When should I get my air conditioning systems serviced?

Coming home to a malfunctioning AC or one blowing hot air can be problematic and frustrating when living with high humidity in Springwood, NSW. Most often, your air conditioning unit will malfunction due to a buildup of dust and other particles on or in the vents, fins, fan or filter. You can easily avoid such situations by regularly having your indoor and outdoor units washed/cleaned to eliminate dirt and debris. This article discusses the why, how and when of getting air conditioning service in Springwood so that you know what to do next time you find yourself in a frustrating situation. 

Why get your air conditioning serviced regularly? 

• To improve the cooling and power consumption efficiency; 
• To increase your air conditioning's useable life; 
• To enhance the quality of air indoors and prevent respiratory issues and skin allergies; 
• To reduce the growth of microbes, mould, mildew and other contaminants. 
• To act as an early detection system for damage and potentially hazardous issues.  

When to get your air conditioning serviced 

Ideally, comprehensive deep cleaning of your air conditioning system once a year should keep things functioning smoothly. However, given the variable nature of the climate, here are a few tips on tweaking that timeline: 

• If you own a cooling-only system, the best time of the year to service your air conditioner is just after the end of winter. You'll have your unit ready to use just before you need it. Plus, with all the pollen in the air during spring, your air conditioning will help improve indoor air quality; 
• If you have a dual heating-cooling system, it is best to service it twice a year, i.e. once in spring and once in autumn. In these transitionary seasons, even if your service technician discovers a significant issue that takes some time to repair, you won't suffer as much as in peak winter or summer. 
• If your air conditioning is online 24/7, servicing once every four months is a good idea. 

How to judge whether your air conditioning needs servicing 

Air conditioning systems stop working for a wide range of reasons. You can solve some with professional servicing; for some, you need repairs, while others require replacing the entire unit. Check out the following list of tips on how to tell whether you need air conditioning service in Springwood or not: 

• Check your circuit breaker: A tripped circuit breaker is one of the most common reasons air conditioning systems stop working. Switch it back on but if it happens regularly, consult your electrician; 
• Check your thermostat: Your thermostat might need new batteries. Change them and see if the systems start working correctly. If not, you might need to change the thermostat; 
• Check the air filters: Choked clogged filters suffocate the vents meaning air cannot flow over the cooling fins. Ice builds up within the system if this happens too long, and the electronics may heat up. The fastest way to unfreeze lines and coils is to set the thermostat OFF or FAN and run it. This action forces warm air over the frozen fins, melting them; 
• Check drainage for blockages: Clogged drainpipes mean condensation backs up and collects within the system, often interfering with the fan and, if you're unlucky, short circuits. 

When to consider hiring a professional 

• Low refrigerant (Freon) levels: If you've checked everything else without arriving at a solution, your AC's Freon levels are probably too low. However, issues like leaks should only be handled by an AC technician. 
• Loud noises: Listen for loud, unusual sounds like banging, clanging, clicking, buzzing, squealing, or hissing. These sounds, even on their own, indicate significantly broken or damaged moving parts such as fan blades. 
• Big gap between servicing: If it's been nearly a year since your last service, consider hiring a professional before trying anything yourself. Electronics and HVAC systems have a habit of falling apart if left to their own devices for too long. 

 

When to think about replacing your air conditioning system 

Speaking to a licensed professional before making such decisions would be best. However, as a rule of thumb, consider changing the entire system: 

• If your unit is older than ten years, its probably using outdated, inefficient technology; 
• If it breaks down frequently, its probably been repaired one too many times already; 

• If it uses more power than it used to, it has become inefficient and costly to maintain. 

 

Breakdowns at the peak of summer (or winter if you have a dual system) are painful and frustrating, especially in the humid climate of Springwood, NSW. So save yourself the hassle and get quality air conditioning services in Springwood by hiring a local, experienced, professional company like Penrith Air Supply. Otherwise, although DIY cleaning saves money in the short run, mistakes may cost you significant repairs in the long run. 

Disclaimer: This is a generic Information & post; content about the services can be changed from time to time as per your requirements and contract. To get the latest and updated information, contact us today or visit our website.