No matter what we invest in, we always want to ensure we do it intelligently. When it comes to air conditioning, this means making sure that your system will last for as long as possible. Frequent maintenance and cleaning is an essential strategy for keeping your HVAC running smoothly and preventing costly repairs. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the benefits of regular air conditioner maintenance and how you can contribute to keeping your AC in tip-top shape.
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What are the benefits of regular maintenance ?
There’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day. Regardless of what mother nature throws our way, we can rest assured that our air conditioner will be there to keep us comfortable as we enjoy our dinner, a movie, or treasured time with family and friends.
Unfortunately, if your air conditioner is not maintained correctly, it will not only be unable to provide optimal comfort but will also demand more energy. An air conditioner that isn’t functioning at its best is a sure way to blow up your utility bills and leave you feeling frustrated. Luckily, avoiding this scenario is quite simple: you must ensure that your air conditioner receives regular maintenance. Frequent maintenance helps to keep your system running at its best and, just like changing the oil in your car, it’s ultimately a small price to pay to avoid significant problems down the road.
Extending the lifespan of your air conditioner:
With regular maintenance, your air conditioner can enjoy a longer lifespan. This is because regular maintenance helps to identify and fix minor problems before they have a chance to snowball into expensive issues, such as compressor failure, refrigerant leaks, and complete system breakdowns.
Improving energy efficiency:
A well-maintained air conditioner will run more efficiently, meaning it won’t have to work as hard (and use as much energy) to cool your home, leading to significant savings on your utility bills over time.
Improving comfort:
When your air conditioner is running at its best, you’ll be able to enjoy optimal comfort in your home. Forget about hot spots, uneven cooling, dry air, or feeling stuffy; regular maintenance allows you to enjoy a comfortable climate all year round.
Healthier Air:
One of the benefits of an optimised air conditioner is that it will help to purify the air in your home. By keeping your system in good shape, you can help ensure that the air in your home is free from dust, airborne pollutants, and mould.
How can I do keep my AC unit in good condition?
Maintaining the health of your AC unit isn’t limited to professional tune-ups; there are also a few things that you can do to contribute to the longevity of your system.
Wall Mounted units or split systems
Wall mounted, or split systems, are the most common type of air conditioner found in Adelaide homes. To help maintain the health of your split system, you can do some of the following:
- Open the lid of your indoor unit and remove the system’s filters.
- Wipe/hose down your filters and let them dry properly before reinserting them into the unit.
- While the lid is still up, use a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust gently.
- Remove dust outside your indoor unit and louvres with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner.
- For the outdoor unit, try to check up on it regularly to make sure there are no tree branches, plants, leaves or dirt accumulated over the fan. It’s also essential to ensure that the unit has enough space to breathe correctly. Avoid crowding the outdoor unit as this can impede airflow and prevent the system from working correctly.
Ducted air conditioning units
Ducted air conditioning is a great way to cool your entire home evenly and efficiently. If you have a ducted system, you can take the following steps to help keep your system in good condition:
- Loosen the screw/knob on the return rack to take the filter out.
- Hose the filter and let it dry thoroughly before reinserting it back into the rack.
- Check the outdoor unit regularly and remove any leaves or dirt that might be close or accumulated on the unit and fan.
- Ensure the unit always has enough space to breathe and avoid overheating.
Evaporative systems
Evaporative air conditioners are complex and require the expertise of a professional technician to maintain correctly. As such, it is recommended that you only allow an expert to maintain and service your evaporative air conditioner.
What is the difference between a service done by a professional and by yourself?
A professional HVAC technician will generally check the refrigerant and condenser levels, the condition of pipes, coil, filters, vents and pads, measure the energy draw, check airflow on both heating and cooling and clean the outside of the units. The service will also depend on the air conditioning unit (evaporative, split or ducted). However, self-maintenance will allow you to spot an anomaly quickly and detect a potential problem. Regular self-maintenance will also prevent dirt, grime and mould formation and reduce the overall energy consumption of your unit.
Always remember: maintenance is essential!
Air conditioning systems can be expensive. Taking proactive care of your unit is essential to preventing additional costs and guaranteeing optimal comfort in your home. While performing basic self-maintenance contributes to the long-term upkeep of an air conditioning unit, we recommend contacting a professional company to perform more complex maintenance to ensure your investment is being properly looked after.
At REQ Refrigeration, we offer a comprehensive range of air conditioning services to suit your needs. Our team of qualified professionals can provide you with a tailored solution to ensure your system is always running at its best. Contact us today to ensure that your air conditioning unit is always in good hands.