A service check each year by a professional or following the maintenance schedule will help prevent any major issues, however, there’s smaller maintenance work that you can do to keep your air conditioning running at optimal levels all year round.
How to keep your air conditioner running at optimal levels:
Here are some key things to look into around the home that will ensure your air conditioner has an easy time heating or cooling your home.
Window and door seals
This might be a bit obvious, but the easiest way to ensure your home is working with your air conditioner is by ensuring no air is leaking out. If there are any leaks, your air conditioner will have to work harder to do its job, which will cost you money in electricity and cause additional wear and tear to the system.
What to do:
- check all windows for cracks and leaks
- ensure all doors are sealed as best as possible
Your local hardware store should have a section on seals that can be added around your home - most additions can be installed without any tools but make sure you speak to a staff member if you have any questions.
Insulation
While your air conditioning unit might be perfectly suited for your home, it is important to ensure your air conditioner is working as efficiently as possible. One thing that could make your unit work over and above what is needed is poor home insulation.
Decent insulation will help your home retain heat in winter and keep the heat out in summer. If your home is already maintaining heat or cool, your air conditioner will work more efficiently and at an optimal rate.
Although an entire insulation upgrade in the home may be costly, some simple changes such as filling in gaps in windows or doors could prove to help you insignificantly.
To put it in perspective, without insulation, you could lose up to 35% of heat in winter, from your roof space alone. These leakages will cause your air con to work harder to get its job done, which will mean more wear and tear in the long term.
Blinds and curtains
We all know it’s cooler in the shade, so it would make sense that creating shade in your home will help your air conditioner keep it cool in summer. Even in winter, you can use blinds or curtains to put a barrier between your windows and your room.
At-home maintenance you can do for your air conditioning unit
Before getting an air conditioner technician into your home, there are a few DIY cleans you can do yourself to improve the efficiency of your unit.
- Check the filters - Manufacturers recommend you replace your filters during high-use periods like winter or summer. Giving them a clean between replacements will keep them in top condition. Make sure to read the owner's manual on how to clean them safely for your unit.
- Check the condenser - The condenser is the external unit that can get covered in dirt or debris, which will need to be cleared off regularly.
- Clean the internal system - Dusting or cleaning your home? Don’t forget the internal unit of your air conditioner or the vents. Any build-up of dust may get blown around your home when the air conditioner is on.
- Switch the mode - Switch your reverse cycle air conditioner from hot to cool for summer and switch back for winter.
Hiring a professional to service and maintain your air conditioner
With all the DIY maintenance tasks done, it’s time to get a professional in to give your air conditioning unit a thorough check and service.
A good rule of thumb is to service the air conditioner once a year, you can get an air conditioning technician to:
- Check and clean the ducting inside your roof.
- Check for leaks in the ducts or pipes.
- Thoroughly clean the condenser and evaporator coils.
- Check all the electrical connections.
Having a licensed professional regularly check, clean and inspect your air conditioner even between services will help them pick up on issues before they become problems.
Understanding the maintenance needs will also help you choose the best air conditioner for your home.