Lennox Air Conditioner Maintenance
Lennox air conditioners are known for their performance and dependability. Although issues with these units are rare, regular care is essential to minimize the chance of future problems. If you want to keep your unit in good working order, this Lennox air conditioner maintenance guide outlines simple steps to help make sure your unit stays reliable.
This information is for home air conditioning units from the Value™ and Merit® Series, such as the 10ACB12-9P and 13ACD-018-230-10, respectively. Any testing or repairs outlined in this guide will need to be completed by an authorized technician.
Change the Filter
Since clean air filters improve airflow, reduce wear and lower costs, changing your unit’s filter is arguably the most important part of preventative maintenance. At minimum, replace your filter once at the start of the cooling season; if your area is dusty or you have pets, replace it more often. For units that use 1-inch pleated filters, change them once per month during the summer.
Clean Air Vents
Making sure your home’s return air vents are free of obstructions will enhance circulation and improve your air conditioner’s efficiency. First, make sure floor vents aren’t covered by furniture or other large objects. Then, use warm water and a soft cloth to remove dust, debris and pet hair from the grates. If necessary, take off the outer cover and clean inside the vent.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is your air conditioner’s main user interface, so replace the batteries at the beginning of the cooling season to make sure it stays reliable. Additionally, see if there are any heat-generating items near the thermostat, such as lights, electronics or appliances: these heat sources can cause inaccurate readings, forcing your AC to work harder than needed.
Trim Outside Vegetation
Debris like grass clippings or vegetation such as branches can affect airflow around the outdoor condensing unit, reducing its efficiency. So, be sure to remove any dirt, leaves or other debris on top of the unit, as well as maintain at least 2 feet of open space around the condenser by trimming branches and removing plants as needed.
Schedule an Inspection
Although there’s a lot that you as a homeowner can do to care for your air conditioner, one of the most important aspects of maintaining your home’s AC system is scheduling a yearly inspection by an authorized technician. During the visit, the licensed technician should:
- Clean evaporator and condenser coils
- Remove debris from inside the outdoor condenser
- Straighten coil fins
- Inspect lines and joints for leaks
- Check wiring for loose connections
- Measure voltage when unit is in operation
- Maintain condensate and drain lines
- Adjust blower speed
- Test for refrigerant leaks and recharge if necessary
- Look for excessive wear and proper tension in belts
- Unclog any blocked ducts
- Seal holes in ductwork
Be Aware of Issues
While proper maintenance can help prevent issues, it's still important to remain vigilant for potential problems with your air conditioner. In the event that you hear strange noises or notice reduced performance, schedule a service appointment with an authorized technician. For an overview of what to keep in mind, see our Lennox air conditioner troubleshooting guide.
If you need more information on maintaining your unit, take a look at the large library of Lennox air conditioner manuals on our site.