Get your air conditioning ready for summer

Why prepare before summer

The days get longer and the temperatures start to rise. Summer is coming, and your air conditioner may be about to run for months of continuous use.

It is common to switch a system on without any preparation. That can cause problems, and you can be left in the heat waiting for a repair. The main problems that come from neglecting an air conditioner are:

• Large repair bills
• Large energy bills
• Insufficient cooling
• An unexpected need to replace the unit

A professional should look over the system at the start of every summer. There are also a few things you can check yourself. Never attempt maintenance you are unsure of, as you could do more harm than good.

Clean or replace the filters

Some systems have filters that are washed and reused. Others have disposable filters that are replaced. Some have a combination of the two. Check the manufacturer's manual to see how many filters your unit has and where they are.

You probably did not run the system much through winter, but the filters will still have a build-up on them. Wash the reusable filters or fit new disposable ones before summer starts. Clean filters mean:

• Fresh air in your home
• The system runs efficiently
• Less strain on the fan motor
• None of the strange noises that often come with dirty filters

Keep it up through the season. Clean or change the filters regularly, at least once every two months once the weather starts to heat up. For more on the different types, see filters explained.

Clear away debris

Over autumn and winter, leaves, sticks and rubbish collect around the outdoor unit and its intake and exhaust vents. Anything blocking the fan or the coil makes the system work harder to move air, so it uses more energy and can be damaged. It can also shorten the life of the system.

Your air conditioner needs to take in air and exhaust air to work properly. Clearing debris away is an easy job. It gives the outdoor unit the airflow it needs and keeps obstructions away from its moving parts. Do it as part of your spring clean, along with the gutters and the garden.

Have the ducting checked

If you have a ducted system, you can probably see some of the ducts that carry cool air around the house. Knowing what to look for is another matter.

A professional can find holes in the ducts and seams that have come apart. Repairing them lets the air conditioner work as an enclosed system, which improves its efficiency and its ability to keep the house cool. Ductwork should only be repaired by a professional.

There is more on looking after a ducted system in caring for a ducted air conditioner.

What to leave to a professional

Some maintenance needs a technician before the first hot day. A professional service should include:

• Thoroughly cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils
• Checking the refrigerant charge
• Checking and tightening the electrical connections
• Flushing the drains and clearing the hoses
• Checking the ductwork for leaks and other issues

A technician can also look over the whole system and recommend repairs that will extend its life, and tell you when it is time to think about replacing the unit. If a professional checks the system every spring, you can plan a replacement rather than have the unit fail in the middle of summer.

Air conditioners draw a lot of power, so efficiency matters. A technician will make the small adjustments that keep the system efficient across the whole summer, which shows up in lower energy bills and fewer repairs. See what a service should include for the full list.

Before the first hot day

• Find every filter in the system and clean or replace it
• Clear leaves, sticks and rubbish from around the outdoor unit and its vents
• Put a reminder in to clean the filters again through summer
• Book a professional service before summer starts
• Ask the technician to check the ducting for leaks
• Ask about any repairs that would extend the life of the system

Every ACDA accredited member has a back-up service department, so the business that installs a system can also keep it running. Find one near you before summer starts.