The proper functioning of air conditioning systems is based on how well people maintain their units. When summer scorches in Australia, you can’t have an air conditioning unit with issues or faulty components.
In addition to that, regular maintenance of air conditioners can give you multiple benefits. While most air conditioners have a life of 10-15 years, regular maintenance can ensure proper functioning of it throughout its lifecycle. Also, it reduces the overall repair expenses as you can spot the issues with your units before they escalate.
Proper maintenance of air conditioning units also helps you to ensure energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bills. Note that the clogged air filters and dirty condenser coils can force your AC unit to consume more energy to provide the desired cooling results. That means, the air conditioning unit costs you more in terms of energy bills and leave a larger carbon footprint.
Well-maintained air conditioning units also ensure better air quality in the interior of your property. If you open the front panel of your AC filter, you can find dust in it. While cleaned or new air conditioners have fewer amounts of dust, uncleaned units come with plenty of dust.
The accumulated dust can make the purification of air minimally effective and make it pass through the filters. Proper cleaning of filters and air conditioner maintenance is also a way to keep you healthy. Get in touch with Advance Air Conditioning Melbourne which provides Air Conditioning Installation, Repair, and Service for all major brands.
Here are some tips on how to maintain an air conditioning system that can help you achieve your utility goals, ensure air quality, and reduce repair expenses.
Change Or Clean The Air Filter
Changing the AC filter at regular intervals is critical for the proper functioning of your AC units. As discussed earlier, the filters of air conditioners build up dust, furs, and small debris that reduce the overall efficiency of the units.
You can clean the air filters every two weeks and replace them once a month to ensure proper functioning. Note that cleaning a filter is an easy job and you can remove the dust using plain water.
If your location experiences excessive dust or fur, you can replace the filters every 20 days or twice a month.
It is highly recommended that you replace the air filters, especially during the summer and winter months.
You can change the filters once in three months during the offseason. There is no defined time frame to change the filter, and it depends on the amount of dust in your environment, the usage rate of your AC unit, and the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of your air filters.
The higher an air filter’s MERV rating is, the better its filtering capabilities and ability to provide lasting results are.
Check The Thermostat
You should also check your thermostat at regular intervals and ensure that it is working properly and providing you with the ideal cooling results. Do you have an older mechanical thermostat?
If you do, you should think about upgrading it to a programmable thermostat. Most programmable thermostats have smart features to ensure efficient cooling for interiors. Compared to mechanical thermostats, these devices allow you to set temperature according to your routine.
While you’re away, you can set your air conditioner to a minimal temperature or have it switched off and have it start cooling your house 30 minutes before you get home. You don’t want to turn off or adjust the thermostat every day as it adjusts according to the scheduled temperatures.
Modern thermostats allow you to connect them with your smartphones and enable you to control the heating and cooling of your property more efficiently. The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart speakers allow you to access thermostat at your home even from your office using your smartphone and control the temperature.
While installing the thermostat, try not to fix it in places that get heat from various sources, such as sunlight or a cooktop. The thermostat may give you a higher temperature than the average room temperature and force you to set your thermostat at lower temperatures.
Examine The Components And Wiring
While working on your air conditioning unit, you should turn the power to the unit off. Also, turn off the main switch and disconnect it from the outdoor system. Then, remove the access panel and examine the interior of the unit for any burned wires, overheating melted insulation, or other issues.
Later, you can check all the electrical components and make sure that they are tight. If you are not confident in examining the air conditioner, you can seek the assistance of an HVAC technician as they can check your unit and complete necessary repairs.
Check The Condenser Fan
Shut off the power supply before checking the condenser fan. Examine the condenser fan, which is on top of the outside condenser, to ensure it is in good shape and properly working.
If you don’t have the knowledge about the various parts of an AC unit, note that the condenser of the AC is the portion of the unit that is parked outside your property.
Do you see any chips or cracks in the fan blades? If so, then it’s time to replace the condenser fan.
Also, people who have older AC units need to apply oil to the motor bearings of the fan. The condenser fan is a critical component of an AC unit to circulate cool air throughout your property.
You can also check:
• Is the fan working properly while the AC is on?
• Does the fan stop after shutting the AC off?
• Is the fan rotating slowly than usual?
• Do you hear rattling noises from the condenser unit when the air conditioner is turned on?
Note that if the capacitor is not working, it can lead to the malfunctioning of the condenser fan. Capacitors deliver the torque to the fan motors to run.
Clean The Exterior Of The AC Unit
Dirt, grass clippings, leaves, and other forms of debris may get piled up on the AC unit. This makes the air conditioning unit less efficient due to the decreased or blocked air flow. You can remove the dirt and other debris by gently cleaning the unit with a garden hose.
Remember that using a power washer to clean the AC unit is not a good idea as it can possibly damage the components of the unit, including bending the delicate coil fins or spines. Always keep the surroundings of the AC unit clean and free of any debris. Also, trim any shrubs around the unit to ensure free circulation of air between the AC unit and the environment.
Make sure that your air conditioning unit has enough free space to allow the hassle-free exchange of air around it. Never cover the unit or block with a wall, deck overhang, or any other blocking structures or objects.
Call Up An HVAC Professional For Maintenance
You can call an HVAC professional for an annual inspection as professional maintenance can improve the efficiency of your unit and avoid early breakdown. The HVAC professionals check your unit, identify any issues associated with it, repair it, and make it fully functional.
They perform the following tasks during the maintenance:
• Check and ensure that your unit has the correct amount of refrigerant.
• Conduct tests using a leak detector and identify any refrigerant leaks.
• Check any duct leakage in the central system and seal it.
• Remove any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the unit. Note that it is illegal to release the refrigerant to air.
• Measure and ensure enough airflow through the evaporator coil.
• Check various electric terminals, clean them, and tighten the connections. If necessary, they apply a non-conductive coating as well.
• Inspect the electric control sequence and ensure that both the cooling system and heating system do not work simultaneously.
• Check belts and oil motors for tightness and smooth operation.
• Check and ensure the accuracy of your thermostat.
Think of hot summer days when your AC unit stops working or not provide sufficient cooling to make you comfortable. It’s horrible, even for only a few hours.
Calling up a professional once in a year for maintenance, especially before the summer, is a great way to escape from such uncomfortable hours. Contact us for Air Conditioning Installation in Melbourne.
Conclusion: Choose The Right HVAC Professionals
Like any other appliance, AC units at your property also need proper maintenance to ensure no hassles during the scorching seasons. It gives you excellent dividends in the form of reduced utility bills.
Calling for the service of a qualified HVAC professional, who can recommend you the best options for saving your utility bills while ensuring comfort during summer, is important in your AC maintenance.
At Advanced Heating & Cooling Specialists, we offer end-to-end heating and cooling solutions from AC installation to repairs for both residential and commercial properties.
Our HVAC professionals offer a range of services, including regular maintenance and ensure the cooling systems of our customers are fully functional. They will also give you insights and suggestions on how to maintain an air conditioning system for better efficiency.
We are also focused on offering a hassle-free service experience to our customers. Visit our service and repair page and learn about our range of heating and cooling services for residential and commercial spaces, or call us on (03) 9310 1990 today.