Essential Maintenance Tips for Homeowners to Keep Their Aircon Running Smoothly Between Professional Servicing

Air conditioners are crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, especially during the hot months. While professional aircon servicing is essential to ensure your unit is functioning at its best, homeowners can also take simple steps to maintain their system between professional appointments.

Regular upkeep can extend the lifespan of your aircon, improve energy efficiency, and ensure cool air flows smoothly when you need it most. In this article, we’ll provide practical maintenance tips that homeowners can follow to keep their air conditioning system running smoothly between professional aircon servicing appointments.

1. Change or Clean Air Filters Regularly

One of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain your air conditioner between aircon servicing appointments is to regularly change or clean the air filters. Clogged or dirty filters restrict airflow, causing your aircon to work harder and reducing its efficiency. This can lead to increased energy consumption and potential system failure if neglected.

How Often to Change Filters:

• Every 1-3 months depending on the type of filter and usage.

• Homes with pets or in areas with heavy dust may need more frequent changes.

• Washable filters should be cleaned thoroughly, while disposable ones should be replaced.

• Changing or cleaning filters ensures that your system runs efficiently, improves air quality, and helps prevent strain on the compressor.

2. Keep the Condenser Coils Clean

The condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat absorbed from inside the home. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on these coils, reducing their efficiency and leading to system overheating. To avoid this, homeowners should ensure the coils are kept clean between professional aircon servicing visits.

How to Clean Condenser Coils:

• Turn off the power to the air conditioner before cleaning.

• Remove any debris such as leaves, dirt, and branches around the outdoor unit.

• Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust from the coils gently.

• If the coils are visibly dirty, consider using a commercial coil cleaner to remove stubborn grime.

• Proper coil maintenance allows the heat exchange process to occur efficiently, ensuring that your air conditioner doesn’t overheat or consume excessive energy.

3. Ensure Proper Drainage

Air conditioners produce condensation as they cool the air. This moisture is drained through a pipe to prevent water buildup inside the unit. If the drain line is clogged or obstructed, water can accumulate in the system, leading to potential water damage or mold growth.

How to Maintain the Drain Line:

• Inspect the drain line regularly for signs of blockage or algae growth.

• You can pour a mixture of water and vinegar into the drain line to help keep it clear. This can also prevent mold buildup.

• If the line appears clogged, use a wet/dry vacuum to clear the obstruction or call a professional for help.

• By ensuring that the drain line is clear, you prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of water damage to the air conditioner.

4. Inspect and Clean the Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside your home. Like the condenser coils, they can become dirty over time and reduce efficiency. Regular inspection and cleaning are vital to maintaining your aircon between aircon servicing visits.

How to Clean Evaporator Coils:

• Turn off the power to the air conditioner.

• Access the evaporator coils, usually located behind a panel inside the air handler.
• Use a soft brush to remove any dust or dirt.

• Clean the coils with a commercial coil cleaner or a mixture of water and mild soap if they are heavily soiled.

• Regular cleaning helps maintain the cooling efficiency of your system and prevents dust buildup that could lead to mechanical issues.

5. Check the Thermostat Settings

Sometimes, the issue with an air conditioning system isn’t with the unit itself but with the thermostat settings. Homeowners can ensure that their thermostat is functioning properly and set to an efficient temperature between aircon servicing appointments.

How to Check and Adjust the Thermostat:

• Ensure the thermostat is set to “cool” mode and is adjusted to a temperature that isn’t too low.

• The ideal indoor temperature for energy efficiency is around 78°F (25-26°C) when you’re home, and a few degrees higher when you’re away.

• If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to automatically adjust the temperature according to your schedule to avoid unnecessary cooling when no one is home.

• For accurate temperature readings, place the thermostat away from heat sources like lamps or direct sunlight.

A well-calibrated thermostat can prevent your air conditioner from overworking, conserving both energy and wear on the system.

6. Inspect Insulation Around the Ductwork

Air leaks in the ductwork can lead to significant energy losses, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioner. Between professional aircon servicing appointments, homeowners should periodically inspect the insulation and seals around the ductwork to identify any potential issues.

How to Inspect and Seal Ducts:

• Look for any visible gaps or cracks in the ducts, especially where they connect to vents and the unit itself.

• Use foil tape or mastic sealant to seal small leaks.

• Ensure that the insulation around the ducts is intact and not frayed or damaged.

• By maintaining properly insulated ducts, you help your air conditioning system maintain consistent cooling, improve efficiency, and reduce the likelihood of sudden breakdowns.

7. Keep the Area Around the Air Conditioner Clear

Proper airflow is crucial for the effective operation of your air conditioning unit. One of the simplest ways to maintain your aircon between aircon servicing appointments is to ensure that the area around the indoor and outdoor units is clear of debris, furniture, or obstructions.

How to Maintain Clear Airflow:

• Keep the outdoor condenser unit free from leaves, dirt, and debris to allow for proper heat dissipation.

• Inside the house, ensure that air vents are not blocked by furniture, curtains, or other objects.
• Keep the outdoor unit at least 2-3 feet clear of obstructions for optimal airflow.

• By maintaining proper airflow around your system, you help ensure that your aircon runs efficiently and does not overheat.

8. Monitor for Unusual Noises or Odors

Pay attention to any unusual sounds or odors coming from your air conditioner. A strange smell, such as a musty or burning odor, could indicate a problem with the system, while unusual noises might suggest that parts of the unit need lubrication or repair.

How to Address Issues:

• If you hear rattling, buzzing, or squealing, turn off the air conditioner and consult a professional technician.

• If you smell something burning, it could indicate an electrical problem, so it’s important to shut off the unit and call for immediate service.

• A musty smell often means mold or mildew growth in the ducts or filters, which should be addressed promptly.

• Staying vigilant about odd sounds or smells ensures that you address potential issues early, preventing larger problems from developing.

While professional aircon servicing is essential for keeping your system running at peak performance, homeowners can also take simple maintenance steps to keep things running smoothly between appointments. By following these maintenance tips—such as regularly cleaning filters, ensuring proper drainage, and monitoring the thermostat—homeowners can extend the lifespan of their air conditioning system, improve efficiency, and maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Regular upkeep can prevent costly repairs and ensure that your air conditioner performs optimally when you need it most.