5 top tips to prepare your air conditioner for summer

With summer just around the corner, there is no better time to prepare your air conditioner. Preparing your air conditioner for summer is essential to ensure it works efficiently. The last thing you want on the first day of summer and the start of the hot weather is to discover that your air conditioner isn’t working correctly.

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your air conditioner is functioning properly and free of any built-up dirt and debris. Not only can dust and built-up grime negatively impact the air quality of your home, but they are also common contributors to allergies and asthma. Get your home summer ready and reduce energy consumption and running costs with these 5 top tips to prepare your air conditioner this summer.

How to prepare your air conditioner for summer

There are some simple and effective ways you can prepare your air conditioner for summer. Whether or not you used your air conditioner over the cooler months, it will likely need some maintenance. Preparing your Port Macquarie air conditioner for the demands of summer is vital to ensuring your system operates efficiently throughout the summer heat. By performing minor checks, replacing filters and cleaning the condenser, you can get your air conditioning unit in top shape and summer-ready for the Port Macquarie heat.

Some basic maintenance and cleaning can be done yourself; other tasks will require the help of a professional. Organising a yearly service and maintenance appointment with a trained technician is advisable. We offer servicing and maintenance in the Port Macquarie region. To find out more, click here.

Safety warning

Turning off the power supply is crucial before performing any maintenance on or near your air conditioner. The outdoor unit has a capacitor that can hold an electrical charge, which may pose a safety risk. Typically, there’s a 240-volt weatherproof isolation switch located near the outdoor unit that you can use to turn it off. Wait about half an hour to allow the charge to dissipate before starting any maintenance. As a safety precaution, always avoid touching any electrical components.

Tip 1: Clean or replace your air conditioner filters

Cleaning your air conditioner filters is a straightforward way to prepare your air conditioner for summer. Blocked filters force your system to work harder, shortening its lifespan and increasing energy consumption. Cleaning the filters will also remove any trapped germs and bacteria, improving your home’s air quality. It is advisable to check your air filters every month during summer. Most reusable filters can be easily washed and dried thoroughly before reinserting. However, disposable filters will need replacing each time. Check your operating manual for more detailed information on the type of filters your air conditioning system uses.

Tip 2: Clear debris from around the outside of the unit

Leaves, dirt and other debris can quickly build up around the outdoor unit, which is called the condenser. This can lead to overheating and a reduction in efficiency. It is important to periodically check and clean around the outdoor unit, trimming plants or weeds and clearing away twigs, leaves and other debris. You can also gently clean the coils and outside of the unit using your garden hose.

Tip 3: Change the mode and temperature

Whilst it may seem obvious, many people forget to switch their air conditioning system to the cooling mode before summer arrives. We suggest setting the temperature between 23-25°C in preparation for summer. Finding the right temperature will depend on the room size, the amount of sunlight that enters the home, the position of your property and the number of occupants.

Tip 4: Check for water leaks

One common issue that occurs is water leakage. During the hotter months, condensation can form around the vents of your air conditioning system, causing water stains and marks. Correctly closing windows and doors and setting your unit to an achievable temperature can help prevent it from overworking. Regular cleaning of the filters and coils will also help with proper ventilation. If you notice your air conditioning system is leaking, it is essential to contact a service technician as soon as possible to avoid the problem escalating further.

Tip 5: Book a professional air conditioning maintenance and service call

The best way to prepare your air conditioner for summer and the intense heat is to book a service and maintenance call. An experienced and qualified technician can clean and service all parts of your unit correctly and fix any issues before they become more significant problems.

Regular servicing will ensure your air conditioner continues to operate efficiently, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Our standard maintenance and service carried out by our in-house experienced and licensed technicians includes:

• Cleaning of all filters, plus the evaporator and condenser coils, to remove any dust, grime and bacteria
• Checking of the heating and cooling functions and all electrical connections
• Inspection of the indoor and outdoor units, removing any debris and ensuring no leaves or branches are blocking the outside unit
• Drainage checks, including the evaporator and drain valve
• Cleaning of the louvres as dust and grime can quickly build up
• If your system is ducted, it also includes a complete check of all ducting and zone motors in the roof space if access is available.

Is your air conditioner prepared for summer? How do you know?

After you have inspected both the indoor and outdoor units, cleaned them, and, if applicable, changed the filters and switched the mode to cooling, it is time to turn your air conditioners on. At this point, check that the air is being distributed correctly, the vents are working, and it sounds correct. If this all checks out, your system will be ready for summer.

Prefer a licensed technician to get your air conditioner summer ready? Book a maintenance and service call.

Prepare your air conditioner for summer and book your annual service and maintenance call today. We offer expert residential and commercial air conditioning installations, upgrades, servicing and maintenance in the Port Macquarie region including Laurieton. For more information, contact our friendly team today.