5 Ways to Prepare Your Air Con for Summer

Game of Thrones popularised the phrase “winter is coming”. Here in Australia, though, once the rays beaming from that big fiery ball in the sky start to really make their presence felt, we know all too well that “summer is here”.

And that can only mean one thing – it’s time to turn the air conditioner on.

If you’ve not used your AC since last summer, you might want to ensure it is working at its best before you rely on it to cool your home over the coming months. Here are five ways to do just that and prepare your air con for summer.

1. Clean Your Air Filters

If the filters of your AC haven’t had a decent clean in a while, they will almost certainly have an effect on your air conditioner. Dirty filters can produce unpleasant odours that make their way through the entire home. They can also stop your air conditioner from producing cool air, and even diminish its ability to deliver air at all.

The most common cause of filters becoming dirty is a build up of dirt, dust, fibres, pollen and fur. They can reduce output efficiency and lead to the growth of mould and unwanted odours. Regularly cleaning your filters is the best way to prevent a build up of dirt.

Cleaning every two or three weeks is the recommended frequency. However, if you have pets or are more sensitive to allergens, you may choose to clean the filter more often. Luckily, cleaning the air filters is relatively easy. For example, on a split system, simply remove the filter, use a soft brush to clear off any dust, rinse it with warm water and let it dry.

Then you place it back in the unit and everything is good to go!

Of course, if the air filter is damaged, you’ll be able to see the problem first hand and organise for a timely solution. A licensed air conditioner service technician will be able to replace your filter for you.

2. Look After the Air Ducts

Duct cleaning has a dual purpose. At the very least it removes any dust or debris from inside and helps maintain a cool flow of air – perfect for the hot Australian summer.

Much like the necessary steps for keeping filters clean, healthy ducts are good for you. People who suffer from asthma, or anyone with a higher sensitivity to allergens, will really feel the difference when there is clean, quality fresh air flowing through the home.

Many people forget about cleaning their ducts. And really, we understand – it’s not always a DIY job. Duct cleaning typically requires a professional touch from an expert who can keep your air clean and the AC unit working at 100%. They’ll make sure your air con is prepared for summer.

3. Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit

Once you’ve cleaned the filters, take a look at the outdoor condenser unit. Generally, they are mounted to the roof, but can also be tucked away along a side wall.

Dust, rubbish and garden matter can all build up around the condenser and potentially impact the efficiency of functionality – something you don’t want. Without proper venting, the temperature could also get too high and potentially cause some nasty problems. We recommend you grab a broom and clean up at least every few months, or after any bad weather!

Sometimes animals can also make a cosy home in and around the condenser unit. And while it may seem cute and homely, sadly it doesn’t always end well – for the animal or your home. The last thing you want is a lizard or rat to make a big, smelly mess.

While you’re outside, perhaps check that the electrical setup looks good, and there are no noticeable issues with the power supply or motor.

4. Test the Air Con’s Performance

Once any filters, ducts and units have been cleaned, you can give the air conditioner unit a test run! This is the right way for you to check that the thermostat, air filter, vents and pipework, is working just fine.

You can prepare your air con for summer better if you know whether there are any issues. It’s also easy to play around with settings and determine the best temperature to set your air conditioner in summer .

As you run the air conditioning unit, ask yourself:

• Is cool air coming out of the vents?
• Are there any strange sounds, such as banging in the vents or abnormal motor/condenser noises?
• Can you notice any leaking or hissing pipes?
• Are there bad smells?
• Does the fan create a strong breeze?
• Are the appropriate functions all working?

If you answer no to any of the above, it may be the right time to call in a professional. Yes, you can clean or replace parts yourself. However, a thorough investigation of your air conditioner requires the expertise of a licensed professional. Air conditioners are tricky beasts, so you want to make sure nothing is missed.

And this leads us to …

5. Book an Air Conditioning Service

When everything’s said and done, the best thing you can do to prepare your air conditioning system for a sweltering Aussie summer is to book a service. It’s a thorough way to keep it clean, and important parts can be replaced.

Your local heating and cooling technician can check that all air conditioner components are working as they should and get into the hard-to-reach places. That’s especially helpful if you have a ducted central air conditioning unit or evaporative cooling and there are parts on the roof. Getting your air conditioning unit serviced professionally is the only way to go.

And don’t forget, Metropolitan Air Conditioning can take care of duct cleaning, filter cleaning, troubleshooting or fault finding. Just contact Metropolitan Air Conditioning now and we can ensure your home’s cooling is ready to battle the heat.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.