Why it’s important to clean out your air conditioning unit

Air conditioning can be an absolute life saver during hot Aussie summer months. And if you live in northern parts of the country, your air conditioner probably gets a workout all year round! Which is why it’s important to ensure it’s running as effectively as possible.

One way to make sure you stay as cool as a cucumber during summer is to clean out your air conditioner – and do so every few months. It’s easy to forget that your air conditioner is a piece of machinery that’s complex, and as such, needs to be maintained. Below we look it how having a clean air conditioner helps.

You’ll ensure it’s working effectively

It’s recommended to regularly clean your air conditioning filter every couple of months. This is because dust, dirt, lint, pollen, mould spores and other air particles can clog up and damage your air conditioner over time. Cleaning the filter can remove this build up and ensure your air conditioner is in tip-top shape. To do this, you’ll need to locate the filter within your air conditioner (consult the manual, or a qualified technician), remove it apply gentle pressure with a garden hose and left to completely dry. A dirty filter is not covered under warranty – so be sure to regularly clean your filter for long-term longevity too.

You’ll be able to spot any issues early

Spotting an issue early means that your air conditioner is not wasting energy (and money) by working harder than it needs to. And in turn, this will extend the life of your unit.

Issues that are hard to see – unless you know what you’re looking for

Make sure the air outlet (for an outdoor unit) is clean. You need to ensure that the outdoor unit is kept clear from any obstructions, like dirt, plants and leaves – this will ensure continuous airflow. You’ll also want to make sure that the condensation drain is kept clear. Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity and may result in excess moisture leaking from the drain.

4 handy tips to keep your house cool (and your energy bills low)

Ensuring that your get the most out of your air conditioner is not just about the air conditioning unit itself. There are several ways you can make sure your house stays cool and your energy bills don’t run hot.

1. Invest in heavy curtains or window furnishing

Any heat that enters your house means that your air conditioner will have to work that bit harder to lower the temperature. And in doing so, churn through more electricity. So making sure that you have heavy curtains (and that they’re closed) or proper window furnishing, can help keep the heat out in the first place.

 2. Install a ‘whirly bird’

A ‘whirly bird’, aka a turbine vent, is a device that can eliminate heat from your ceiling cavity. As heat rises, it builds up in your roof space. And if that heat can’t escape, it dissipates throughout your house – heating it up. So while your air conditioner is working overtime to keep your house cool, the heat in your ceiling is negating a lot its hard work. This is where a ‘whirly bird’ comes in; quite simply, a ‘whirly bird’ creates a vacuum that sucks out the trapped heat and cools down your house.

3. Install more efficient ceiling insulation

Just like good ceiling insulation keeps the warmth in during winter, it also creates a barrier to keep the heat out in summer. So if your house heats up the moment you switch the air conditioner off, then you may want to think about more efficient insulation.

4. Keep windows and doors closed

This one is an oldie but a goodie, and its right from the mum and dad playbook. Keeping windows and doors closed will ensure that your air conditioner is cooling a smaller space. Therefore, it’ll have to do less work getting the room to your desired temperature. And as this means it won’t be running 24/7, your energy bills will be much lower as a result.

Don’t wait until your air conditioner is broken (or your energy bill is through the roof), have it serviced by a professional technician. Our experienced air conditioning technicians service residential properties across Sydney and the greater Sydney region. Get in touch today for air conditioning installation and repair services for all your heating and cooling needs.