
5 Ways to Prepare Your Air Con for Summer: Follow Our Guide
Preparing the air con for summer use is a time-honoured routine for many homes across Australia, especially in the last days of spring.
It’s all about boosting energy efficiency, lowering energy costs and maintaining comfort at a suitable temperature setting. Many of us with reverse cycle air conditioning units will have likely used them to heat our homes over winter. But once the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s important that you set your air conditioner right to help you manage the heat.
However, if you’ve not used your air conditioner since last summer, you should check it is working optimally and is capable of providing maximum comfort and energy efficiency. Here are five energy-saving tips to do just that and prepare your air con for summer.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner Filters
If your air conditioner filters haven’t had a decent clean in a long time, they will almost certainly have a negative effect on the performance of your air conditioner. Dirty filters can produce unpleasant odours that make their way through the entire home.
They can also restrict the ability of your air conditioner to push cool air into your home or even deliver any air at all. The best approach is to clean your filters every 1-2 months, and possibly even more frequently if you have pets or people in the house who are sensitive to airborne allergens.
The most common cause of dirty air conditioner filters is a build-up of:
- dirt
- dust
- fibres
- pollen
- 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 that build-up, save energy and lower your energy bills.
How To Go About the Cleaning Process
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 see the problem first-hand and be able to organise a timely solution. A licensed air conditioner service technician will then 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 heat waves in 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 – you can certainly wipe any dust off the vents, but cleaning the ducts is not a DIY job. For thorough duct cleaning, you’ll need a professional expert who can keep your air clean and the AC unit working at 100%. They’ll make sure your air con is prepared for the summer heat.
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. They can 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 die in the unit and 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 you’ve cleaned the filters, ducts and the condenser, 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 are 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.
Important Factors To Consider
As you run the air conditioning unit, ask yourself:
- Is cool air coming out of the vents?
- Can you notice the temperature difference?
- Does the fan create a strong breeze?
- Are the appropriate functions all working?
- Are there any strange sounds, such as banging in the vents or abnormal noises coming from the air conditioner’s compressor?
- Can you notice any leaking or hissing pipes?
- Are there bad smells?
If you answer no to the first four questions and yes to the last three, 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 a Service for Your AC Unit
When everything’s said and done, the best thing you can do to prepare your air con for summer is to book a service. It’s a thorough way to keep it clean, keep your energy consumption and electricity bills in check. You can also replace any vital parts that keep your air conditioning system ticking along nicely.
Your local heating and cooling technician can check that all air conditioner components are working as they should. 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 us now and we can ensure your home’s cooling is ready to battle the heat at the ideal temperature.
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.
Published: 2024-11-26