Servicing, When,
Why How?
What would you do without your air conditioner in Adelaide? The unit that keeps you comfortable and cool (or warm!) on a daily basis might seem to work perfectly year-round at the touch of a button, but it needs a bit more attention than you might think.
When was the last time you cleaned your air conditioner? Or had it serviced? It is easy to overlook and forget about — until it’s too late!
Why get your air conditioner serviced?
Keeping your air conditioning system clean and serviced is vital to maintaining air quality in your home, ensuring your running costs won’t get out of control, and extending the life of your unit. Neglecting to do so could mean a hefty repair bill or replacement further down the road, so a little investment now will save you time and money in the long run. Identifying small problems before they become bigger ones may save you on replacement costs!
Air conditioner filters are designed to catch dirt, dust and debris. If not cleaned regularly, filters can become clogged and start collecting moisture and mold, which is not good for you and your family or the air conditioning unit. They also restrict airflow through your system, causing a reduction in efficiency and causing the machine to work harder to meet your climate needs. In extreme cases, the debris can break through the filter and cause damage to your indoor unit.
Air conditioners work best when regularly cleaned and cared for. If one part of the unit starts to fail or break down, it can stress the entire air conditioning system and result in a complete breakdown. Having regular checks done and ensuring all parts are kept in good working condition may mean the unit functions more effectively over the long term and may last much longer than a unit that has not been sufficiently maintained.
Here are some examples of problems that can be fixed with a simple service:
- A dirty air filter can affect the units function, meaning it won’t be as effective in circulating air through the house and maintaining a steady temperature, leading to discomfort.
- A dirty condenser coil (outdoor unit) can affect the compressor and may draw increased amps from your electricity service, resulting in higher electricity bills.
Regular maintenance adds up to a healthier home, lower energy bills and your air conditioner having a longer life!
When should you get your air conditioner serviced?
Ultimately, it is up to you, but here are some helpful tips you can keep in mind when scheduling your next service:
- A dirty air filter can affect the units function, meaning it won’t be as effective in circulating air through the house and maintaining a steady temperature, leading to discomfort.
- A dirty condenser coil (outdoor unit) can affect the compressor and may draw increased amps from your electricity service, resulting in higher electricity bills.
Operation stops unexpectedly. (The operation lamp on the main unit flashes.)
Please check the following before calling us:
- Keep all records of your previous service history. This way you can keep track of the time between services in the past, and identify any recurring issues with your unit. It will also help the people who work on your system. If you have identified a part that has needed regular replacing, your air conditioner repair company will be able to take a closer look for you and see if there are any deeper issues at play. Please click on this link to register for our annual service reminder program. Follow this link to request a service to your system.
- Waiting until Spring or Autumn to get your air conditioner checked will generally mean shorter waiting times. During the height of Summer or Winter, most air conditioning companies will be extremely busy and a lengthy wait for a general check or service is more likely, in order to prioritise work on complete unit breakdowns.
- If your Evaporative unit has not been checked or cleaned in the last 6 months, or if your refrigerated unit hasn’t been serviced in the last 12 months, you should book in for a service. Follow this link to request a service to your system.
Between services there are simple checks you can do without a certificate in refrigeration and air conditioning to ensure your unit is kept in good condition.
For Refrigerated systems, you can:
- Keep your air filter clean (check out our How often should I clean my filter Blog for a downloadable guide)
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of dust, dirt and debris (do not stack anything near or on your outdoor unit to ensure sufficient airflow around the system)
- Check your room switches are working (a downloadable guide can be found at the bottom of this blog)
- Check if water is draining from your unit (indoor unit for cooling and outdoor unit for heating)
For Evaporative systems, you can:
- Check pads are not deteriorating
- Clean the basin within the unit
- Check the fan and pump operate
- Cover the unit in winter to prevent damage
If you don’t have time to do these basic checks yourself, it’s a good idea to book in for regular servicing. (click this link to log a service call)
How do you service your air conditioner?
Information on cleaning the air filter in your air conditioning Adelaide unit can be found in the operation manual that came with the unit (a downloadable guide can be found on our How often should I clean my filter Blog). For most Wall Split units, you can simply wash the air filter with a mild detergent mixed with lukewarm water, and a nail brush. For most Ducted Reverse Cycle systems you can hose down the filter (dirty side to clean) until the water runs clear. Ensure you place the filter outside to dry in a shaded area. Never put the filters back wet as this can cause your system to smell.
Most commonly, the filter is located in walls, ceilings or in the air conditioner itself. High Wall Split air conditioners have a filter mounted in the grille that faces into the room and Ducted air conditioners generally have a filter located somewhere along the return ducts length. Some filters are reusable and others must be replaced. It is a good idea to clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter every 3-6 months, depending on the level of use.
A common question about air conditioning maintenance is whether it is a good idea to do it yourself. While the simple checks mentioned in this article can be done without expertise, you will need to be careful not to do any lasting damage to your unit by attempting more complex servicing alone — you don’t want to attempt a dodgy repair job and end up having to pay for an entirely new unit. It is tempting to do it yourself to save money, but it might end up costing you more than you expect along with potentially harming your health and safety and may void the product Warranty. If in doubt, it is best to call an Air conditioning installation Adelaide professional!