Refrigerant R410a will be replacing R22 in the not to distant future, click the link below to view a resource explaining why the change has to be made:

Please click here to view the linked site . 

How Important Is Your Air Conditioner Filter?

When most people think about an air conditioner filter, it is in terms of how efficient they are and how much dust they will stop. These are important things and should be considered when replacing or upgrading your air conditioner filter.

There is another very important job that your air conditioner filter does. It helps to keep dust from collecting on the evaporator coil of your air conditioning system. The evaporator is located inside the air handler and is one of the four main components of any air conditioning system. The air filter is usually located somewhere just before the evaporator coil.

Everyone knows that any dust that passes through the filter ends up back in your living space and can be very irritating to allergy sufferers and anyone else who is sensitive to dust and airborne contaminants.

What most people dont realize is that your air conditioner filter also serves another important purpose. It also prevents the evaporator coil from becoming plugged with dust and reducing the efficiency of the equipment.

This evaporator coil of the air conditioner is constructed very similar to the radiator in a car. Like your car radiator, it will not be able to do its job without proper airflow. I am comparing the evaporator coil to a car radiator because most of us know what a radiator looks like, but an evaporator coil works to cool air as it passes through.

Over time dust collects between the fins of the evaporator coil and can even form a layer on the surface of the evaporator coil fins (like a blanket). This happens over a period of time and can take months and even years to happen.

If you have your air conditioner serviced regularly, the technician will check this and advise you when it needs to be cleaned. As airflow through the evaporator coil becomes more and more restricted the equipment efficiency begins to decline. This can even cause equipment failure and lead to expensive repairs.

So, cleaner air is not the only benefit you will get from using an efficient air conditioner filter. You will also save money because your air conditioning equipment will perform at a higher efficiency.

Check and Clean Condenser Coil & air filters

Foreign material on the condenser coil & air filters of the air conditioner reduces the system's capacity to remove heat from the house so your air conditioning system must run longer, increasing energy consumption and reducung the mechanical life of the air conditioning unit.

Check voltage andrunning  amperage on motors

Improper voltage an amperage can reduce significantly the life of the compressor, evaporator and the condenser motor, Increased current is a good indication of an iminent breakdown.

Check and adjust blower components

Proper adjustment, cleanliness of blower and components are necessary for adequate air flow to assure proper capacity and equipment reliability.

Check condensate drain (clean if necessary)

A clogged drain can create considerable water damage to the air conditioner, an increase in the corrosion factor, as well as affect indoor humidity levels.

Check operating pressures for proper refrigerant charge

Improper refrigerant charges either too much or too little could damage the compressor and could cause high electric bills through a inefficient system.
bullet    Check air filters

A dirty filter can substantially reduce the air flow over the evaporator coil, resulting in inadequate cooling of your home.  A Dirty filter could cause high energy usage and compressor damage due to liquid flood back.

Check thermostat calibration

An improperly calibrated thermostat will call for more or less cooling than desired.  The former will cost more money, the latter will cost you comfort.

Lubricate all moving parts where necessary

Poor lubrication causes drag in the motor and drive shaft, thereby requiring more electricity to overcome resistance.  The lack of lubrication can ruin bearings and burn out a motor.

Check all electrical connections

Resistance caused by loose connections will create excessive heat at the point, causing damage to the unit.  Loose connections cause improper voltage to various components, making them either inoperative or causing eventual failure.
bullet    Check run and starting capacitors.

Important!

It is best that the work outlined above, especially concerning the elecrtrical and refrigeration components be attended to by your local air conditioning contractor.