Residential Maintenance Guide
Cooling Systems Maintenance
Air Conditioning
There are several types of air conditioning systems; They all work on
the same basic principle - they move heat from a cool space to a warm
space. All the systems take advantage of the basic scientific laws of
liquid and gases. When liquids evaporate into gases they absorb a considerable
amount of heat. When gases are condensed back into a liquid state, they
give off heat. In addition, if the pressure of a gas is increased, the
temperature will also increase. Most systems use refrigerants called “Freon”
and “Puron”, substances which change state at temperatures and
pressures that are well suited for this application.
Air Cooled
Air cooled air conditioning systems typically work together with a forced-air
furnace. The systems have two main components, an evaporator unit located
in the duct work right above the furnace, and the condenser unit located
outdoors. The refrigerant enters the evaporator as a cold liquid and absorbs
heat from the house air to boil the liquid and turn it into a gas. The
reduction of air temperature causes water in the house air to condense,
reducing humidity levels.
The refrigerant, which is now a gas, moves outdoors to the condensing
unit. The compressor squeezes the gas into a smaller volume. All of the
heat which is contained in the gas is also squeezed into a smaller volume
and, consequently, the gas becomes hotter than the outside air. The hot
gas then enters the condenser coil. A fan in the condenser unit blows
outdoor air across the coil and cools the gas. As it cools it condenses
into a liquid. The liquid then passes through a pressure reducing device
which causes the temperature of the liquid to drop below that of the house
air. The liquid passing through the evaporator coil is evaporated into
a gas again, stealing more heat and humidity from the house and the cycle
continues.
Recommended Maintenace for Air Cooled
The life expectancy of an air conditioner is based on the failure of the
major component of your system - the compressor. The typical life expectancy
of a compressor is ten to fifteen years although many units operate well
beyond this time. An annual inspection from a heating and cooling specialist
and performed maintenance will maximize the life span of your system.
- During the cooling season, periodically inspect the condensate drain
line (directly above the furnace) for signs of leakage.
- Be sure to inspect, clean or replace your furnace filter during the
cooling season as well as the heating season.
- Make sure the exterior unit remains level.
- Inspect the refrigerant lines for missing or damaged insulation.
- Keep the exterior unit free of debris and vegetation.
- To prevent corrosion, most manufacturers recommend that the unit
stay uncovered during the winter months.
- Wall units should be removed for the winter.
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Your air conditioner can be severely
damaged if it is operated severely damaged
if it is operated when the outside temperature is below 60
degrees.
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Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative cooling systems are most common in the southwest parts of
the country.
Evaporative coolers consist of a blower that pulls air from the exterior
into the house usually through a wet cooling pad. The moisture on the
pad absorbs heat from the air and cools it as it enters the home. A pump
draws water out of a tray to keep the pad moist. The water to the tray
is generally supplied from the house plumbing system. A float valve is
used to regulate the water level.
Two variations of this system include a drip type cooler and a rotary
type cooler.
A drip type system allows water to drip into the air flow supplied by
the blower. Cooling pads are not used in this system.
The rotary type cooler is much like a humidifier. A screened drum rotates
through a tray of water as the blower air passes over the upper part of
the rotor.
Recommended Maintenace for Evaporative Coolers
- Periodically clean or replace the cooling pads.
- Electric motors and blower bearings are common failure points. Be
alert for any unusual noises.
- Inspect for any leakage or corrosion around the unit.
- Units should be drained and cleaned seasonally.
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