Afro-Sheen

For those of you who have central air (AC/heat) what type of maintenance do you perform each year to keep it in good condition. Someone told me PSE&G (in US) provides a program where they come twice a year, once in beginning of summer and then beginning of winter to service the units. Anyone have such a program, please provide ideas of cost of maintenance....etc.

Mirch

If unit is new it needs no maintenance other than changing the air filters regularly.

Afro-Sheen

What if unit was not maintained by owner. I assume unit is 5 years old as the home is 5 years old. Seems the owner did not perform proper maintenance up to par so the vents seems to have "dust" accumulated on them. Would you think it is worth calling in a service tech for that?

Mirch

If you change the air filters regularly your diffuser vents will have no dirt or dust on them. The intake vents where you have your air filters need to be washed from time to time they can be removed and washed easily. If you see dust on the diffuser vents just wipe them clean or brush off the dirt and dust. If you have user manual then it will tell you what kind of maintenance you need. If you do not have that manual you can still access and print that user manual from the website of the manufacturer of your AC unit.

Afro-Sheen

Ok sorry but any idea about how much such filters may cost? It was suggested on inspection to have maintenance done...hmm. That is why I was hoping someone can asnwer who has called someone for maintenance. I understand I can clean the dust on the vents, but worry about the inside, as the filter hasnt been replaced in a while.

Mirch

In USA they cost somewhere between 2 dollars to 10 dollars each depending on size and kind. I use Flltrete which last for three months and cost about 8 dollars for two pack.
As for cleaning the duct which carries the treated air all around the house read this article. Most homeowners do not feel the need to get the air ducts cleaned for many many years . If the filters are changes regularly there should not be a real need to get the air ducts cleaned.
If you still feel the need to get the air ducts cleaned then read this article first before calling anybody.
How to Clean Air Conditioning Ducts