Air conditioners see peak usage in the summer season. This puts greater stress on the system and increases the risk of a breakdown. In today’s post, local air conditioning service contractor J & M Air Conditioning & Heating shares the air conditioning components that will need some extra care this season.
Air Conditioning Parts That Need Extra Care This Summer
Neal Goldsmith
Air filters. The air filter is the HVAC component that helps keep your air clean. Most types of air filters are equipped with “media” or material that catches dust, mold and other indoor air pollutants. Your filter usually requires replacement every three months as it becomes clogged, but you might need to replace it as often as once a month in the middle of summer. Clogged air filters can block airflow, which will lead to the air conditioner increasing its output to compensate, resulting in a higher workload, higher energy bills and wear. Some of the trapped particles in the air filter may also end up getting recirculated.
Fortunately, air filters are user-replaceable, which means you don’t have to call your HVAC technician to replace it. Air filters come in standard sizes, so make sure you buy the right size to avoid air leaks. Window-mounted and mini-split air conditioning systems may have washable air filters instead of disposable ones. Consult your user manual on how to remove, wash and reinstall them.
Capacitors. An HVAC capacitor is an essential component that resembles a beverage can. It stores energy in an electrostatic field, which stabilizes the voltage that runs through the HVAC system. Each of the three main motors — blower, compressor and outdoor fan — have a pair of capacitors. One starts the motor, while the other keeps it running. A motor won’t start or stop properly if a capacitor fails. Preventive maintenance conducted before the summer season begins can help prevent capacitor failure.
Condensate drain lines. Condensate drain lines help move moisture from the condenser coils to the condensate pan. The warmer the weather, the more humid the air. Your air conditioner will need to expel moisture as efficiently as possible, therefore you don’t want clogged condensate drain lines. Annual inspections can take care of condensate lines; however, it will help if you check on them once in a while during the season.
Call J & M for Your Heating and Air Conditioning Needs
J & M Air Conditioning & Heating is your leading provider of heating and air conditioning services. Give us a call at (951) 654 3464 or (760) 253-9631. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Hemet and the surrounding communities.