Category Archives: Maintenance

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Posted by on March 25, 2012 No comments

Did you Know?

  • A dirty evaporator, condenser and blower could increase air conditioning electrical usage by 50% or more.
  • A refrigerant undercharge of only 10% can increase operating costs by almost 20%.

Air Conditioner Maintenance – An air conditioner’s filters, fins, and coils require regular maintenance.  Cleaning ensures the unit will function effectively and efficiently. Neglect will cause steady decline in air conditioning performance, while steadily increasing energy consumption.  Comfort Zone recommends hiring a professional service technician to assist you with your air conditioner maintenance.

Filter Change

Air Conditioner Filters – Most commonly referred to as furnace filters are the most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner.  A dirty filter will block normal air flow, reducing a system’s efficiency significantly. Remember air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. Simply protecting your evaporator by regularly changing filters can lower your energy consumption by 5%–15%.

Air Conditioner Coils – Keep dirt and debris near the condenser unit to a minimal.  This will include removing falling leaves, dryer vents, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet.  Please allow for adequate air flow, along with enough room for a service technician.  Coil cleaner should be applied once a year, generally while rinsing you will notice it will rinse off black due to air pollution.  Fortunately removing this thin film currently insulating your coils will dramatically improve performance and efficiency.

Dirty Coil

Air Conditioner Fins – Air Conditioner fins on evaporators and condenser coils are easily bent and can block air flow through the coil. After hail storms a tool called a “fin comb” will comb these fins back into nearly original condition.

If you have further questions regarding air conditioner maintenance, or are interested in scheduling your spring clean and check please call Comfort Zone at 708.403.3434

Should I cover air conditioner in the winter

Posted by on January 28, 2012 No comments

Often times I am asked, “Should I cover air conditioner in the winter”? Many people believe covering their air conditioner will prolong its life by keep out debris.

Fact is, air conditioning units are manufactured to live outdoors. Although covering your air conditioner may protect it from snow and falling debris, covering your air condenser in the winter months creates a high humidity environment as the sun beats down on the cover. Inside this moist environment is your electrical windings, wiring connections, and in some cases circuit boards.

In the rare case that you are experiencing excessive ice fall, or debris from trees, only cover the air conditioner top with a piece of plywood.  Remember full covers encourage condensation build up which is damaging to the electrical controls and components.

cover air conditioner in winterair conditioner cover top in winter

Which furnace filter should I use?

Posted by on January 21, 2012 No comments

Ever wonder, “Which furnace filter should I use?”

Furnace filters come in a variety of medias.  We will cover the difference between the two most common.

Cotton Pleated VS Fiberglass

fiberglass furnace filterCotton Pleated Filter

MERV – Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioner Engineers (ASHRAE.) MERV values vary from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV value is, the more efficient the filter will be in trapping airborne particles.

Fiberglass Furnace Filters- The majority of fiberglass filters only stop 2% of the dust passing though your furnace.  Often you may notice the filter doesn’t look dirty after months of use.  Fiberglass filters can allow particles the size of grains of table salt to pass through.  Thus allowing dust to clog your expensive evaporator coils.  Dust particles will also collect on the back of the blower motor causing premature failure due to over heating.

Cotton Pleated Furnace Filters - Comfort Zone recommends using standard pleated filters. ( MERV 8 ) These filters are not too restrictive and can be found in 3-packs at Home Depot for as low as $7.00

MERV 8 furnace filters are electrostatically charged, 100% synthetic and cause little to no change in static pressure. MERV 8 filter media will not promote the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, or fungi in normal operating environments. These filters are designed to last up to 3 months.

4″ Furnace Filters

As efficiency increases, so does the restriction to air flow. To compensate, more filter material is used in pleats.  Increasing the square footage of the filter material allows for better air flow and less restriction.

The most common sizes used in heating and air conditioning equipment are 1 inch and 2 inch but are also available in 4 inch, 5 inch and even 6 inches deep. The deeper the pleat the greater the dust holding capacity and the longer it can remain in the air handler without needing to be changed.

Comfort Zone recommends changing a 4″ cotton pleated furnace filter every 6 months.