Battling the Aussie heat can feel like a never-ending cricket match, but you’re not alone – we know what it’s like when your home turns into an oven during those scorching summer months.
In fact, us Aussies cough up more than $1.5 billion each year on aircon, just to keep our cool! So mate, grab a cold one and check out our top seven AC maintenance tips that’ll help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Keep your cool and read on for some fair dinkum advice that’ll have you sorted in no time!
Key Takeaways
- Schedule AC servicing every six months to prevent costly breakdowns and keep the system efficient.
- Clean or replace filters monthly, especially during high – use periods, for better air quality and lower energy bills.
- Save money by using ceiling fans with your AC to distribute cool air more effectively.
- Seal leaks and insulate your home to maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce strain on your AC unit.
- Consider installing energy-efficient windows that have low-emissivity coatings and double glazing to combat heat gain.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your AC unit. Scheduling regular check-ups with a professional technician can help identify any potential issues early on, saving you from costly repairs in the future. This not
only ensures that your cooling system functions efficiently but also helps to maintain the air quality and comfort inside your home.
Importance of regular maintenance
Our air conditioners work hard to keep us cool, so looking after them is crucial. Staying on top of regular maintenance ensures our cooling systems run efficiently and last longer.
Without it, minor issues can become big problems that hit the hip pocket hard.
Scheduling AC servicing before the heat hits means we’re not caught out in a swelter. We enjoy lower energy bills, better air quality, and avoid the stress of unexpected breakdowns.
It’s all about keeping our homes comfy while guarding against costly repairs or replacements down the line.
How to schedule regular maintenance
To ensure our air conditioning system operates efficiently, we must schedule regular maintenance to keep it in top condition. Here are the steps you can follow for scheduling regular maintenance:
- Set a reminder on your calendar or phone to schedule maintenance every six months.
- Contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect and service your unit.
- Choose the best times for maintenance that align with seasonal changes and usage demands.
- Keep a record of all maintenance appointments and services performed on the AC unit.
- Plan ahead and schedule maintenance before peak usage seasons to avoid potential issues.
- Discuss with the technician any concerns or specific areas of focus during the scheduled maintenance visit.
- Consider signing up for a maintenance plan with a reputable HVAC company to ensure consistent upkeep.
Benefits of regular maintenance
Regular maintenance of your air conditioning system brings a multitude of benefits. First and foremost, it ensures optimal cooling performance, enhancing the comfort in your home while maintaining energy efficiency.
Additionally, regular upkeep prevents costly repairs and prolongs the lifespan of the unit. Moreover, by keeping the AC system well-maintained, you contribute to a healthier indoor environment by reducing dust and allergens circulated through clean filters.
Another advantage is that consistent maintenance helps in detecting issues early on such as refrigerant leaks or faulty components, preventing potential breakdowns during scorching hot weather when you need your AC the most.
Overall, regular maintenance provides peace of mind knowing that your cooling system is reliable and ready to keep you cool all year round.
Top 7 AC Maintenance Practices
To keep your AC unit running smoothly, it’s essential to regularly clean and replace filters, tidy up the outside unit, adjust the temperature as needed, use ceiling fans for added air circulation, seal and insulate your home to maintain cool air inside,
install energy-efficient windows, and consider hiring professional maintenance services for a thorough check-up.
These practices will ensure that your cooling system operates optimally all year round.
Cleaning and replacing filters
To keep your AC running efficiently, clean or replace filters every month during peak cooling seasons.
- Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce the system’s efficiency, leading to higher energy bills.
- Remove the filter and vacuum or rinse it, or replace it if it’s disposable.
- Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the evaporator coils and drain pan.
- Consider upgrading to high – efficiency pleated filters that can capture smaller particles.
- If you have pets or allergies, consider cleaning or replacing the filter more frequently to maintain optimal indoor air quality.
- Proper filtration improves air quality and helps your HVAC system run smoothly.
- Regular filter maintenance extends the life of your AC unit and prevents costly repairs.
Cleaning outside unit
After maintaining the filters, it’s essential to clean the outside unit to ensure efficient airflow and optimal performance of your AC system. Here are seven detailed steps for cleaning the outside unit:
- Turn off power to the unit from the main electrical panel.
- Carefully remove any debris, leaves, or dirt from around the unit.
- Gently wash the exterior of the unit with a garden hose to remove any built – up dirt and grime.
- Trim back any foliage or vegetation growing around the unit to avoid obstruction of airflow.
- Straighten any bent fins on the exterior of the unit with a fin comb tool for improved airflow.
- Check for any signs of damage or wear and tear on wires and components, and have them repaired if necessary.
- Ensure that there is at least two feet of clear space around all sides of the outside unit for proper airflow.
Adjusting temperature
To maintain a comfortable indoor environment, it’s important to adjust the temperature of your AC unit regularly. Here are some effective ways to do so:
- Use programmable thermostats to set different temperatures for when you’re home and away.
- Avoid setting the thermostat too low as it doesn’t cool your home faster.
- Consider investing in a smart thermostat that can be controlled remotely through an app.
- Ensure your thermostat is away from heat – generating appliances or direct sunlight.
- Open windows and use natural ventilation during milder days to give your AC a break.
- Keep doors and windows closed when the AC is on to maintain consistent cooling.
- Schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure your AC system’s temperature controls are functioning optimally.
Using ceiling fans
Keep your home cool and breezy by using ceiling fans alongside your air conditioning system. Ceiling fans help distribute cool air more efficiently, providing an extra boost to your AC’s efforts.
By adjusting the fan direction seasonally, you can enhance airflow in both summer and winter, promoting better comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.
Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to complement your cooling system while reducing energy consumption. With their ability to circulate air effectively, they offer enhanced indoor comfort without over-reliance on the AC unit, helping you maintain a comfortable living environment while lowering utility bills.
Sealing and insulating home
To further optimise the efficiency of your air conditioning system, consider sealing and insulating your home. Properly sealed and insulated homes can significantly improve the performance of your cooling system as well as enhance overall comfort. Here are some essential practices to help you achieve this:
- Seal any air leaks around doors and windows using weather stripping or caulking.
- Insulate attics, walls, and crawl spaces to prevent heat transfer between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Ensure that ductwork is properly sealed and insulated to minimise energy loss.
- Install energy – efficient windows to reduce heat gain and loss.
- Consider using thermal curtains or blinds to further insulate windows.
- Use door draft stoppers to prevent air from escaping under doors.
- Consider adding insulation to basement walls to regulate indoor temperatures more effectively.
Installing energy-efficient windows
- Low-emissivity coatings: These coatings help to reflect infrared light, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Double glazing: Two panes of glass with a gap in between act as an additional barrier to heat transfer, keeping your home comfortable year-round.
- Gas-filled windows: Some energy-efficient windows are filled with gases like argon or krypton, which provide better insulation properties compared to regular air-filled windows.
- Insulated frames: Look for window frames that are also insulated to prevent heat from transferring through the window frame into your home.
- Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): Choose windows with a lower SHGC value to minimise the amount of solar heat that enters your home through the windows.
- U-factor: Consider windows with a lower U-factor, indicating better insulation properties and reduced heat transfer.
- Professional installation: Ensure that the energy-efficient windows are installed correctly by professional services to maximise their effectiveness in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.
Hiring professional maintenance services
When it comes to keeping your AC running smoothly, hiring professional maintenance services is crucial. This ensures thorough inspection, cleaning, and repair of the entire cooling system.
Professional experts have the knowledge and tools to identify underlying issues that may not be apparent to untrained eyes.
Engaging professionals for regular AC servicing keeps your unit in optimal condition, preventing unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Additionally, their expert advice on efficient air conditioning solutions can help you save on energy bills while enjoying a comfortable home environment all year round.
Achieve Perfect Indoor Temperatures – Book Your AC Service Check Today
Maintaining your AC regularly is essential for optimal performance. Clean and replace filters to keep the air fresh. Consider professional maintenance services for expert care.
Use these tips to ensure cool comfort all year round.
