Author: Saratoga Plumbing & Heating

Cleaning Dirty Coils Can Improve an Air Conditioner’s Performance

Adding air conditioner maintenance and AC coil cleaning is essential for a spring cleaning list. Before the summer heat and humidity arrives, homeowners want to ensure their system is operating correctly to keep their house cool and comfortable. If the AC coils are dirty, it can cause the air conditioner to run inefficiently and lead to issues with the system. This post will discuss the importance of cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils. 

Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils play an essential role in cooling a home. They are designed to absorb heat from the indoor air using a refrigerant. An evaporator coil must be properly sized, installed, and maintained to operate correctly and efficiently. Regular maintenance and cleaning are vital for keeping an evaporator coil running efficiently and preventing costly repairs. 

Dirty evaporator coils can negatively impact the performance of an air conditioning unit. This is because they reduce the heat that can be transferred, making it difficult for an AC to cool the home. Additionally, dirty evaporator coils will cause inefficiency, which leads to higher energy bills and is more likely to cause a breakdown. Neglected evaporator coils can also lead to a system malfunction and decreased airflow, leaving some areas of the home without adequate cooling.

Condenser Coils

A condenser coil is another critical component of an air conditioner that helps to cool the air in a home. It releases the heat absorbed by the evaporator coil outside and then cycles the refrigerant back to the evaporator coil to continue the cooling cycle. It’s essential to keep an eye on the condition of the condenser coil and clean it routinely so it can continue to function properly.

The condenser coil is located in the unit outdoors, so if leaves, dirt, branches, or other debris get on the coils, it can cause them to work harder to keep a house cool. A dirty condenser coil can cause several issues. These include reduced cooling power, higher energy bills, and potentially even mechanical damage to the unit if not addressed quickly. As such, it is vital to ensure that the condenser coil stays clean so that homeowners can enjoy efficient and cost-effective cooling.

Coil Cleaning and Maintenance

It’s important to have the coils inspected and cleaned by an AC contractor at least once a year to ensure they are clean and working well, allowing the air conditioner to work correctly. Technicians will ensure the coils are functioning correctly, look for signs of damage, and clean them. 

To clean the coils, technicians will remove dirt and debris with water, a chemical cleaner, a brush, or a combination of these. Next, they will straighten any bent coil fins to prevent blocked airflow with a special fin comb called a coil fin straightener. Before they leave, they will close the panel and turn the air conditioner back on. 

These coil maintenance and cleaning services are relatively quick and can be performed during an annual AC tune-up. Keeping the condenser and evaporator coils clean is essential to ensure optimal air conditioning performance and efficiency and prevent malfunctions with the AC system.

About Saratoga Plumbing & Heating

Saratoga Plumbing & Heating is a family-owned and operated company serving Saratoga Springs and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for AC maintenance or evaporator coil services in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Fix Leaks as Soon as Possible

A leaking or dripping faucet may not sound like an emergency to most people. Some may consider a leaky sink faucet more of a minor annoyance than an issue that needs to be resolved quickly. However, it should be taken seriously and fixed immediately. A leaky faucet wastes precious water resources, can cause water damage, and can make a big dent in the household budget by causing a spike in water bills. This blog post will discuss three of the most common causes of a dripping or leaking tap.

Worn Out O-Ring

An O-ring is a rubber gasket in a circular shape, which is placed between two surfaces to create a watertight seal. Over time, O-rings can become worn out due to age, temperature changes, and chemical exposure. As an O-ring wears out, it becomes brittle and can no longer form a tight seal against the two surfaces, leading to dripping near the handle of a fixture as water escapes through the worn-out O-ring.

Many different types of O-rings are available, so choosing one compatible with the fixture in question is essential. Installing the incorrect kind of O-ring in the fixture can lead to premature wear and tear, resulting in frequent dripping near the handle, more water waste, and high water costs.

Worn Out or Corroded Washer

A washer is another important plumbing part that helps create a watertight seal between two portions of pipes. It is a flat disc with a hole in the middle for a bolt to pass through. A worn-out or corroded washer can lead to leaking at the spout of a faucet because it can no longer create a watertight seal.

Washers can become worn out or corroded for various reasons, such as age. Extended exposure to harsh elements, such as chemicals and moisture, can also break down the material and cause it to become worn out or corroded. In addition, washers are typically made of metal, a relatively soft material that can easily be scratched or dented if not correctly cared for. They are subject to friction caused by tightening nuts and bolts, causing them to wear down over time.

Corrosion of the Valve Seat

A valve seat is another round seal that helps prevent liquids from flowing through the spout when the valve is closed. When these seats become corroded, they can no longer provide a tight seal and allow liquids to pass through. This corrosion can occur due to environmental factors such as humidity or when water or other fluids come into contact with metal surfaces, causing them to react and break down over time, resulting in leaking or dripping at the tap’s spout.

In order to prevent leaking faucets from occurring, regular maintenance of valves and pipes should be performed to ensure that corrosion is addressed and stopped as quickly as possible. In addition, proper installation of valve seats can also help prevent corrosion and subsequent leakage.

About Saratoga Plumbing & Heating

Saratoga Plumbing & Heating is a family-owned and operated business serving Saratoga Springs and the surrounding areas since 2011. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for faucet repair or replacement in Saratoga Springs, NY.