Like most complex pieces of machinery, air conditioners are susceptible to maintenance issues. Some of these you can deal with yourself, others require the expertise of a professional. If this is not done, the excess dirt, dust and mould will accumulate and cause your unit to work harder. This puts stress on the components, can lead to breakages, increase your electricity bill and lead to health issues. So what are signs your system needs maintenance, what can you do yourself, and is yearly AC maintenance worth it?
If your household budget is tight, you may be asking yourself, is annual air conditioner maintenance necessary? The simple answer is yes. Why? A few important reasons for regularly having your unit serviced include:
So, you’ve probably realised by now the value of regular air conditioner servicing, however, how often should air conditioner maintenance be done?
Most air conditioning systems should be serviced annually regardless of the type, age or model, however, it is recommended you check your system’s instruction manual for the recommended frequency. This is particularly the case with ducted units as their construction is complicated compared to a split system. The main reason is that much of their hardware is not easily visible. So if there are issues with one component, it can often cause a domino effect resulting in extensive damage and a big bill! Qualified air conditioning technicians will ensure your system is running at its optimal level.
There are also several scenarios where you may want to have it serviced more often, including if:
Regularly checking your system — once a month is ideal. This involves checking that all the components of your system are functioning efficiently, including:
Split systems are somewhat less complex than ducted systems, so you can do a variety of maintenance tasks yourself. In terms of how to clean a split air conditioner:
There are a range of maintenance tasks and common air con faults that only a licensed technician should deal with as part of a yearly AC maintenance schedule.
There are also a variety of signs that your system, including signs your ducted air conditioner needs a service.
Depending on whether you have a split or a ducted system, they include:
Refrigerant converts hot air into cool air, and it constantly changes from liquid to gas as it moves through the system, allowing it to absorb and release heat. An air conditioning unit requires a precise amount of refrigerant to function efficiently, and this varies from system to system. If the system is low on refrigerant, it won’t perform as effectively and will increase your power bill.
Over time, an air conditioner’s electrical components can wear out, especially if the system is turned on and off frequently. Wiring can also be damaged by vermin and damage your unit’s PC boards and trip the circuit breaker. If you can’t restore power by flipping the circuit breaker back into position, it could be due to a fault that is causing the system to dangerously overheat.
This is located inside a ducted unit and is responsible for removing condensation produced by the system’s evaporator coil. When the line becomes clogged and dirty, it produces musty smells, can create water damage and increase humidity. It will then eventually overflow, leading to negative pressure, blocked filters and the dispersion of water through the main ducting and outlets. This can cause severe damage to walls, carpets and furniture.
The evaporator coil contains refrigerant that converts warm air into cool air and should maintain a temperature of around four degrees for optimum performance. If you have dirty air filters, the system’s airflow will be reduced, which can cause the evaporator coil to become cooler and eventually freeze.
Condenser and evaporator coils are the outdoor elements of an air conditioning unit, and they are responsible for removing heat from the air conditioning system. Being outdoors, it’s easy for the condenser’s coil to become caked with leaves, dirt and twigs, which will make it work harder and it may eventually cease working. Hiring a professional to do this will ensure you don’t damage any delicate components.
Air conditioners use thermostats to regulate the temperature. When these lose their calibration, they can’t measure the temperature effectively and need to be corrected by a professional.
Ducted air conditioners transfer air through ducts in the ceiling, and they are constructed of different materials depending on the system. In domestic units, they are typically made from bendable plastic or rubber. Over time, joins can come loose, and punctures and tears develop. These issues can lead to air escaping and, therefore, a decrease in your system’s efficiency. Surprisingly, up to thirty per cent of your home’s cooling or heating costs can be wasted by leaking duct vents.
Damaged ductwork can also compromise the lifespan of your system as separations and cracks can create condensation on the ductwork, which can lead to corrosion. If they are located in a space in the roof which is not air-conditioned, damage can cause cooled or heated air to be forced out of unsealed joints. This then evaporates. Gaps over time can also suck in airborne pollutants like dander, pollen, dirt, mould and other allergens, which can exacerbate health issues.
Professionals can often patch damaged ducting, however, if left for too long, it will need to be replaced, which is an expensive exercise. Better to be safe than sorry, and organise regular servicing!
Ducts in ducted air conditioning units can become blocked by vermin, including mice, rats and possums. Rats love air conditioning ducting for their nests which can sabotage the system’s circulation. Possums often chew their way into ductwork in search of shelter. Mice and rats can also chew through electrical wires, refrigerant lines and other components.
If animals start living in the ducting itself (including snakes, geckos, possums and cockroaches), the air circulating in your home can become contaminated with a toxic mixture of urine, faeces and fur. This can worsen health issues like allergies, asthma and existing respiratory problems. If your home has carpets, damp conditions or pets, the level of allergens can be increased and compromise air quality even more.
Blocked ducts can also allow air to escape into the wall space and roof voids instead of being circulated inside the home, which leads to inefficiencies and an increased energy bill.
Well-designed ducted systems distribute air efficiently throughout your home to keep all rooms at a comfortable temperature. The system should provide a balanced supply-and-return flow to maintain a neutral pressure within the house. If existing ducted systems have design deficiencies or are inadequate, they will be harder to heat and cool.
Fixing the problem will require an upgrade by a professional air conditioning specialist. This can involve the installation of new ducts, new return-air grilles or the undercutting of doors to allow for return airflow.
Your AC maintenance cost will depend on a range of factors, including the age, condition and type of air conditioning system you have. However, as a guide, you can expect to pay around:
These prices all include GST.
References
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