As the days start getting longer and the sun intensifies its heat, it's a sure sign that summer is on its way in Australia. During the scorching Noosa summer, your home air conditioning system becomes one of your best investments. If it has been sitting idle throughout the colder months, it may have collected leaves, dust, and debris, and its running parts may need a pre-season tune-up. Just as we prepare for a trip to the beach, our air conditioner needs preparation for the summer too!
You wouldn't want to find yourself stuck in the heat with a poorly maintained unit. Neglecting your investment and hoping for the best could result in repair bills, higher energy costs, insufficient cooling, or even the need for a replacement unit.
Before turning on your unit, it's crucial to ensure it's summer-ready with some tender loving care. Regular maintenance is an excellent habit to adopt, as it leads to a well-functioning system, a healthier home environment, and lower energy bills.
The big question when it comes to air conditioning maintenance is whether to go the DIY route or seek professional assistance. While you can handle certain cleaning and maintenance tasks yourself, others should always be left to licensed refrigeration specialists. Attempting maintenance work without the necessary expertise may do more harm than good.
Noosa Air Conditioning's licensed technicians will inspect your unit to ensure efficient operation, and address any issues before they escalate. Maintenance tasks include but, are not limit to:
- Thoroughly clean the condenser and evaporator coils
- Confirm the correct refrigerant charge (repairs to an air conditioner's sealed refrigeration system are NEVER a DIY job)
- Check and tighten electrical connections
- Flush the drains
- Inspect, clean, and repair the ductwork
- Assess your unit's condition and suggest any necessary repairs to extend its lifespan and optimize energy efficiency.
What can you do to get the unit ready for summer? If you're up for it, there's plenty you can do yourself. Start by familiarising yourself with your system. Knowing the most important parts is essential for regular maintenance and effectively communicating any issues to the experts.
Let's start with the basics.
Filters - These rectangular-shaped components reduce the amount of dust released into the air. They can be easily removed from the indoor unit for cleaning or replacement.
Ducting - These round tubes, usually concealed within ceilings, are responsible for distributing cool or heated air to the rooms.
Thermostat - Mounted near the indoor unit, this small box allows you to adjust or set the indoor temperature.
Vents - These grilles, found on the ceiling or floor, deliver air into your home.
Safety first:
Before performing any maintenance near or on your air conditioning system, always turn off the power supply. The system usually has a 240-volt weatherproof isolation switch located near the outdoor unit. Switch it off as well. The outdoor unit contains a capacitor that stores an electrical charge, which can be dangerous. Allow approximately half an hour for the charge to dissipate before beginning any maintenance tasks.
If you're not feeling up to the task and would like one of our servicemen to help, just get in touch.
