25/11/2024
How to Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer
As the summer heat approaches, having a reliable air conditioning system can make all the difference in maintaining comfort within your home or office. At Ford & Doonan Air Conditioning, we understand that a well-maintained air conditioner is crucial to avoiding breakdowns during the hottest days of the year. Here’s how to prepare your air conditioning system for the long, hot summer months ahead.
1. Schedule a Service
Regular servicing is essential for keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently and effectively, especially during Summer. When you book a service with Ford & Doonan, our experienced technicians conduct a thorough inspection of your system, including checking the refrigerant levels, cleaning the coils, inspecting electrical connections, and ensuring that all components are functioning correctly. This not only helps prevent unexpected breakdowns but also ensures that your air conditioner is running at peak performance. Regular servicing can extend the life of your unit and save you money on energy bills by improving its efficiency.
Tip: Aim to schedule your service in winter or spring to avoid the summer rush, as our technicians are in high demand once the hot weather hits.
2. Clean or Replace Air Filters
The air filter in your air conditioning system is responsible for keeping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from circulating through your home. However, over time, these filters can become clogged, reducing airflow and forcing your system to work harder than necessary. This can not only increase your energy bills but also shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner. We recommend cleaning your filter once a year, however, for homes with pets or high dust levels, consider more frequent cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Clean filters improve indoor air quality and help your air conditioner cool more effectively. Check out our simple and easy to follow DIY videos on how to clean the filter in your ducted or wall split air conditioner:
3. Check Your Controller
Your controller plays a critical role in maintaining your desired indoor temperature. Before summer begins, test your controller to ensure it’s reading the temperature accurately and confirm that the mode on the controller is set to cool, not heat mode. Cooling mode is often represented as a snowflake icon, with heating as a sun icon. If you still have a manual controller, upgrading to a smart controller can offer significant benefits. A smart controller offers convenience and efficiency by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your routine, which can significantly reduce energy use during summer when your cooling needs increase. Additionally, a benefit of most modern air conditioning controllers is that you can download an app for your mobile phone and remotely control your air conditioner. This allows you to turn on/off the air conditioner, along with switching the fan speed too as shown below on the AirTouch 5. Perfect for improving efficiency and creating the ideal comfort!
4. Clean the Outdoor Unit
It’s easy to forget about the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. However, it’s important to remember that the unit is exposed to the outdoor environment throughout the year, and it can accumulate dirt, leaves, and debris. Before summer arrives, inspect the outdoor unit and ensure that it’s clean and free from obstructions. Remove any debris around the unit, as this can hinder proper airflow and strain the system. Additionally, consider trimming any plants around the outdoor unit to ensure there is adequate clearance for the best performance.
Note: While it’s fine to perform basic cleaning yourself, always consult a professional if you notice any significant damage or obstructions inside the unit.
5. Test Your System Early
Don’t wait until the peak of summer to discover that your air conditioner isn’t working properly. Testing your system before the hot weather arrives allows you to identify and fix any issues while they’re still minor. Turn on your air conditioner and listen for any unusual noises such as rattling, hissing, or grinding. Also, check for any signs of weak airflow or uneven cooling. If your system isn’t cooling your home as it should, there could be underlying issues like low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning compressor, or clogged filters. By addressing these problems early, you’ll avoid the frustration of dealing with a breakdown when the weather is at its hottest.
Tip: Keep an eye on your energy bills. A sudden spike in energy consumption can be a sign that your air conditioner isn’t operating efficiently.
6. Consider an Upgrade
If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old or struggling to keep up with your cooling needs, it may be time to consider upgrading. A new air con runs more efficiently. In fact, a new unit is nearly 30% cheaper to run than your old unit. Modern air conditioning systems offer advanced technology that provides better cooling, improved energy efficiency, and quieter operation. At Ford & Doonan, we offer a wide range of air conditioning solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of any home or business. Our experienced team can help you choose the right system for your space and budget. While a new air conditioning system is an investment, the savings in energy costs and the improved comfort levels make it well worth considering.
In Conclusion
Summer can place heavy demands on your air conditioning system, but with proper maintenance and preparation, you can ensure that your system performs at its best when you need it most. At Ford & Doonan Air Conditioning, we’re here to help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long. From professional servicing to expert advice on system upgrades, our team is ready to meet your air conditioning needs.
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