs and replacements. I think they should look for heating experts who can maintain their system every six months.

John Carston link

11/20/2021 12:12:56 am

I like how you mentioned that it is important to replace the filter in your air conditioner. My uncle mentioned to me last night that they are hearing a strange noise coming from their AC unit and asked if I have any idea what is the best option to do. Thanks to this informative article and I'll be sure to tell him that he should consult trusted AC repair services as they can answer all his inquiries and will provide the proper repair for his AC unit.

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11/30/2021 04:23:52 pm

System maintenance can also save you money and headaches from unexpected breakdowns that can leave you sweaty and fuming!

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12/1/2021 08:26:22 am

Our specialist HVAC+R programmed maintenance services encompass the full life cycle of assets from design,

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12/20/2021 09:07:23 pm

Just wanted to say that, this is a good post, it teach me many things. Thank for your share!

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12/24/2021 11:05:17 am

Air conditioner repair can be very expensive when you have to call in a professional. Of course there are times when a costly repair is unavoidable, but you can troubleshoot your system first, before calling in a professional. Many times your problem is something you can easily fix.

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12/25/2021 03:28:44 pm

The insulation can be patched with electrical tape if its not to decayed, otherwise you can replace the short section of insulation if you are comfortable doing it. Thank you for sharing your great post!

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12/30/2021 09:29:57 am

Expert Strand Brothers Service Experts technicians are ready to help when you need air conditioning repairs Some Mitsubishi heat pumps come with a charcoal filter additionally to the main filter.

Jeff Carbine link

1/5/2022 09:11:06 pm

I never knew that In the case of heat pumps, the outside disconnect will de-energize the whole system. I should be careful when the heat pumps. Thank you for the information about air conditioning repair.

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1/6/2022 08:13:52 am

You should check these filters frequently to keep your system running well. You can also get anti-allergen filters for some brands, including Mitsubishi. Thank you, amazing post!

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1/6/2022 04:56:23 pm

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1/8/2022 05:45:47 pm

Make sure you have the thermostat set for a temperature below the room temperature. Insure that the unit is not turned off or set to just have the fan blow. Settings can get inadvertently changed. Thank you for sharing.

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1/9/2022 10:27:41 pm

Residents of Lehigh Acres depend on their air conditioners to get them through summer. If your air conditioning unit breaks down, you won’t want to wait long for repair.

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1/10/2022 11:17:42 am

I’m so thankful for your helpful post! Experts at Reliance are just a step away when it comes to keeping your home comfortable and cool with adequate air conditioning.

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1/10/2022 10:44:00 pm

Very informative article. Pretty sure people would love to go to that place for great Ideas.

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1/12/2022 09:36:05 am

Your home’s Air Conditioning is a necessity during New Jersey’s hot summer days. It almost always seems to happen that your AC goes out on one of the hottest days of the summer. No matter the time of day or night, if you are without the cooling of your AC, we will be there for you with extended emergency service repair.

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1/12/2022 09:48:01 am

I’m so thankful for your helpful post! Looking for reliable residential air conditioning services? Circle E offers residential air conditioner repair and cooling services - contact us today!

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1/12/2022 06:13:37 pm

We are a local, family-owned company who delivers quality air conditioning services. We can keep you cool all summer long and do so without breaking the bank.

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1/13/2022 06:24:50 am

We are in the second generation of family ownership for our company, prioritizing our customers’ needs. You will appreciate our commitment to you, whatever repairs or maintenance you desire.

1/14/2022 08:55:01 pm

I found it interesting when you said if the insulation is not too degraded, it can be fixed using electrical tape; alternatively, if you are comfortable doing so, you can replace the short part of the insulation. I used to think differently about it not until you explained it briefly and it really got my attention. What you said about air conditioning repair was really interesting to me.

1/25/2022 07:28:59 am

I found it interesting when you said the wider line will presumably be "sweaty" while the air conditioner is on, but it should never be icy. I used to think differently about it not until you explained it briefly and it really got my attention. What you said about AC repair services was really interesting to me.

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Residential Air conditioning Repair and Maintenance Tips you can do yourself.

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