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3 Tips For Under $10 To Avoid A Breakdown

Summer is right around the corner and the last thing you want to have happen is an AC breakdown. So rather then a hefty repair bill go ahead and take care of a few key things to avoid a system failure.

Change Your Filter !

The run time on your AC system is going to increase dramatically in the upcoming months. Be sure to change your filter to ensure your AC’s air flow is not restricted.

Clean Your Drain Line !

With Summer just around the corner you can guarantee high humidity. Your AC system’s main purpose is to remove moisture aka humidity from the air. This moisture exits through the drain line make sure to put AC Drain Clean or Vinegar down your drain line

More Drain Line Tips

ac repair do it yourself

         

Clean Your Coils !

Cleaning your condensing coils is a very important  routine maintenance that is often forgotten. If you AC coils are impacted or clogged that can impede airflow and cause a breakdown or worse…..compressor failure.  Acid washing and removing debris is critical in assuring maximum efficiency and performance from your air conditioner

Coil Cleaning Tutorial

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AC Drain Line 101

Fix It Yourself AC

The most common service call i get throughout the year is a CLOGGED DRAIN LINE ! It does not matter if your air conditioner is old or new this can happen to you. If overlooked this can cause irreversible damage to your AC system and possibly to your beautiful home.  Last year i had 309 services calls related to the drain line an average of almost 1 per day. This Problem is by far the easiest to fix as well as prevent.

Why Does The Drain Line Clog?

  • Dirty Filters
  • Algae Build Up
  • Lack Of Maintenance
  • Outdoor PVC Blockage

What You Will Need 

For cleaning (1 of the 2 will suffice)

           

Then for prevention (1 of the 2 will suffice)

           

Don’t use bleach. Bleach will damage copper, plastic and PVC. It will also caused the joint to leak by eating the glue away. People say use it when the AC is on in the summer because the water is washing it right out. However that’s not the case when it’s clogged or when there is little humidity the bleach can sit in there.Why use something that will eat the pipes and glue. Use Drain line cleaner or vinegar. Both work  just as good and does not damage the pipes.

Cleaning The Drain

Estimated Job Time: 10-15 min.

Tools And Equipment Needed: Shop Vac or Mighty Pump

Difficulty: Very Easy

Find the drain line. most commonly the drain is located near the condenser or outdoor unit.

Example
Example

Then attach  Mighty Pump or wet/dry vacuum and proceed to clear drain completely.

Example
Example

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prevention

Estimated Job Time: 5 min.

Tools And Equipment Needed: Drain Cleaner or Vinegar

Difficulty: Very Easy 

Locate the air handler or indoor unit and remove the PVC cap from the drain line. Using a funnel or Pyrex, pour instructed amount NU Line or 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. Repeat this Process every time you change your air filter.