(Part 2 – Ducted Air Conditioners)
A ducted air conditioning system is a significant investment that will keep your home cool and comfortable all year round. Ducted air conditioners have an expected lifespan of up to 10 to 15 years, with some lasting much longer, so it’s important to ensure that your air conditioner is well looked after and operating efficiently to get the most out of your investment.
In warmer climates such as Queensland, a ducted air conditioner may see little to no use through the cooler months of the year. This means that when it’s time to start your air conditioner back up for spring and summer, it’s a good idea to take the time to do some minor cleaning and maintenance to ensure that your air conditioner runs smoothly and efficiently all summer long.
If your air conditioner is due for it’s annual service, now is a great time to book it in with your local air conditioning specialist before summer arrives and they start to get booked out. In the meantime, below are some simple maintenance tips you can perform yourself to ensure that your air conditioner is ready to go for summer.
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How To Prepare Your Ducted AC For Summer
Shut Off Power
Before anything else, you will need to completely shut the power off to your air conditioning unit. This includes both at the powerpoint and at the switchboard. Allow at least 30 minutes after shutting off the power before undergoing any maintenance on the unit as this will allow any charge stored in the capacitor of the unit enough time to dissipate.
If you’re not confident in disconnecting the power to your AC unit, do not attempt any cleaning or maintenance to avoid injury.
Clean Air Filters
The first thing you can do to prepare your air conditioner for summer is clean the air filters. The air filters an essential part of your air conditioning system as they are used to remove dirt, dust, pollen, and other pollutants from the air before circulating air into your home.
This means that the air filters will need to be regularly checked and cleaned to prevent them from becoming clogged. Failure to regularly clean your air conditioner’s filters can hinder air flow as the filters become clogged and can also allow dust and dirt trapped in the filter to reenter the home.
In most cases your ducted air conditioner will have reusable filters that can be cleaned and put back into the system, however, some air conditioners use disposable filters. Check the manual for your air conditioner to find out what filters your unit uses or ask at your next annual service.
If your air conditioner has reusable filters, simply remove them and gently clean them, ensuring that the air filters are completely dry before replacing them in the system. For disposable filters, simply replace them with new filters when dirty. This should be done at least twice a year, and may need to be done more frequently for air conditioners with higher usage.
Note: In a ducted air conditioner the air filters can typically be found inside the return air grilles. Refer to your owners manual if you are having difficulty locating your filters.
Check Ductwork
It’s also a good idea to check the ductwork of your air conditioning system for any damage, holes or cracks, ensuring that every seal is intact. This is important as any leaks will allow heat and humidity to enter the room, negatively affecting the efficiency of your air conditioner and driving up your electricity bill.
Air conditioning ducts will often run through the ceiling, floor, attic, or other unseen areas of the home. If you’re not sure where the ductwork for your unit is, ask your air conditioning technician at your next scheduled service.
Consider having your AC ducts professionally cleaned if you notice any unpleasant odours, mould, or evidence of animals within the ducts.
Clear Condenser Of Debris
Next, clear away any leaves, branches, and other debris that may be surrounding the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. This includes any plants, weeds or vines that may have become overgrown during the winter, inhibiting airflow through the unit. If you cover your outdoor unit during the cooler months of the year when your air conditioner is not in use, ensure that the cover is completely removed before switching on your AC unit.
Test The AC Unit
Finally, once you have completed the above checks and maintenance, reconnect the power supply to your air conditioner and switch the thermostat on to cool. If your air conditioner is not working correctly or making any unusual noises, you will need to contact your local air conditioning technician to check the unit for any damage.
Affordable AC Maintenance & Repairs
Advanced Climate Solutions are your local air conditioning specialists, providing affordable air conditioning maintenance and repair services Brisbane wide. If your air conditioner is not running as it should, or you simply need a service to get your air conditioner in peak condition before the heatwaves hit, choose ACS. Call us today on 0403 254 272 for a free quote or fill out our contact form.
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How To Prepare Your Air Conditioner For Summer (Part 1 – Split System AC)
