Staying warm in winter and cool in summer is easy with an air conditioner. There are plenty of options on the market, but split system air conditioning Brisbane remains one of the most affordable solutions for homes and businesses. Not only are split systems affordable, their simple mechanisms mean they’re long-lived and have very low maintenance requirements. But, split systems do need to be maintained from time to time, and many homeowners neglect their service appointments. In this article we’ll go over the how and why of split system air conditioning maintenance so you can see why it’s time to book your next appointment.
How Often Do Split Systems Need Maintenance?
Split system air conditioners are simple appliances with minimal maintenance requirements. In most cases, a yearly maintenance appointment is enough to keep your system in perfect condition. But that’s just a guideline. You may need to service your air conditioner more frequently if it’s used reguarly, if it’s installed in a commercial setting or if the system is old.
Yearly air conditioning maintenance appointments come with several key benefits:
- Maintain your manufacturer’s warranty
- Extend the lifespan of the system
- Improve energy efficiency
- Keep your power bills under control
- Improve the air quality
Booking regular maintenance also prevents small issues from turning into major headaches. A professional technician can spot problems before they occur, saving you time and money in the long run.
What is Included in Air Conditioning Maintenance?
Air conditioners don’t just provide cool air. One of the most important parts of the system is the air filter. The air filter cleans out dust, dirt, pollen and bacteria. This improves the air quality in your home, but it does mean the system needs to be cleaned to get rid of unwanted buildups.
This is the main reason for air conditioning maintenance. During your maintenance appointment, a technician will visit your home to clean the filter, clean the condensate drain, test the system and check the refrigerant levels. These simple tests should take no more than half an hour, and they’re an easy way to ensure your system is always ready for action.
How to Clean Your Air Conditioner’s Filter
Most air conditioning maintenance items are a job for professionals. If you’re looking to save a bit of money though, cleaning the filter is a DIY-friendly job with just a few simple steps:
- Remove the filter from the wall unit – Most split system air conditioners have a clip-on front panel. This panel can be opened to reveal the air filter. Remove the filter element from the unit, being careful not to disturb any of the dust that has built up on it.
- Wash the filter – Use warm, soapy water to wash the filter element. You won’t be able to get it perfectly clean, but you should wash it until the water runs mostly clear.
- Rinse with fresh water – You can now use your garden hose to rinse the filter with cool, fresh water. Make sure you rinse out all the soap.
- Dry the filter – Place the filter outside in a shaded spot to dry fully.
- Refit the filter – Finally, you can reinstall the filter in your air conditioner. That’s it, you’re done!
When cleaning your air conditioner’s filter, pay special attention to the condition of the fabric. Air conditioning filters have a limited lifespan. If the fabric of the filter is looking torn, or frayed or if it’s becoming detached from the frame, it needs to be replaced. Talk to your air conditioning technician about ordering a replacement filter.
6 Signs It’s Time to Book Your Maintenance Appointment
You should be having your split system air conditioning serviced once per year. In between appointments, make sure to keep an eye on the system. If you notice any faults with your split system air conditioning in Brisbane then it’s time to contact a professional.
Keep an eye out for the following signs that something is wrong with your air con:
- Your air conditioner blows warm air or struggles to cool the space
- The air conditioner turns itself off
- The system makes strange squeaking or ticking noises
- The system produces dusty, musty or moldy smells
- Water begins leaking from the internal unit
- The system is 10+ years old
Air conditioners have a lifespan of about 10 years. After that point, it’s common for the system to break down or experience more faults than usual. If you get to that point then it’s worth considering a replacement. Replacing your air conditioner allows you to install a modern, energy-efficient system and avoid the need for costly repair bills.
