Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

A split system air conditioner has two main parts: the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The outdoor unit comprises the condenser, compressor coil, air filters and pipes that let cold air into your home. The indoor unit features the air handlers and thermostats. Since it's installed outside the house, the outdoor unit is often prone to inefficiencies. Failure to maintain the components can undermine their performance and increase your energy costs. Thus, here are four maintenance tips for extending the lifespan and boosting the efficiency of your split system's outdoor unit.

Create Enough Space Around the Outdoor Unit

Outdoor units require adequate space to operate efficiently. If you place the unit in a tight space with minimal airflow, it may fail to provide sufficient cool air in your home. Additionally, the components may overheat as they may be unable to dissipate all the heat resulting from their operation. Therefore, ensure there is adequate space around the outdoor unit. Leave some room between it and the exterior walls or any other fixtures located near it. Keep the surrounding clean by getting rid of tree leaves and debris which may cause problems if they accumulate.

Clean the Condenser and Compressor Regularly

The compressor is an essential part of the AC as it compresses the refrigerant and increases its pressure. After gaining high pressure in the compressor, the refrigerant flows to the condenser where it loses the heat absorbed from your home. These two components are responsible for removing heat from your home and ensuring indoor comfort. Thus, they require proper maintenance. 

The compressor and condenser collect a lot of dust due to their location. This can affect performance and block the unit from absorbing all the heat from the refrigerant. Clean these parts regularly to get rid of dust and debris. Also, remember to clean the air filters as well. Always shut down the equipment before wiping it down to avoid damage to the electrical components.

Replace Worn External Filter

The outdoor unit has an external filter than prevents dust and debris from collecting inside the components. Unlike the indoor fan, this one can get worn pretty fast due to its location and exposure to a lot of dirt. If it gets worn, the filter can allow dust and debris into the unit, and this would cause overheating and inefficiency. In addition to cleaning the filter regularly, inspect it for physical damage. If it's not in excellent condition, replace it with a new one. Luckily, split system filters are readily available and affordable; therefore, you can buy several of them for regular replacements.

Proper maintenance of your split AC's outdoor unit is crucial in improving the performance of the entire system. If you're unable to inspect or clean the unit, contact an HVAC contractor for professional help.