It’s official: El Niño is on its way. This means Melbournians are in for a long, hot, and dry summer. In light of this, it’s important to guard themselves against the sweltering heat approaching.
A key factor in this is the air conditioning system, which, when functioning optimally, can turn the homes into a cool place to escape to. However, this effectiveness can be hampered if we neglect the regular maintenance of the units. Why is pre-summer maintenance vital, users may ask? And what is involved? Let’s delve deeper into this topic.
Why is Air Conditioner Maintenance So Important?
The importance of pre-summer maintenance for the air conditioning system cannot be understated. The last thing users want on a hot summer day is an air conditioning system that’s on the fritz.
Regular maintenance is not just about comfort, it’s about ensuring that the air conditioning system operates efficiently and effectively when users need it most.
But how does regular maintenance help?
Regular maintenance helps to mitigate these issues, keeping the system in peak condition
Over time, dust and debris accumulate on critical components of the air conditioning unit like the air filters and condenser coils, forcing the system to work harder. This additional strain not only reduces efficiency but also increases energy consumption and amplifies wear and tear, leading to potential breakdowns.
Regular maintenance helps to mitigate these issues, keeping the system in peak condition and reducing the likelihood of unwelcome surprises during the height of summer.
What about the economic aspect of regular maintenance?
Is it worth it? In short, yes. While regular maintenance might seem like an added expense, it’s a proactive investment that pays real dividends in the long run. First, increasing the lifespan of the unit ultimately saves users from the hefty costs of premature replacements.
Additionally, by reducing energy consumption, it trims down the utility bills. Lastly, an efficiently running system is less prone to breakdowns, which once again saves users from exorbitant repair costs.
Essential Maintenance Steps
1. Clean Air Filters
Air filters are designed to trap dust, debris, and other airborne particles that can compromise the indoor air quality and the system’s efficiency. Over time, this material builds up and can create a barrier that the system has to work harder to overcome.
This extra effort can lead to increased energy consumption, lower cooling efficiency, and a potential reduction in the lifespan of the unit.
- Use a soft brush or a vacuum
Air Docs should also note that a few types of filters cannot be cleaned and will need to be replaced instead
Luckily, cleaning or replacing the air filters is a straightforward process. Start by turning off the system to make sure it is safe to handle. Next, locate the air filter – this will usually be found along the return duct. Carefully remove the filter and check its condition.
If it’s caked in dust and debris, it’s time to give it a good clean! Use a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently clean the filter. Some filters can even be hosed off and left to air dry if that’s the preference. Air Docs should also note that a few types of filters cannot be cleaned and will need to be replaced instead.
- New filter installation
When a user is putting the filter back in or replacing it, make sure to install the new filter in the correct direction – an arrow on the filter’s edge will guide the user.
Not sure if the air filters need cleaning? There are a few signs of a struggling air filter. These may include reduced airflow, increased dust levels in the home, or a sudden spike in energy bills.
2. Clean Condenser Coils
The heart of the air conditioner lies within its cooling component—the condenser unit. Inside there are condenser coils, which play a pivotal role in transferring heat from the home to the outdoor environment through the outdoor unit, ensuring a cool and comfortable indoor atmosphere.
Over time, these condenser coils can be subjected to a build-up of dust, dirt, and grime.
- Create an insulating layer
An overworked system also consumes more energy, resulting in higher utility bills
The problem with dirty condenser coils is that they create an insulating layer that impedes the heat transfer process. This obstruction forces the air conditioning system to work overtime, trying to compensate for the loss in efficiency.
This extra exertion increases wear and tear on the system, shortening its lifespan and leading to potential breakdowns. An overworked system also consumes more energy, resulting in higher utility bills—not ideal!
- Frequency of cleaning
So, how often should the user have the condenser unit and coils cleaned? The frequency of cleaning depends on various factors, such as the location of the home, the amount of dust in the environment, and the usage pattern of the air conditioning unit.
As a general rule, it is advisable to have the condenser coils cleaned at the start of summer ensuring the system is primed for cooling.
- Cleaning condenser coils
While it might be tempting to do this maintenance themselves, cleaning condenser coils is a task best left to the professionals. Why?
This process involves delicate parts and can potentially cause damage if not done correctly. Professionals have the right tools, training, and safety measures in place to perform this task efficiently and safely.
- Minimize dust circulation
Also, using a high-quality air filter and changing it regularly can minimize the amount of dust circulating
However, there are a few things users can do to reduce the build-up of dirt on the condenser coils. For instance, keeping the surrounding area clean and free of debris can prevent dust from being sucked into the system.
Also, using a high-quality air filter and changing it regularly can minimize the amount of dust circulating within the home and ultimately reaching the condenser coils.
3. Check Coolant Line Insulation
Checking the coolant line insulation is a maintenance task users might not have considered before. This component is paramount to maintaining efficiency and reducing energy loss, acting as a thermal barrier that keeps the coolant at the optimal temperature.
Why is it so important to keep the coolant at the right temperature? The coolant, or refrigerant, absorbs heat from the home and releases it outside, cooling the indoor space. If the coolant isn’t at the right temperature, its heat absorption and release capabilities can be compromised, leading to inefficient cooling.
- Wear and tear
Over time, wear and tear may also affect the insulation around the coolant lines. Damaged or worn-out insulation can lead to energy loss as it fails to keep the coolant at the correct temperature. This, in turn, forces the air conditioning system to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption and decreased cooling efficiency.
This is a job best left to the professionals, however; qualified HVAC technicians can check and replace worn insulation during standard air conditioning maintenance services.
4. Check Coolant Levels
When the air conditioning system has the right coolant level, it not only performs at peak efficiency
Understanding and maintaining the correct coolant level in the air conditioning system is more than just a routine task; it’s a way to guarantee smooth operation and optimal performance.
When the air conditioning system has the right coolant level, it not only performs at peak efficiency but also consumes less energy, saving users money in the long run.
- Cooling effect
When the coolant levels dip, the system has to work harder to produce the same cooling effect. This then leads to increased energy consumption and decreased cooling efficiency. Potential causes for low coolant levels can range from leaks in the system to improper installation or service.
Checking the coolant levels regularly can help to identify these issues early on. If users notice a significant drop in cooling efficiency, or if the unit is not producing cold air, it might be time to check the coolant levels.
- Correct refrigerant amount
However, checking and adjusting the coolant levels is not a simple DIY task. It requires special tools and knowledge to handle refrigerants safely and in compliance with environmental regulations.
If users suspect the air conditioning’s coolant levels are low, seek assistance from a professional HVAC technician. They can accurately measure the coolant levels, identify and fix any leaks, and ensure that the system is charged with the correct amount of refrigerant.
5. Check Ductwork Integrity
Dust in ductwork can be blown back into the home, which can exacerbate allergy or asthma symptoms
The ductwork in the home serves as the pathway through which cool air from a ducted air conditioner travels, ensuring that the living space remains at a comfortable temperature. Like any other part of the HVAC system, it requires regular maintenance to function at its peak.
If the filters aren’t clean, this dust can be drawn into the ductwork and build up. This not only reduces the efficiency of the system’s airflow but can even be unhealthy or dangerous. Dust in ductwork can be blown back into the home, which can exacerbate allergy or asthma symptoms. A severe dust buildup can even become a fire hazard.
- Professional duct cleaning
“How often should I clean my ductwork?” While the answer varies based on factors such as the size of the home, the number of occupants, and the general air quality, most experts recommend a thorough cleaning every three to five years. However, if users have pets, suffer from allergies, or live in a particularly dusty environment, more frequent cleanings may be beneficial.
Professional duct cleaning typically involves the use of specialized tools and vacuums to remove accumulated dust and debris from the ductwork. Duct cleaning requires professional knowledge and equipment to ensure a thorough and safe cleanup. Moreover, improper cleaning can damage the ductwork, leading to costly repairs and potentially harming the air conditioning system.
Professional AC Maintenance Services
While it’s true that some tasks in air conditioning maintenance can be performed by the homeowner, it’s equally important to acknowledge that many elements require professional expertise.
Professional maintenance services for an AC unit aren’t as straightforward as they might appear. They involve more than just a quick look at the unit. Qualified and licensed HVAC technicians are trained to identify potential problems at their early stages. This early detection can save users from inconvenient breakdowns during the hottest part of the year, and most importantly, prevent the headache of costly unplanned repairs.
- Checking the electrical connections
One of the significant services a professional can provide is checking the electrical connections within the unit
One of the significant services a professional can provide is checking the electrical connections within the unit. Over time, these connections can loosen, causing the system to run ineffectively and even becoming a fire hazard.
By ensuring these connections are tight, professionals can enhance the system’s efficiency and prolong its lifespan.
- AC maintenance
Another often overlooked aspect of AC maintenance is the lubrication of moving parts. Without proper lubrication, these parts can wear out faster due to increased friction. This wear and tear can lead to a decrease in system efficiency and even system failure.
Professionals ensure that these parts are adequately lubricated, thereby reducing friction and enhancing overall system performance.
- Thermostat inspection
A professional service provider also inspects the thermostat. This device controls when and how much cool air the unit produces. If it’s not functioning correctly, the system will not operate as efficiently as it should.
Professionals can calibrate the thermostat, ensuring that it accurately controls the system and maintains the desired comfort level.