An air conditioner's filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service.

Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases.

When your air conditioner needs more than regular maintenance, hire a professional service technician.

A well-trained technician will find and fix problems in your air conditioning system.

The technician should:

Check for correct amount of refrigerant Test for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector Capture any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system, instead of illegally releasing it to the atmosphere Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear.

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks.

If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution.

A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.

Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer's specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.

Common problems with your existing air conditioners result from faulty installation, poor service procedures, and inadequate

maintenance.

Improper installation of a central air conditioner can result in leaky ducts and low airflow. Many times, the refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) does not match the manufacturer's specifications. If proper refrigerant charging is not performed during installation, the performance and efficiency of the unit is impaired.

Unqualified service technicians often fail to find refrigerant charging problems or even worsen existing problems by adding refrigerant to a system that is already full.

Learn what to ask for when hiring a technician to maintain your air conditioner.