As winter approaches, many Australians have switched off their air conditioning units, and won't think about them again until the mercury rises again at the end of the year. If you want to ensure that your family can enjoy a cool, comfortable home next summer, do these three things for your air conditioner over the winter months.
A thorough clean
If you want to switch your air conditioner on in December and escape the summer heat, now is the time to give it a thorough clean to keep it in optimal condition. An air conditioning unit with clogged up filters, filthy coils and grimy fins is less energy efficient, less effective, and less healthy for you and your family. Cleaning or replacing your air conditioner's filter will ensure the airflow is unobstructed, and should be done regularly for maximum efficiency and efficacy. Winter is a great time to clean the evaporator coil inside your air conditioning unit to help it absorb heat effectively. Also take this opportunity to remove dirt and debris in and around the outdoor condenser coil, and give the coil fins a brush clean to prevent airflow blockages. For details on the best way to clean your air conditioning unit correctly, consult the user manual or contact your local heating and cooling professionals for advice.
A professional service
Preventative maintenance is important for keeping your air conditioner at peak performance for a long, healthy life of keeping your family cool. Take the opportunity this winter to have your air conditioner serviced by a professional service technician, who can catch any problems before they become major and expensive to repair. During a service your technician will conduct a series of checks including refrigerant levels, leaks, airflow, belts, thermostat and electric terminals. They will also top up the refrigerant as necessary, oil the motor, and make any necessary adjustments or minor repairs when required. Having your air conditioner services regularly in this way will help prevent it breaking down in the height of summer when you need it most. Preventative maintenance will also help you to save money with a more efficient unit that has a longer lifespan.
A retirement plan
If your air conditioner has given many years of unfaltering service and is reaching the end of it's career, it may be time to consider retirement in favour of a new, more efficient and cost-effective unit. Some warning signs that it's time for an upgrade include excessively-high energy bills, inconsistent temperature control, and an inability to keep your home cool. Rather than waiting until the middle of summer to replace your air conditioner, have a new unit installed this winter so it's ready to go when the first heat wave hits. For more information on maintaining, servicing or upgrading your air conditioning unit over winter, contact your local heating and cooling professionals (like those at ACSIS Airconditioning Warehouse).