Tips to keep your air conditioning unit working properly at home
Air conditioners require some TLC every now and then, but that doesn’t mean that you always need to call your AC technician to make sure your aircon is working properly – that would be expensive and impractical. There are many practical ways by which you can keep your air conditioner maintained without having to spend.
How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner
Keeping your air conditioner regularly maintained is a must. Not only will it ensure that you have a fully functioning air conditioner, but a properly working air-con will also be much more energy-efficient. A poorly maintained air conditioner will consume more electricity, resulting in a much higher utility bill.
Here are some great ways you can maintain your own Air Con unit:
1. Check your unit.
To keep your air conditioner well-maintained, you must check it on a regular basis to know if there are some problems that need to be fixed. Check the temperature of the air that your air conditioner is blowing out, then assess the temperature of the air that goes back to the return air vent. Both must be of the same temperature, or else it does not cool your home efficiently which results in higher energy costs and, worse, energy wastage.
If you notice a difference in temperature, it can mean that the air filter is clogged or your unit is low on refrigerant. If these are true, then you will need to call your air conditioning professional immediately and have it serviced.
2. Check your thermostat.
Check your thermostat regularly to ensure that it is working correctly and keeping your house at the right temperature. If you have an older, mechanical thermostat, you might want to upgrade to the newer smart and programmable thermostats.
A smart thermostat is more efficient and easier to use. It allows you to set your home to a higher temperature when you are not home. It can also cool down the house minutes before you reach home. You also get to save on your electricity usage. There are also smart thermostats that can monitor your energy usage and set different cooling schedules to can help you’re A/C be more energy-efficient.
3. Clean your reusable filters.
If you are using reusable filters, you must remember to clean them every month during summer and winter and once every fall and spring. A dirty and dusty filter decreases the airflow of your air conditioner. This means that your air conditioning system works harder than it should, consuming more energy and causing higher electricity bills.
Aside from energy cost, a dirty filter also affects your residence’s indoor air quality. Dust, dirt, allergens and dust mites can trigger allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
4. Clean the outdoor unit and keep the area clear.
Leaves, dirt and other debris can build up in the outdoor unit of your air conditioner, known as the condenser. It can negatively affect the capacity of your air conditioning unit and decrease its airflow so it is essential to check your condenser in your air conditioning check-up routine.
Please note: Before you clean your outdoor unit, turn off the system. You can use a simple garden hose to wash off the dirt and debris in your outdoor unit. Start at the top, then hose the dirt down. Avoid using a power washer that can possibly damage your air conditioning unit.
Once you have finished cleaning, trim the plants surrounding the outdoor unit. If left untrimmed, they can block the air coming into the unit.
5. Protect your Air Con unit from the sun.
Protecting it from the sun keeps your air conditioner from overheating. You should especially do this during the hot days of the summer season. You can install awnings to protect the outdoor unit from the intense Australian heat.
It would also be beneficial to keep the blinds or curtains closed during the sun’s peak hours to help keep your home cooler and prevent your air conditioning system from over-exerting itself, which will in turn prevent overheating.
6. Keep your thermostat cool.
Keep your thermostat away from heat-producing appliances, such as your TV set and lamps. Do not place it where it can be hit by the sun directly. The thermostat will sense the heat and will inadvertently cause your air conditioner to run longer than necessary and may overwork it.
7. Check the wiring and individual components.
Though this is better done by a trusted aircon specialist, you can also do some simple assessments on your own. Remove the access panel of your unit and inspect the wiring. Look out for signs of overheating, such as melted insulation and blackened wires. Once you see these signs, call Hogan Hot Water and Air Conditioning immediately.
IMPORTANT: Before you touch any wirings, make sure to turn off your air conditioning system and unplug it first to avoid injuries and accidents.
7. Check your ductwork.
Leaky ductwork can make your air conditioner inefficient. It can allow the cold air or your aircon’s refrigerant to escape, but ductwork insulation can help prevent this. If your ductwork is laid in your attic where it can get too hot during summer, it can cause your unit to heat up. Proper ductwork insulation protects your unit from overheating.
8. Check condenser drains.
It is important to regularly check your air conditioner’s drain. A blocked drain means that your unit needs to be serviced by a professional. Material can accumulate in the drain over time, such as mould, slime, algae, and insects.
A drain blockage can redirect the flow of the water to places where it should not be, such as the front of your indoor unit, or through your ceiling. Aside from leaks, you can check the condensate tray of your unit. If the water does not drain away, it might be an indication of a blockage along the drain.
9. Call Hogan Hot Water for Your Air Conditioning Needs.
The tidy, professional and efficient team at Hogan Hot Water and Air Conditioning know the importance of your air conditioning unit for your comfort. We pride ourselves on the quality of our service. You can rely on us for your air conditioner installation, repair, and servicing needs. Call us as soon as you spot a major problem, or for your annual service.