DIY Saturday #100 – How to Maintain your A/C System (Video)

Guest Blogger #528, Entry #1190, May 19, 2012

Happy 100th DIY Saturday! For 100 Saturday’s Stagetecture has been bringing you useful home projects for decor, home maintenance, renovations, holiday ideas and fun recipes! Thank you Stagetecture readers for helping us reach 100 Saturday’s.

Thanks for celebrating 100 DIY Saturday’s with Stagetecture!  FUN DIY – Double the Shine…Give a lamp a one-two punch of shine with ribbon and spray paint. Coat the base in a metallic-finish spray paint and wrap shiny satin ribbon around the shade, securing in place with hot glue or pins.

Image via: Meredith

Stagetecture launched its You Tube Channel a few months ago. Watch all of the videos you need to get the right materials, directions, pros and cons and information from experts and other homeowners BEFORE you start on your DIY project.

Today’s DIY Saturday is all about getting your air conditioning running correctly and maintaining it before the weather gets to unbearably hot. Watch a video on how to DIY your A/C system and then go through a A/C checklist from my guest blogger.

You Tube – Do it Yourself Air Conditioning Repair

Guest Blogger – Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist

Your air conditioner should run like a well-oiled machine, and that can only happen if you properly maintain your A/C system. Many HVAC professionals will have an air conditioning inspection checklist that they use when performing maintenance and system checks of A/C systems.

This checklist ensures that crucial parts of the air conditioner are looked over carefully and serviced for the best operation of the system. Such a list also ensures that your A/C system is up to building codes. Some of the points on this air conditioning maintenance checklist you can use yourself for self-service of your system.

Circuits

Check that the electrical cables servicing the air conditioning system are properly sealed in conduit or raceways to protect the wires from vermin and weather exposure. These conduits cannot be laid under the house on the ground to avoid excessive moisture exposure.

Filters

Air conditioners need filters to trap dirt and prevent it from being blown through the air ducts. This is probably the most common factor that the average homeowner will have to regularly address. Fortunately changing filters out is easy and inexpensive depending on what kind of air conditioning system you have in your home.

A clogged filter impedes the air conditioner’s performance. Generally, you should change your filter monthly, especially if you have anyone at home with allergies.

Make sure your air conditioner is working properly (on upper wall)

Image via: Desire to Inspire

Condensate Drainage

Air conditioners produce condensation, and this must be effectively drained away from the system. The drain pipe should be at least 3/4-inch wide and have slope of 1/8-inch for every foot of distance. The drain lines need to be clear and clean. Some recommend pouring a small amount of diluted bleach through the condensation line monthly to keep it clear of mold and build up. If a pump is used for removing condensation, the pump needs to be checked for proper operation.

Whether you need your air conditioner inspected to pass building codes or if you need it checked for regular maintenance, a professional HVAC technician can help you with your system. Checklists for A/C maintenance to keep your system running smoothly while adhering to codes.

Having an air conditioning expert check your system ensures that you have a professional on hand who can immediately fix any problems found. Unfortunately, this cannot happen if you check your system alone. For help with your air conditioning system’s maintenance or an inspection, call an experienced air conditioning company.

Metro Express Services is Texas based air conditioning and heating company. They offer various HVAC services to metro Arlington.

For more DIY Saturday’s on Stagetecture, click here.

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas