First, it allows refrigerants to leak into the atmosphere, and damage the ozone layer. Second, moisture can enter the AC system and combine with the chlorine and fluorine in the refrigerant to form acids which, over time, will damage the AC s compressor and coils. Clean the indoor and outdoor coils of your central AC system. These coils are the heat exchangers between the refrigerant and the surrounding air. The indoor coil is cold, and as air moisture condenses on it, it filters out impurities which can build up very quickly and hamper the coil s performance.
Indoor coils are sometimes difficult to find and access and extremely fragil.
However they can be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Both types of coils need to be treated gently. If you have any questions on your AC unit s care, consult the manufacturer s recommendations. If possible, locate room air conditioners on a north wall, or a wall that is shaded. The outside compressor for a central air conditioner should be shaded from direct sun.