Did you know that many of the most common air conditioner problems are linked to dirt buildup on various system components? A dirty air conditioner is at risk of all kinds of efficiency and operational problems, and homeowners need to know what they can do to keep their systems clean. So let’s take a look at why a dirty air conditioner is problematic and the roles that you and Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning play in air conditioner cleaning!
Why is a dirty air conditioner problematic?
Your air conditioner cycles refrigerant between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit to extract heat from the air in your home and dump it into the air outside. The two most important parts of this process are your evaporator coils and your condenser coils.
When air blows over your evaporator coils (located inside), heat is transferred from your home’s air to the refrigerant inside the coils and carried outside. When air blows over your condenser coils (located outside), heat is transferred from the refrigerant inside the coils to the air outside.
So what does this have to do with air conditioner cleaning? When dirt builds up on either set of coils, it stands in the way of the heat-transfer process. That means that your air conditioner’s refrigerant has a much harder time absorbing heat from your home and/or releasing heat outside. This will not only make your home less comfortable but also raise your system’s energy consumption.
In addition to causing problems with your coils, a dirty air conditioner is prone to airflow issues and is at a much higher risk of experiencing breakdowns than a clean system.
Your role in keeping your air conditioner clean
The role that you as a homeowner play in keeping your air conditioner clean is simple: change your air filter regularly! The whole reason you have an air filter (aside from making your air healthier to breathe) is to protect your cooling system from dirt, dust, and airborne contaminants. If your filter is dirty, those contaminants will blow right past your filter and build upon your system. Be sure to sign up for Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning’s free monthly email reminders so you’ll never forget!
Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning’s role in cleaning your air conditioner
Cleaning your air conditioner is an essential part of your annual tune-up from Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning. During your tune-up, we’ll thoroughly inspect and clean every part of your system to minimize the risk of breakdowns later in the year and ensure your air conditioner is ready to run efficiently all summer long. This is one of the main reasons why scheduling an air conditioner tune-up every year is so important!
If you have any questions about the importance of air conditioner cleaning, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Charles, MO, air conditioning contractor. We service the St. Louis area, including towns like Des Peres, Frontenac, and Ladue.
photo credit: seven twenty-five via photopin cc
