Any Air Conditioner guys in here? (1 Viewer)

[Reefahholic]

So...

I just decided to check my A/C filters in my apartment, because I never have and honestly really didn’t trust the maintenance to do it. I heard they need to be changed about every 2-3 months or minimal every 6 months.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked where the filter was located. It looks like it’s 10 years old. Not to mention, the grill on the outside didn’t have a filter behind it either.

So the bigger one was a 24”x24”x1” and I easily found that at Lowe’s.

The smaller one with all the black mold is a 14”x18”x1” I couldn’t find this one so I bought a 16”x20”x1” and just cut one side to make it fit perfectly.


NOW....for my question. I’m unsure which way the air-flow is going. There’s an arrow on the filter and not sure how to position it.

 

[gregg]

The arrow on the filter points into the system... you should really change them out once a month... have you asked your apartment manager to provided the filters and you’ll change them?

 

[Reefahholic]

The arrow on the filter points into the system... you should really change them out once a month... have you asked your apartment manager to provided the filters and you’ll change them?

Once a month sounds good to me. I’m Asthmatic and my wife too. We were having horrible headaches and they could have been the cause. I have not asked the apartment manager yet, but I’ll definitely shoot them an email today. My A/C seems to be cooling better and not staying on so much. I hope this was a simple fix. I’ll point the arrow into it. Thanks gregg!

 

[Reefahholic]

Where you see the yellow residue insulation I ripped it out because the top was black. I’ll have to cut some squares for those spots and the triangle sides I ripped out too. Not sure what kind of insulation that is. It’s like a simi-firm yellow that holds its shape.

 

[gregg]

That’s the worst old air filter I’ve ever seen! The issue with not changing them regularly is that they end up like yours and that allows dust to get on your coils .., you may need your coils cleaned since it’s been so long.

 

[Reefahholic]

That’s the worst old air filter I’ve ever seen! The issue with not changing them regularly is that they end up like yours and that allows dust to get on your coils .., you may need your coils cleaned since it’s been so long.

i think the coils are gone!

yeah, that thing was old!

 

[ITreefer]

Where you see the yellow residue insulation I ripped it out because the top was black. I’ll have to cut some squares for those spots and the triangle sides I ripped out too. Not sure what kind of insulation that is. It’s like a simi-firm yellow that holds its shape.

I believe the yellow stuff you're talking about there is called duct board.

 

[Reefahholic]

Gosh. I just pulled the filter out to take a pic of the coil and the filter had water in it already. Is water supposed to get into these filters this soon?? I just stick it in there last night.

Check out this coil bro. I think it’s gone.

 

[Reefahholic]

I believe the yellow stuff you're talking about there is called duct board.

Ok, is it’s purpose to collect water or what is it’s function? It was all black when I pulled it.

 

[Reefahholic]

Yeah, that’s it bro!
They had the yellow side up and that was the side that was completely black.

JM duct board dampens unwanted noise and promotes consistent temperatures for less wasted energy. In addition, it contributes to a healthier indoor environment through less air leakage and is protected against damage from microbial growth. Homeowners and occupants will enjoy the benefits of improved comfort, while installing contractors will find JM duct board is easy to fabricate for faster installation. Our duct board solutions offer a wide range of benefits to fit your requirements and needs.

 

[gregg]

Ok, is it’s purpose to collect water or what is it’s function? It was all black when I pulled it.

The air filter purpose is to filter out dust so it doesn’t get on your coils ... it in no way should be wet.

The duct board is just ment for insulation to make your System efficient.. it too should not be wet or you will have mold.

All these things are getting wet because your coils are clogged.

You need an a/c guy to come vacuum and clean your coils ASAP.

 

[Reefahholic]

It’s purpose is to filter out dust so it doesn’t get on your coils ... it in no way should be wet.

You need an a/c guy to come vacuum and clean your coils ASAP.

Agreed!!!

 

[gregg]

Agreed!!!

That video is about cleaning the coils on the outside unit... your issue is the coils on the inside unit.

 

[ITreefer]

Yep, its the evaporator coil that you're looking at. Though, Im sure the condenser coils aren't in tip-top shape either

 

[Reefahholic]

That video is about cleaning the coils on the outside unit... your issue is the coils on the inside unit.

Yeah, I’m not sure how to do mine.

 

[Reefahholic]

Yep, its the evaporator coil that you're looking at. Though, Im sure the condenser coils aren't in tip-top shape either

So what is mine? How do I clean it? Should the apartments replace this or should I?

 

[gregg]

Yeah, I’m not sure how to do mine.

Your not... hire someone or call the landlord. This is not a DIY project at this point.

 

[ITreefer]

Your not... hire someone or call the landlord. This is not a DIY project at this point.

Agreed!

 

[gregg]

So what is mine? How do I clean it? Should the apartments replace this or should I?

Yours is an evaporator coil, The apartments should attempt to clean it first and then if that doesn’t work replace it. This is not a job for a tenant.

They should pay for it but they may blame you for not having had your filters changed.

 

[Reefahholic]

Yours is an evaporator coil, The apartments should attempt to clean it first and then if that doesn’t work replace it. This is not a job for a tenant.

They should pay for it but they may blame you for not having had your filters changed.

Sounds about right!!