AC Team Members Make a Difference in the Community
AC experts team members work hard to make a difference in the community. They do this by promoting service, philanthropy and winning trophies!
Ad hoc teams are common in hospital medicine and pose unique challenges. This article highlights solutions and recommendations that can be used in practice to improve ad hoc team function.
Clean Filters
If you have reusable filters, washing them regularly can help keep them clean and prevent dust buildup. Depending on the type of filter, you can rinse them in your sink with water or use a cleaner. Just make sure the unit is turned off before cleaning it, or you risk recirculating dirty air throughout your home or business.
Start by removing the filter from your unit and washing it in the sink with warm water and a bit of mild soap. Scrub any caked-on grime gently with a brush. Rinse thoroughly and allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it. You can also soak the filter in a solution of one part water to one part white vinegar for an hour before rinsing. This will remove most sticky residue from the filter and leave it smelling fresh. This is a quick and easy method that is inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
Change Filters Every Four to Six Months
A clogged filter reduces airflow, which puts strain on the system and can cause overheating. A simple way to extend the life of your AC is by replacing filters regularly.
The amount of dust, pet hair, and dander that builds up in the filter will affect how often you need to swap it out. If you have a lot of pets, Service Experts recommends changing the filter every 90 days; for homes without pets, they recommend switching out 2-inch filters every three months, and 3-inch or 4-inch filters every six months.
The MERV rating of the filter will determine how well it traps pollutants of varying sizes. The higher the MERV, the more efficient the filter.
Check the Compressor
Your compressor takes hot refrigerant gas from your home and compresses it so that the air it sends through your vents feels cool. If you notice that your home isn’t getting as cold as it should, the compressor may be having trouble.
To check the compressor, open your hood and locate the AC compressor clutch, which is a cylindrical metal piece with wires that connect to it. If it’s hot, wait for it to cool before opening the access panel and removing it. Once it’s removed, inspect it for physical damage and look for burn marks on its terminals.
Use a multimeter with the continuity setting to check for an open winding on the compressor. If you find the windings C-S and C-R read OL on your meter, you have an open overload that needs to be replaced. You also need to determine why the overload was opened. Possible reasons include a failed outdoor fan motor, plugged condenser, low refrigerant level or a locked rotor.
Check the Condenser
The condenser is a large outdoor unit that contains the compressor, fan and coil. It is responsible for releasing the heat that has been absorbed by your home’s air, which is why regular cleaning is important. Dirty or clogged coils and fans prevent the transfer of heat, which can cause your air conditioner to overheat.
Capacitors can also degrade over time, so they may not provide the same startup power as before. To check, use a multimeter to test for a reading of zero or less; any other number indicates that the capacitor has failed and needs to be replaced. To do so, disconnect the wires from the terminals and remove the old one, re-connecting the new one with needle-nose pliers. Make sure the female crimp connectors snap tightly onto the capacitor tabs.
If the air conditioner still won’t run, you could have a wiring problem, and it’s best to call in a professional. But it’s always worth checking your circuit breakers to make sure they haven’t been flipped off.
