9 Essential Tips for maintaining your air conditioner

In the sweltering heat of summer, there’s nothing quite like the relief of a cool, air-conditioned room. Your aircon is more than just a luxury; it’s a lifeline that helps you stay comfortable when the mercury rises. But to keep it running smoothly, it requires a bit of TLC. 

Regular maintenance not only ensures your aircon works efficiently but also prolongs its lifespan, saving you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. 

Here are nine essential tips to help you maintain your aircon and keep your home cool and comfortable.

1. Clean or Replace the Filters Regularly

One of the simplest yet most crucial steps in aircon maintenance is keeping the filters clean. Over time, dust, dirt, and allergens can accumulate in the filters, reducing the aircon’s efficiency and compromising the air quality in your home. 

A clogged filter makes your aircon work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills and increased wear and tear on the unit. To avoid this, clean or replace the filters every one to three months, depending on usage and the environment. 

If you live in a particularly dusty area or have pets, you may need to do this more frequently. A clean filter ensures better airflow and keeps your aircon running efficiently. 

In cities like Melbourne, where the summer heat can be intense, it's important to schedule regular aircon service. This ensures your system is well-prepared to keep your home cool during the hottest months.

2. Check and Clean the Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils in your aircon play a vital role in cooling your home. Over time, these coils can collect dirt, which reduces their ability to absorb and release heat. This can cause your aircon to lose its cooling efficiency and may even lead to overheating.

To maintain your aircon’s performance, check the coils at least once a year and clean them if necessary. You can use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to gently remove the dirt. For more thorough cleaning, consider using a specialised coil cleaner. 

Keeping the coils clean helps your aircon run more efficiently and prolongs its lifespan.

3. Inspect the Condensate Drain

Your aircon’s condensate drain is responsible for removing the moisture that the unit extracts from the air. If the drain becomes clogged, it can lead to water damage in your home or affect the aircon’s ability to control humidity.

In some cases, a clogged drain can even cause the aircon to shut down.

To prevent this, check the condensate drain regularly to ensure it’s not blocked. If you notice any water pooling around the aircon or signs of moisture where there shouldn’t be any, it’s time to inspect the drain. 

You can clear minor clogs yourself with a stiff wire or by flushing the drain with a mixture of water and vinegar.

4. Ensure Proper Airflow Around the Unit

For your aircon to work efficiently, it needs proper airflow both inside and outside the unit. Make sure the area around the outdoor unit is free of debris, such as leaves, grass, or dirt, that could block the airflow.

Trim any nearby plants or shrubs to ensure at least two feet of clearance around the unit.

Indoors, ensure that furniture or curtains aren’t obstructing the air vents. Blocked vents can reduce the effectiveness of your aircon and cause uneven cooling.

By maintaining good airflow, you help your aircon cool your home more effectively and reduce the strain on the system.

5. Check the Thermostat Settings

Your aircon’s thermostat controls the temperature and regulates how often the unit runs. If the thermostat isn’t set correctly, your aircon may be working harder than it needs to, leading to increased energy consumption and unnecessary wear.

According to SA.GOV.AU: “Setting your thermostat to 24 - 27°C, or higher if you're comfortable, will reduce running costs.”

If you have a programmable thermostat, take advantage of its features to set different temperatures for different times of the day, such as lowering the cooling when you’re asleep or away from home.

6. Inspect the Ductwork

Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can cause your aircon to lose a significant amount of cooled air, making the system work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This not only reduces the efficiency of your aircon but also drives up your energy bills.

Periodically inspect your ductwork for any signs of leaks, such as visible holes, tears, or disconnected joints. You can seal minor leaks with duct tape, but for more extensive repairs, it’s best to consult a professional. 

Ensuring your ducts are properly sealed and insulated can make a big difference in your aircon’s performance.

7. Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance

While there’s a lot you can do to maintain your aircon, some tasks are best left to the professionals. Regular professional maintenance, ideally once a year, can help identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.

A qualified technician will check the refrigerant levels, inspect the electrical components, clean the coils, and ensure the entire system is functioning correctly. 

This not only keeps your aircon running efficiently but also extends its lifespan and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

8. Keep an Eye on the Refrigerant Levels

Your aircon relies on the proper amount of refrigerant to cool your home effectively. If the refrigerant levels are too low, your aircon may struggle to cool your home, run inefficiently, and eventually overheat. 

Low refrigerant levels can also indicate a leak, which should be addressed immediately to avoid further damage.

If you notice that your aircon isn’t cooling as well as it used to, or if it’s running continuously without reaching the set temperature, it could be a sign of low refrigerant. 

In this case, it’s important to have a professional check the levels and recharge the system if necessary.

9. Listen for Unusual Noises

Your aircon should run relatively quietly, so if you start hearing unusual noises – such as rattling, buzzing, or grinding – it’s a sign that something might be wrong. These noises could indicate a variety of issues, from loose parts and debris in the fan to more serious mechanical problems.

If you hear any strange sounds, don’t ignore them. Investigate the source of the noise and, if necessary, call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem. 

Addressing unusual noises early can prevent more significant damage and keep your aircon running smoothly.

The Importance of Regular Aircon Maintenance

Maintaining your aircon is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable, especially during the hottest months of the year. By following these nine essential tips, you can ensure that your aircon operates efficiently, lasts longer, and provides reliable cooling when you need it most.

Remember, a little regular maintenance goes a long way in preventing costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. So, take the time to care for your aircon – it’s an investment in your comfort and peace of mind.