10 Tips To Keep Your AC Healthy This Summer
Whether you’re lounging at home enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon or escaping the stifling humidity of the office, a well-maintained air conditioner is your best friend during the scorching Australian summer. It quietly ensures comfort, creating a cool oasis that keeps you and your loved ones comfortable during relentless heatwaves.
To ensure your air conditioning (AC) operates efficiently all summer, regularly clean or replace filters. It’s also important to schedule professional check-ups and keep the area around your unit clear of obstructions.
Ready to keep your AC in top shape and avoid the dreaded breakdowns on those sweltering days? We’ve compiled 10 tips to keep your AC healthy this summer. These essential tips will help keep your indoor environment refreshingly cool and pleasant throughout the season. Read more.
10 Tips To Keep Your AC Healthy This Summer – A Quick Overview
As temperatures rise, your air conditioner becomes your best ally against the heat. However, an inefficient or faulty system can quickly become your biggest headache. Among our 10 essential tips to ensure your AC is in top condition are: regularly clean or change filters, maintain clear areas around your AC unit and ensure timely professional maintenance. These simple practices will not only enhance your comfort but also extend the lifespan of your AC, ensuring it performs well when you need it most.
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Best Tips to Keep Your AC Healthy
Maintaining your AC system is crucial for its longevity and efficiency, especially during the hot summer months. From simple DIY tasks to professional check-ups, check out these 10 strategies below to help ensure your AC stays in peak condition.
1. Replace or Clean Filters Regularly
Dirty filters make the AC work harder, which can lead to increased energy consumption and a shorter lifespan for your unit. It’s advisable to make a routine of checking and replacing or cleaning your filters each month during summer when the system sees peak usage. This straightforward maintenance task can significantly enhance your air quality and reduce your energy costs.
Furthermore, a clean filter helps maintain the overall performance and efficiency of your AC system. It ensures that it runs smoothly and effectively during the times you need it the most.
2. Keep the Condenser Coils Clean
The condenser coils are where your system expels the heat it has drawn from inside your home. When these coils are clogged with dirt and grime, their ability to release heat is significantly compromised. This forces your system to exert more effort and energy, thus increasing wear and tear.
It’s important to clean condenser coils annually, or as needed, to maintain your AC’s effectiveness. Keeping these coils clean not only boosts your system’s efficiency but also prevents overloads, which are common during peak summer heat when your AC is in continuous operation.
Regular cleaning of these coils can be a manageable DIY project, or you can opt to include it in a professional service check-up, ensuring that your system operates efficiently and reliably through the heat of summer.
3. Check Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is responsible for cooling the air that circulates throughout your home. If the refrigerant levels are low or if there are leaks, the system will not perform efficiently, leading to increased operational costs and inadequate cooling.
Maintaining the correct amount of refrigerant ensures that your air conditioner can achieve the desired cooling temperatures without overstraining the compressor or other critical components. Regular checks are a vital preventative measure that helps avoid efficiency losses and costly repairs, ensuring your AC runs optimally throughout its service life.
4. Inspect the Thermostat
The thermostat is the command centre for your AC, determining when and how the system cools your home. If your thermostat is outdated or malfunctioning, it can lead to inefficiencies and discomfort. On the other hand, a well-functioning thermostat will accurately detect and respond to your cooling needs, preventing unnecessary cooling cycles that can wear out your system prematurely.
Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat, which offers better temperature control, programmable settings, and remote operation which allows you to adjust settings on the go. This upgrade can help you save energy and enhance the management of your home’s cooling.
5. Ensure Adequate Airflow
Proper airflow within your AC system is critical to its operation and efficiency. Ensure that air intake and output vents are free from obstructions such as furniture, curtains or toys. This helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home and prevents your AC from overworking, which can lead to premature system failures.
Maintaining clear air pathways not only enhances the efficiency of your AC but also ensures even cooling throughout your home. It supports the health of your indoor air, contributing to a more comfortable and pleasant living environment.
6. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Even the most diligent homeowners require professional assistance for maintaining their air conditioning system. Regular maintenance by an expert is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity for ensuring the system operates at peak efficiency and has a prolonged lifespan. These professionals conduct thorough inspections and tune-ups and address potential problems that might not be immediately noticeable to someone without technical expertise.
During a maintenance visit, an HVAC technician will meticulously check electrical connections to ensure they are secure and functioning correctly, which prevents electrical hazards and system failures. They also lubricate moving parts to reduce friction, which minimises wear and prolongs the life of the components.
In addition, the system controls are tested to verify that the AC starts, operates and shuts off properly. This comprehensive annual check-up is essential for maintaining the system’s reliability, efficiency and safety, ultimately preventing costly breakdowns and emergency repairs.
7. Seal Ducts Properly
Ductwork is an integral part of your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can lead to significant energy losses as cooled air escapes before it ever reaches the intended rooms. This forces your AC to work harder and increases your energy bills.
Regular inspections of your ductwork can identify any damage or leaks, which can then be promptly sealed or repaired to enhance system efficiency. Properly sealed and insulated ducts dramatically improve the cost-effectiveness of your air conditioning by ensuring that almost all the cooled air produced is delivered into your living spaces.
Besides improving energy efficiency, this maintenance task significantly enhances the overall air quality in your home by preventing dust, pollutants and allergens from being pulled into the system and circulated throughout your house.
8. Install a Programmable Timer
Programmable timers and smart thermostats represent a breakthrough in managing indoor climate efficiently. These devices offer the flexibility to create cooling schedules that match your lifestyle, whether it’s turning the AC off during the workday or adjusting temperatures overnight.
By setting your AC to operate only when needed, you align the system’s operation with your daily schedule, avoiding unnecessary cooling when the house is unoccupied. This strategic control can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills and significantly reduce the wear and tear on your AC during the high-demand summer months.
9. Clear Area Around Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit of your AC, known as the condenser, plays a crucial role in the efficiency of your cooling system. It must have sufficient space to allow for proper air circulation and heat dissipation. A clear area also helps prevent the condenser from overheating and ensures it operates efficiently.
Ensure that your outdoor unit is free from any obstructions, such as plants, leaves and debris. Regular cleaning of the area around this unit will enhance its performance and durability. This simple step can prevent a myriad of operational issues that stem from blocked airflow, such as reduced efficiency and potential system failures.
10. Educate Household Members
Effective air conditioning management is a team effort. It’s important that everyone understands how to operate the thermostat and the impact that open doors and windows have on the AC’s efficiency. Instructing household members about the correct settings and practices helps maintain a consistent temperature and reduces the strain on the air conditioning system, which can lead to energy savings and a more comfortable living environment.
Summing Up
Maintaining your AC in top condition during the summer doesn’t just improve your home’s comfort; it also enhances the system’s efficiency and longevity. By implementing the 10 tips outlined above, you can enjoy a cooler home and reduce the likelihood of inconvenient breakdowns and costly repairs.
It’s good to note that a little prevention goes a long way. Regular maintenance and mindful usage can save you a lot of trouble, ensuring your summer is as relaxing and cool as it should be. So take action today, and make sure your AC is ready to beat the heat!