You’ll want to stay cool this summer, and at home that means it’s time to switch on the air conditioning. It may be that you haven’t run your system for months. If this is the case, you might be best advised to have your unit serviced before the worst of the heat hits us. However, there are a few simple DIY maintenance tips that will help you to be ready for a hot summer.
Five things to do to get your air conditioner working at the start of summer
- If your unit is partially outside then remove any weeds and overgrown shrubs around the unit, but retain any shade from which it benefits
- Make sure the unit is level, and if it isn’t then take action to make it so
- Expert DIY folk can clean fins and coils. Use a light brush on the fins and remove any dirt. These are delicate, so be careful not to damage them. If they are damaged, then call an air conditioning engineer to undertake a maintenance check. The coil can be cleaned with a coil cleaner (allow the unit to dry properly before switching on)
- Check all coolant lines and ductwork for damage. If insulation is damaged, the efficiency will be decreased and running costs will rise. Any damaged insulation will need to be replaced in line with the manufacturer’s instructions
- Check the switch panel and thermostat controls, paying attention to faulty switches
How to maintain an air conditioner during the summer months
Once the Brisbane summer is under way, it’s important to make sure your air conditioning unit is properly maintained. Doing so will help keep energy bills as low as possible and make sure you’re as cool as you want to be during a long, hot summer. Here is a check list of things to do at least once a month:
- Refrigerant levels are important. If these are low, your system will not be working efficiently and there is a high risk of expensive damage
- Clean fins and coils
- Check the filters and clean as necessary
- Maintain a clean area around outside units
If in doubt, shout!
If you are in any doubt as to the health of your air conditioning system, then you should contact an air conditioning technician and request a service. Action taken early may save an expensive repair later. Finally, never attempt any maintenance or repair work yourself that you are not certain of being able to do.