With spring now upon us and the weather warming up, it is a time where we start to change over our air conditioners from heat mode to cool mode, regular maintenance and servicing of your air conditioning system ensures an easy transition.

The maintenance procedure, including removing and cleaning/replacing the filter, should be outlined in the air conditioners instruction manual. It is recommended that the householder refer to this, or alternatively, contact an air conditioning professional. The return air filter should be cleaned (or replaced depending on the model) at least every three months—as dirty filters can have impact on energy efficiency. This can be done by the householder. Some filters are not reusable and will need to be replaced each time, while others may be able to be cleaned with a cloth or rag and then washed in soapy water (be mindful to dry the filter properly before re-inserting into the air conditioner). Vacuuming certain filters may also be effective, although care needs to be taken because of the potential to damage the filter.

It is also generally recommended that an annual service be completed to maintain efficiency of the air conditioning system. This should be performed by a suitably qualified and licensed trades person, and includes:

• A basic check of the system’s operation including ‘air-on’ and ‘air-off’ temperatures
• Cleaning of the return air filter
• Checking the level of refrigerant charge, for evidence of refrigerant leaks and ensuring correct operation of all fan motors and louvres
• Chemical cleaning of the indoor and outdoor heat exchanger coils if significantly blocked or dirty.

To book your next service, call our friendly staff on 6272 7776