Many homeowners overlook the importance of regular air conditioning maintenance, leading to unnecessary breakdowns, higher energy costs, and discomfort from an underperforming machine during the hottest months. Proper care and attention, however, can prevent costly repairs and keep your unit running effectively throughout the year. Here are some of the main benefits of maintaining your air conditioner and a few tips for homeowners willing to take on the task themselves.
Benefits of Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance
One of the most significant benefits of regular air conditioning maintenance is improved energy efficiency. A well-maintained unit runs more efficiently, using less power to cool your home. This significantly lowers your energy bills, particularly during the summer when your air conditioner works overtime.
Regular maintenance also helps to improve indoor air quality, as dust, dirt, other debris and build up inside your air conditioning unit over time. Sanitary cleaning of air conditioning systems also removes black mould which is commonly in air conditioning equipment especially when it is not maintained well. Without proper hygienic cleaning, these particles eventually circulate throughout your home, potentially aggravating allergies or respiratory conditions. Keeping your unit clean ensures the air in your home stays fresh and healthy.
In addition, frequent maintenance helps identify minor issues before they become major problems. Catching issues early, such as worn-out parts or low refrigerant levels, helps prevent costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. Regular maintenance also extends the lifespan of your air conditioning system, helping you avoid the expense of a premature replacement.
DIY Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips
For homeowners who feel comfortable, there are some basic maintenance tasks you can perform yourself. Cleaning or replacing internal air filters (twice a year) is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain your air conditioner. Systems with dirty block return air filters cause air conditioning equipment to not work effectively, are inefficient, and can increase the speed of black mould from forming within your system, so they should be checked and replaced every one to three months.
Another simple task is to clean the outdoor compressor unit every year, ensuring the area around the unit is free of debris such as leaves, grass, and dirt. Cleaning the coils and fins can improve your air conditioner’s efficiency (don’t forget to turn off the power to the unit before cleaning the compressor), but it’s essential to be extremely gentle to avoid damaging any components.
Why You Should Consider an Expert
While some tasks can be handled at home, many aspects of air conditioning maintenance are best left to professionals because, without the right tools and knowledge, you risk damaging the unit, compromising its efficiency, or putting yourself in danger.
Access to the electrical switchboard is another challenge that puts you at risk of injury or even electrocution (a good reason why you need a professional to perform the maintenance). Additionally, internal components of the air-con head may require specialised tools or knowledge that most people do not have, making it difficult to service the unit safely and effectively.
For homeowners who are not particularly handy or simply want peace of mind, calling an expert to handle your air conditioning maintenance is the best option. At Rosanna Heating and Cooling, we thoroughly inspect your unit, identify any hidden issues, and ensure everything is running smoothly without the risk of causing damage or injury.
Keep Your Air Conditioning Running Smoothly with Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your air conditioning unit operates at peak efficiency, saving you money and keeping your home comfortable. While some basic tasks can be done yourself, professional maintenance is often the best solution for more complex issues, ensuring the safety and performance of your system.
