Don’t know what to expect when servicing air conditioners in Kenya? The goal of every professional maintenance company is to minimize your discomfort as much as possible. Your AC technician may carry out the following steps when servicing your AC:
Step 1: Switch of power to the unit
To minimize damage to sensitive components and prevent accidents during servicing. Depending on your installation type, they can do this either by locating the capacitor to disconnect the main electric current or simply flipping a switch.
Although it is a simple procedure, this step should only be attempted by someone who knows what they are doing. In some cases, they may need to consult the directions provided by your AC manufacturer, so it helps to have that handy (if they don’t already).
Step 2: Clean and oil the condenser fan motor
Some AC technicians like to start with the condenser fan which is located in the outdoor unit. The condenser fan is typically located close to the condenser coils. Positioned so it can blow the warm air coming from your building outside.
This is an external-facing component and is more likely to be dirty. First, the technician will loosen the cover grill screws using a screwdriver and set it aside. This exposes the AC condenser fan which he can clean using a dust brush and cleaning rags.
Next, he detaches the set screw holding the fan in place to expose to access the motor parts. He checks whether the fan motor needs oil and lubricates if necessary.
Step 3: Wash the condenser coils and fins
The condenser coil is located behind the outward-facing grill that characterizes most outdoor AC units. It circulates the hot air from your building in front of the condenser fan which blows it outside. This process works best when the coil surface is clean and free from dust.
Depending on your AC unit, the technician may have to remove the coil guard to access the condenser coils. Next, he cleans the surface of the condenser coils using a garden hose set to a minimum pressure. This is done to avoid damaging the fragile fins in front of the coils.
In cases where the condenser fins are bent, the contractor will straighten them using a fin comb. This handy tool can also be used to clean out dirt and debris lodged in hard to reach areas.
Step 4: Top up the refrigerant
This is a crucial step in every AC maintenance process in Kenya. The refrigerant circulates through the indoor and outdoor units in a continuous process that cools your home. You may experience poor cooling performance if your refrigerant levels are low or you have a leak.
This process is a technical one and you should always consider hiring a professional to top up the refrigerant. First, he locates and unscrews the suction line and loosen the screw inside. Next, he tests the pressure using a pressure gauge which is also connected to the recharge hose.
Although the refrigerant that comes with your unit is designed to last for its entire lifespan, leaks can lead to a loss of pressure. Your technician will proceed to top it off if necessary and test the pressure again to find any leaks.
Step 5: Clean or change the indoor filter
It is now time to go indoor where the technician will begin by checking your AC filter located in the indoor unit. Your AC filter traps dust and debris in the air before it gets to your home. This makes it particularly useful for keeping the home clean in Kenya’s dusty climate.
There are four types of AC filters available today but the most common are fiberglass filters which can be found in most AC units in Kenya. First, your technician will access your AC filters by raising the front of the indoor unit and loosening any securing screws.
He then proceeds to replace the air filter with a new one if it is beyond repair or proceeds to wash it if it is just dirty. He can do this by submerging the AC filter in lukewarm water and soap solution for about 15 minutes to loosen all dirt on it.
When the filter is completely dried, he performs the first steps in reverse to reinstall it. It is important to wash or change your air filters on a schedule. A dirty or clogged air filter will hider air flowing in and out of your AC affecting its operation.
Step 6: Service your AC ducts
AC ducts are one of the most overlooked components of an air conditioning system. The sand coming from the desert has made cleaning the air duct system a necessary step when maintaining your AC unit.
As a rule of thumb, you should have your AC duct cleaning and inspected every six months and cleaned at least every 18 months. Your technician may make use of specialized brushes, blowers, and vacuums to clean out the air supply, return, and intake ducts in your home.
In cases where your air conditioning system is especially blocked or infested with vermin. They may perform light maintenance work to ensure that debris and dust particles don’t get sucked into your ducts.
