Melbourne's weather can be unpredictable, with hot and humid days alternated with cool and rainy ones. This weather changes can obviously put additional strain on your air conditioner. We can all appreciate how air conditioning is a lifesaver during Melbourne's scorching summers, but what is also true is that regular maintenance is quite important to keep the systems running smoothly and efficiently.
This post will cover the basics of air conditioning maintenance as we believe that is something everyone should know about and how they apply to Melbourne's specific conditions. We hope that by the end of reading this, you'll have all the information you need to make sure that your air conditioning system works flawlessly and remember if any questions, don’t ever hesitate to ask us as we are here for that!
The Climate of Melbourne and Your Air Conditioning System:
Melbourne's climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters. These extreme temperature and humidity variations can be taxing on your air conditioning system. Regular maintenance is required to ensure that it works optimally when you need it the most.
Do-It-Yourself Maintenance Suggestions:
1. Replace or clean air filters: Filters that are clogged reduce airflow, making your system work harder. This not just will unfortunately increase energy bills, but it can certainly shorten the life of your AC unit. Clean or replace the air filters every 1 to 2 months during the cooling season, and check them year-round if you have a heating and cooling system.
2. Inspect for Leaks: Look for any leaks in the refrigerant lines. Refrigerant is required for your air conditioner to function properly. If you notice refrigerant leaking, you have a problem. Call a professional for repairs because refrigerant handling necessitates specialised knowledge.
3. Clean the Outdoor Unit: Dirt and debris can accumulate on the coils of the outdoor unit over time. This unfortunate build-up can block the desired heat or cooling transfer we all want and unfortunately reduce the system’s efficiency. Check and clean the outdoor unit on a regular basis. To remove dirt and debris there’s a few home options such as a garden hose but if you want a more thorough cleaning obviously items like coil cleaner will be more effective.
4. Examine the Thermostat: Your thermostat serves as the command centre for your air conditioning system. Test it in both heating and cooling modes to ensure that it is operational. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat if you have an older thermostat for more precise temperature control and energy savings.
5. Schedule a Bi-Yearly or Yearly Professional Inspection: While the DIY maintenance tasks mentioned above are important, they cannot replace a professional inspection. Have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system at least once or twice a year like us, EvidiAir Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. We can certainly spot problems you might have accidentally overlook and do more advanced maintenance tasks with the right security and safety measures. A professional inspection is especially important before the cooling season begins - it will keep your system in top shape, which is what we all want, and reduces the likelihood of breakdowns during hot weather!
Customer Example: Mr. Smith's Experience:
Consider Mr. Smith, a Melbourne Bayside homeowner, to demonstrate the significance of regular air conditioning maintenance. Mr. Smith used to put off maintaining his air conditioning system until one hot summer day when it suddenly stopped working. The temperature in his home rose dramatically, and him self and his dog were forced to endure the heat while waiting for a technician to arrive. The guilty item a dirty filter, which we all knew (including Mr Smith!) could have been avoided with some more regular maintenance. Mr. Smith told us that he would never to take his air conditioning system for granted again after that unfortunate experience and he found the best plan for him!
He now follows a simple routine: he cleans or replaces his air filters every two months. In addition, he has a professional HVAC technician inspect his system twice a year, in the spring/summer before the weather changes and also going to winter. We can assure that Mr. Smith's home, and the dog!, have remained cool and comfortable during Melbourne's hottest days, and they no longer worry about unexpected breakdowns.
Proper air conditioning maintenance is critical for your system's long-term performance and efficiency, especially in a city like Melbourne with a changing climate. You can make sure that your air conditioning system is always ready to give you the comfort you need by following the tips in this guide and also by scheduling professional inspections with us. Regular maintenance will increase the life of your AC system and also help saving money in the long term. It's an investment that will pay off not just in increased comfort but also peace of mind! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to give your air conditioner the care it deserves. Give us a call to organise your next service!