Nothing is more bothersome in the summertime than a broken air conditioner, especially in the North. But regardless of where you live, nobody wants to fix an air conditioner in the summer because the heat is just unpleasant to work in. Learning how to maintain your air conditioner is key to ensuring you don’t always have a broken AC.
Regularly maintaining your air conditioner can help keep costs low. Regular domestic maintenance will reduce energy costs and help your AC last longer. This means you won’t have to replace it sooner than necessary. You can choose either ducted or split system air conditioning units when considering air conditioning units. Room air conditioner (RAC) units are also called window units. Failing to maintain your air conditioning unit can cause it to perform poorly. Not only that, but it will also increase energy use because the unit is not functioning efficiently. Some steps in maintaining a split system versus a ducted system are similar. However, other points are totally different. Remember that some of the following points may not apply to your unit.
Air filters are the easiest and most effective thing to replace in an air conditioner unit, regardless of whether you have a split or ducted system. A dirty air filter will reduce airflow and efficiency, allowing less air to flow. Replacing an air filter is an easy way to increase efficiency in an air conditioning unit. The filter should be in the return air duct in a ducted air conditioning unit. This may be located along a wall, ceiling, or in the air conditioner.
A split system air conditioner will have an air filter in the unit itself, usually in the part that faces the room. If you use a reusable filter, follow its instructions to clean and reinsert it. If you use a replaceable filter, you should find one that fits your air conditioner’s model. But bear in mind that it can be costlier over time. It will require less work, though.
The frequency with which you must replace an air conditioner’s filter depends on how often it is used and the air it filters. If you have furry pets in the house, you must replace the filter more often to keep it functioning correctly.
Condensate drains are found in both types of air conditioning units. These are responsible for draining the water that collects in the unit due to condensation. If the condensate drains are clogged, the unit may have an automatic shut-off, which will cause the unit to turn off when the drain is blocked. As a result, it will cause the unit to cease functioning. You can snake the drain with a stiff wire to ensure your unit’s condensate drains don’t become clogged.
Air conditioners have evaporator coils and condenser coils. Both collect débris over time and become dirty, which decreases effectiveness. You can clean your evaporator coils every year to keep them functioning correctly. In either system, cleaning the outdoor condenser coils can involve trimming overgrowth to allow airflow around the unit. It also means cleaning the area around the coil and removing débris. Units also have coil fins, which look like lines running vertically along the unit. These lines can sometimes become crooked and must be straightened out to improve air flow. You can buy a “fin comb” to straighten out these fins.
Window seals must often buffer window units (RAC). These plastic or rubber sealants around the unit’s extended filters will keep outside air from coming in and vice versa. A window unit will typically have vents spread horizontally to enclose the space to the left and right of the unit. This is so that it fits comfortably in the window. The gaps between these vents and the window or window sill should be sealed with plastic or weather-stripping. This will make sure that air doesn’t flow around the unit. Sealing these gaps will increase efficiency.
Maintaining your air conditioning unit is essential because complications may arise when it isn’t cared for. For example, it might break down quickly, regardless of whether it is new or not. Not only will your air conditioner last much longer if it is maintained, but you will also have lower power bills since it is working as it should.
Maintaining your appliances can save you money in the long run, so this shouldn’t be taken for granted. Many appliances that malfunction can be fixed by simply arranging a diagnostic call out, so a specialist can see the issue.
Noise & AC planning requirements in NSW – worried about where to put your outdoor unit? Got a problem neighbour? Check out the regulations and your rights…
Diagnostic call out: Do you have a system problem? Is it not running at all? Have a tech come diagnose the issue…
AC running costs – worried about bill shock? Put it to rest here…
Daikin electrical requirements – got enough capacity in your switchboard? Find out what’s required here…
Looking for regular servicing? – check out our solutions for commercial and residential situations…
Confused about HVAC terms? Check out the Glossary here…
Please enter your details
below and we’ll contact you