Why you should get your air conditioner serviced regularly
During the summer months, we generally take our air conditioning systems for granted, until it suddenly stops working and you realise how useful and much needed air conditioners really are for everyday living in Australia, given the very warm climate during summer.
There are some steps you can take yourself before hiring a professional to service your air conditioning unit, and if you follow the care instructions provided with your model, you shouldn’t run into any difficulties.
Cleaning your Air Conditioner, yourself
The air circulating around your home may look clean to the human eye, but there are fine particles of dirt and dust in every home and these will slowly build up in your air conditioning filters and ducts. They can be harmful if the build-up is thick as it is not good to be breathing in allergens and bacteria over long periods of time. Keeping your filters clean will help avoid this build up and result in “fresher” air being blown out of your air conditioning unit. This is a simple task for split system air conditioners, and basically just requires you to take the filters outside and give them a good shake and a brush, you could even use your vacuum cleaners brush tool if you have one. If you filters are grimy you can wash them in warm water using a mild detergent and then rinse them clean, making sure they are completely dry before putting back into the unit; this would all be explained in your manual. If you do not have your manual or care instructions, you may be able to download them from the manufacturer’s website. Regular cleaning of the filters will also help the efficiency of the unit and may help to reduce the running costs, as the dirt is not clogging up the filters making the machine work harder.
You can also give the outside unit a quick clean to, making sure there are no plants or grass covering the vents and brush away any cobwebs or dust that may have gathered over time. These simple steps can help the overall running of your machine.
Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance
Completing the basic cleaning yourself will help with the longevity of your air conditioning unit but getting a professional to service your machine annually will really help your machine run to its optimal level.
A licenced air conditioning mechanic can clean the internal components such as coils and the drainage system, and areas that you just can’t see and where the magic of cooling and heating happens. They can also check the gas levels, and check there are no blockages. When dealing with electrics, it is always best to seek the expertise of a licensed mechanic. Hogan Hot Water & Air Conditioning are just that, and specialise in all things air conditioning and can help with the on going maintenance and servicing of your home or work air conditioning unit, whether that be a simple split systems or a massive 10 ducted unit. Servicing your machine annually is a proactive way of maintaining your air conditioner.
Top FAQ about Air Conditioners
How often should I have my Air Conditioner maintained?
Most household units generally only require servicing once per year. Offices or larger units should be serviced every 6 months to keep them running at their optimum level.
Why is my air conditioning leaking water?
There could be several reasons why your air conditioner has started to leak, such as air leak, broken pump, block drain, or condenser coil. Calling a professional for advice is required to avoid any further damage to your home, such as stain marks and/or broken plater/gyprock.
Why is there a bad smell coming from my air conditioner?
Bad odours are usually a sign of mould build up on your filters, and the bacteria build up is what is causing the smell. Basic filter cleaning as explained above could help solve the issue.
What is the recommended temperature setting for air conditioners in Summer?
Ideally during the summer months, setting your air con unit to 24 to 25 degrees will provide a comfortable inside temperature for your home.
To arrange a service or if you are experiencing issues with your air conditioner, contact Hogan Hot Water and Air Conditioning to chat with our qualified mechanics, on 0488 029 618 or fill out a contact form today.