Most people forget that regular air conditioning maintenance is essential in providing maximum comfort in homes and commercial buildings all year round. Neglecting the service required will cause air con deterioration and a progressive increase in power consumption. Major repairs may be necessary. It can lead to permanent damage if ignored, prompting a complete air conditioning system replacement.
That costly mistake can be avoided, though. Here at ACSIS, we recommend Perth homeowners and businesses have their air conditioners serviced by a qualified technician. The best time for air conditioning maintenance is either before the summer heat creeps in or before the colder months in winter.
So, what’s involved in maintaining your air conditioning system? Take a look below.
Air Filter Cleaning (and Replacement if Necessary)
Cleaning air filters is one of the most critical steps to well-maintained air con. Your unit’s filters catch airborne mould and other allergens, so you can breathe clean air. Therefore, you need to get rid of the trapped matter by cleaning your filters. You can enjoy better air quality with less dust and fewer allergens with clean air filters. Your unit is also more efficient, resulting in lower energy costs.
This task can be completely DIY, but can also be a part of a professional maintenance service. We recommend air filter replacement every 45 to 90 days if you use disposable filters. Cleaning is typically done every two weeks, especially in dusty environments.
System Pressure and Temperature Diagnoses
AC pressure tests are necessary to ensure not only your comfort but your safety, as well. A gas leak can go undetected, often manifested by a failing system, such as when your air con fails to cool your room. Some people think it is a temperature problem, but it can also be caused by a depleted refrigerant, which is difficult to spot. That’s why you need a technician to detect the gas leak for you.
Similarly, air conditioner temperatures can be too high or too low, indicating operating problems. This issue can easily be prevented through regular servicing. Simple air temperature measurements can help in diagnosing your air con and determine if any repairs are needed.
Fan Belt Checks for Alignment and Wear
Does your air conditioner make squealing noises when it’s turned on? It’s just one of the signs to look out for when the fan belt needs replacement. If you have an older unit, the AC belt may already have cracks, dryness, and other symptoms of wear. Some belts break because they weaken as they age, which means a replacement should be in order. Your air conditioner will not function if the belt is broken.
Some units do not have a belt. If yours does, the belt spins whenever the air conditioner is running, powering up the condenser fan motor and engaging the fan. All condenser units require a fan, which works to remove heat from the condenser coil. If the fan is not engaged due to a misaligned or worn belt, your home can be unbearably hot.
Schedule a maintenance service, which usually includes checking the belt inside the condenser unit.
Thermostat Settings and Calibration Assessments
Did you know that plenty of AC problems are due to a malfunctioning thermostat? If your thermostat requires repair, it often loses its connection to your air conditioner. Be sure to contact a technician to help solve this problem; otherwise, it can cause system damage.
But don’t panic; often, thermostat problems are not that dramatic, usually causing subtle or sudden changes in your cooling system’s performance. Checking thermostat settings can ensure your AC keeps you comfortable and saves energy when you are not at home. Sometimes, frequent short cycles or continuous running of the appliance leads to thermostat issues. Another reason may be a poorly calibrated anticipator, which can be solved by lengthening the cooling cycle.
If your problem is still not resolved, you should call a technician to obtain the best solution.
Condensate Drain, Evaporator Coil and Condenser Coil Cleaning
We recommend cleaning condensate drain lines every month to kill harmful bacteria and build-up whilst ensuring the system operates at peak performance. Cleaning helps remove clogging and prevent mould and algae from growing.
Likewise, cleaning evaporator and condenser coils helps keep air conditioning units running efficiently. Frequently maintained systems have a longer lifespan than those that rarely get any service. Evaporator coils are traditionally attached to a furnace, which is why you may need to have them cleaned before the heating season starts.
Condenser coils, on the other hand, can trap heat and may not effectively release it if the coils are dirty. Your unit will have a hard time heating or cooling your home whilst also increasing energy consumption.
Thorough Cleaning of Air Ducts and Vents for Dust, Pet Hair, and Other Debris
Clean air ducts and vents are essential for your health and safety. Therefore, it should be a part of your air conditioning maintenance. Some of the benefits of thorough air duct and vent cleaning include:
- Lower electricity bills due to the increased airflow volume at the diffusers or registers
- Reduced dust in your home or office
- No musty odours, primarily when operating the air conditioner
- Even temperatures in every room (if preferred)
Indoor air can be 70% more polluted than outdoor air because of house dust that can contain viruses, dead skin cells, pet hair and dander, pollen, and mould. Viruses and pathogens hover in the air for up to several hours. That means illnesses can be passed from one person to the next indoors.
Cleaning air ducts and vents are usually a tall order, even for dedicated homeowners. A certified aircon professional is a better choice because all the necessary tools are ready for use.
For your air conditioning maintenance requirements, hire ACSIS. We accomplish the needed tasks more effectively in less time. Contact us today!
FAQs
- How often should an air conditioner be serviced?
We recommend you call an air con technician at least once every 12 months. For best results, have your air conditioner serviced before the season changes. Perth homes generally require air con servicing once in autumn and once in spring to ensure a clean and efficient operation throughout the year.
- Why is my air conditioner making an unusual noise?
Noises are not normal, despite what your neighbour may tell you. Any noise coming from the unit can be an indication of a developing problem. Shrieking noises may be a sign of fan motor failure or a broken compressor motor in the condenser system. Screeches or squeals may also be a sign of blower fan motor damage.
- Is it worth getting your air conditioner serviced?
Yes! Annual maintenance ensures your unit operates at its peak efficiency, which decreases by as much as 5% yearly without regular servicing. Maintenance is not as costly as having higher cooling and heating bills. You also have less risk of needing air con replacement, which is certainly more expensive than regular maintenance service.
- How do I clean my air conditioner filter?
After removing the filter, use a hand vacuum to reduce dust build-up. You can use a microfibre cloth to remove dust along the filter frame. Wash the filter with a hose or soak it in a deep sink filled with one part white vinegar and one part warm water. Rinse after an hour and reinstall the filter. Make sure you turn your unit off first before any cleaning attempts. For the best results, contact ACSIS, and we will clean your air conditioner for you.
