As somebody living in Australia, you’ll know that getting through the summer months without good air conditioning is next to impossible. It can be a huge headache to enter summer and find that your air conditioner isn’t working to its full capacity. You can face this problem if you do not properly maintain your air conditioner. It’s relatively easy and simple to do and will extend the lifetime of your air conditioner greatly. No more buying a new system every few years and shelling out thousands of dollars for it.
Here are some tips on proper air conditioner maintenance that you should follow so that you don’t face any more problems when it comes to getting the best cooling.
1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter Every Month
The first thing you need to do to ensure your air conditioning works properly is to clean the air filter once a month. Luckily, this is very easy to do and can save you lots of trouble in the long run.
The air filter works to keep dirt, debris, and dust particles from entering your room. Over time, the dirt and impurities can become collected on the air filter to the point that the filter is completely blocked. This puts a lot of extra strain on the air conditioner and reduces its cooling abilities.
The filter can easily be removed and cleaned with a brush and then put back into place. Some ACs come with air filters that are not reusable and have to be replaced after every month or two.
2. Ensure that the Air Conditioner Coils are Free from Dirt
An air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil can accumulate dirt after some time of being used. If you keep your air filter clean and unclogged, the coils are not likely to get too dirty very often. However, after some months, you must clean the coils to avoid any hindrance to airflow and evaporation processes. It is especially important to keep the coils clean if your system is placed outdoors and can get blocked with leaves and plants. Keep the area around the unit clean and keep any plants or trees properly trimmed.
3. Keep an Eye on the Fins
The condenser and evaporator of an air conditioner both have fins, which can become bent and tangled over time. If the aluminum fins are not properly placed, they can block airflow through the coils and put extra strain on them. This will quickly wear out your AC. It is very easy to fix the fins, so don’t worry. You can buy a “fin comb” from any air conditioning retailer and use that to comb the fins back into place.
4. Regularly Unclog the Air Conditioner Drain
Your air conditioner probably has a drain attached to it for condensation. You may notice that a few drops of water leave the drain every time your AC is running. Sometimes this drain can become clogged with some dirt or debris, and your condensation unit won’t be able to drain properly. If this is the case, you need to unclog the drain with a wire or a long stick. If you’re unable to unclog it yourself, call over a professional to handle it as soon as possible.
5. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Leveled
If you have an outdoor air conditioning unit, it is essential to keep it as clean as possible. Be sure to sweep around the area regularly and keep any plants or foliage at a safe distance from the unit. It is also important that your unit is leveled correctly. The AC is likely to be kept on a concrete pad which can settle unevenly over time. This is not necessarily a problem on its own, but it can result in electrical lines and tubes being pulled tight. This can lead to breaks and wearing down of the tubing and wiring. Be sure to keep an eye on the pad and keep your AC properly leveled.
6. Check on Your Window AC Seals
Air conditioners installed in window frames have an air-tight seal around between the unit and the frame. This ensures that your AC is not affected by external conditions or moisture. When you start using air conditioning in the summer, make sure to check that the seal is properly intact. The seal should be in contact with the body of the air conditioner. If there are gaps or if the seal has become damaged from any point, be sure to get that fixed or replaced by a professional to ensure that your unit stays in good condition.
7. Cover Your System for the Winters
If you stop using your air conditioner for the winter months, it would be a good idea to clean it well and cover it up while it’s out of use. You can buy an AC covering for indoor and outdoor units or just use a regular tarp if you have one on hand. This way, the AC can stay protected from dirt, rain, snow, and other weather conditions.
8. Schedule a Professional Maintenance Appointment
The last and most important step in proper air conditioner maintenance is setting regular appointments with a professional AC service company. If you’re unable to do the small maintenance jobs by yourself, you can hire a technician to come by every month or so and check that everything is running smoothly.
However, even despite following these tips, it would be a good idea to have a professional maintenance check every few months or around twice a year. A professional can check your air conditioner’s coolant, measure the level of airflow through the coils, check if the thermostat is working correctly, check for seal leakage, and much more. You can visit suncityair.com.au for air conditioner cleaning and maintenance services.
Our Final Thoughts
An air conditioner is an expensive addition to your home, and it would be a shame if it stopped working after just a short time. Follow the air conditioner maintenance tips that we’ve mentioned to ensure that your system lasts longer and works to its fullest capacity.
