How to prepare your air conditioner for summer heat

As we approach the warmer months and look forward to a little relaxation over the holiday period, it’s time to prepare your air conditioner for summer.

We know our trusty home air conditioners will soon be working overtime to keep us cool. So, what can you do now to make sure your air conditioner is ready to beat the summer heat?

Why is it important to clean and maintain your air conditioner?

If your unit has been sitting idle over the cooler months, it may have been collecting dust and debris, impacting its ability to function correctly.

There’s nothing worse that switching on your unit on that first unbearably hot day of the season only to find out it isn’t working properly!

Not to mention the added costs of higher power bills, repair bills and the possibility of having to replace a broken unit.

What can you do to prepare your air conditioner for summer?

There are a few things you can do yourself to ensure that your unit is working efficiently this summer.

Before you start, it is important to know your system. Maintenance needs will differ slightly depending on your unit, and whether you have a ducted or split system. It is always a great idea to refer to your user manual before commencing any maintenance activities.

Safety first!

Before commencing any maintenance on your air conditioning unit, ensure that the power supply is switched off. This switch will usually be located near the outdoor unit.

We recommend turning this off half an hour prior to conducting maintenance, to allow any stores of electrical charge in the unit’s capacitor to dissipate. Always avoid touching electrical components.

Clean and replace your filters

Filters reduce the amount of dust and debris released in the air by catching it. Usually rectangular in shape and easily removed for cleaning/replacement. Here are some simple steps you can take to refresh your filters:

Open the front of your unit and gently remove the filters. Inspect for signs of damage such as dings or tears and ensure there is no mould or mildew present. If either of these issues arise, contact us for support.
Wash gently with lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid.
Allow to air dry completely, preferably in the sun.
Place the clean, dry filters back in your unit as you found them. If you have any trouble refitting your filters consult your user manual or contact us for support.

For a more detailed explanation of how to clean your split system filters, we recommend this video from Daikin.

Check and clean your ducted air conditioner vents

While your air conditioners filters do a great job of reducing the amount of dust and debris that travels further into your unit, it is important to also clean the vents of your ducted unit. Here is our simple guide for cleaning your vents:

Cover your face with a dusk mask and safety glasses to present dust and debris falling into your eyes or being inhaled.
Remove the air vent cover. If you have any difficulty doing so, consult your unit manual.
Using the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner, gently vacuum up as much dust and debris as possible. For hard-to-reach areas such as ceilings, we recommend using a soft duster with an extension pole.
Using a damp cloth and a little mild detergent, wipe away any remaining dust, wipe the vent cover clean and allow to air dry before replacing.

Don’t go it alone – let our team help!

One of the best things that you can do for your air conditioner is to have one of our friendly, qualified technicians service your unit before the summer heat hits.

Our services include: