Air conditioners need regular care to work well and last longer like any other machine. Taking good care of them can make them last much longer. Hence, we have provided some best practices to prevent air conditioner failure in Australia.
In some parts of the world, many people enjoy hot summer days. But in Australia, heat waves can be very uncomfortable. During these hot times, Australians stay inside their homes or offices with air conditioners to keep cool.
Because of this, air conditioners have become very important in Australia. Many homes make sure they have good air conditioners.
However, using air conditioners often can cause them to wear out and have problems. If you know how to fix things, you might handle these issues yourself.
This blog will show you how to keep your air conditioner in great condition so you can stay cool all year and maximize your investment.
Why Your AC Might Have Problems
If you use any appliance for a long time without proper maintenance, it might stop working. The same is true for air conditioners. It can break down or develop issues if you don’t care for your AC.
Not scheduling regular maintenance with professionals can cause major issues with your AC. Sticking to a regular servicing schedule is one of the best ways to keep your air conditioner working well. This helps find and fix issues early.
Common issues can happen unexpectedly, making your experience very unpleasant. Knowing about these issues can help you deal with them better. Often, troubleshooting your AC involves fixing a simple issue.
- Some common issues with air conditioners include:
- Your AC isn’t cooling your home properly
- Your AC won’t turn on or has stopped working
- There’s a problem with the central AC system that you can’t figure out
- Your AC is making loud and strange noises
These common problems and their solutions usually apply to different air conditioning systems, but sometimes, they can be specific to a certain type of system.
Common Problems and Solutions for AC Systems
Air conditioning systems, whether ducted or split, have many parts, such as indoor and outdoor units, controls, airflow outlets, pipes, and connections. Any of these parts can stop working properly, leaving your home very hot in summer or cold in winter.
Knowing what to do in these situations helps understand common AC issues and their solutions.
AC No Longer Cools
Sometimes, your AC might keep running but not cool your home or blow warm air. Another serious problem could be an overheated air conditioner. These issues can have multiple causes.
Possible Causes:
- Vents are closed or partially open, stopping cold air from cooling your home.
- The AC might need to be bigger for the room it’s in.
- Technical or maintenance issues such as:
- Clogged and dirty filters
- Frozen evaporator coils from blocked filters
- Dirty condenser unit
- Faulty thermostat
- Electrical issues with wiring and condenser
- Low refrigerant
- Insulation problems
- Air loss from misaligned ductwork
- Clogged or damaged ducts
Any of these concerns can stop your ducted or split-system AC from cooling your home properly.
Solutions:
- Adjust the controls or thermostat and open the vents for non-technical issues.
- If the filters in your split-system AC are dirty, remove them and wash them in warm water. Technical help might make duct system filters easier to access.
- Clean the condenser with a hose.
For more complicated problems, like technical issues, it’s best to call a qualified HVAC technician to fix them.
AC Drips Water
It’s normal to see water dripping from outdoor AC units when they are running, especially in hot and humid weather. If there’s a bit of frost on the outdoor unit in cold weather, it will melt when it gets warmer.
This can happen with ducted and split system air conditioners, which is usually normal. However, some parts might have issues if your indoor AC unit drips water when turned off.
Possible Causes:
- Blocked drain pipes
- Dirty filters
- A broken condensate pump
- A clogged condensate pan
- Refrigerant gas leaks
Solutions:
In these cases, you can only do a little on your own. It’s best to call a qualified AC technician to check the unit and fix the issue. This is especially true for ducted air conditioning systems because their parts are hard to reach, and it’s unsafe to try fixing them yourself.
You can try cleaning the filters or draining pipes for split system AC units to fix blockages. But if you need clarification on the problem, it’s better to let a professional handle it.
AC Won't Turn On
It can be frustrating if your AC suddenly won’t turn on, especially in hot weather. Even if you’re going to leave the house, you’ll still need to fix the broken air conditioner later.
Possible Causes:
Some reasons your AC won’t turn on can be simple and easy to fix, while others might need a professional. Possible causes include:
- A blown fuse
- Tripped AC circuit breaker
- Dead batteries in the thermostat or AC remote control
- Incorrect thermostat settings
Solutions:
First, check and replace the batteries in the thermostat or remote control. If this doesn’t work, ensure the thermostat is set to cooling mode and the right temperature.
To understand the problem better, check if the outdoor condenser unit is running. Call a professional HVAC technician if these steps don’t solve the issue.
Sometimes, the problem might be as simple as changing a circuit breaker. In more serious cases, it could be a damaged compressor or motor that needs to be replaced.
Best Practices To Prevent Air Conditioner Failure
Regular Maintenance: The Key to Longer Lifespan
Regular check-ups and maintenance by professional air conditioner technicians are crucial for your AC’s performance. When your AC gets regular care, it works at its best, providing good performance and saving energy.
A well-maintained AC also lasts longer, giving you more value for your money. Professional technicians can spot and fix potential problems early, keeping your AC in top shape and reducing the chance of unexpected breakdowns.
Choosing the Right Settings: Maximizing Efficiency
Setting your air conditioner correctly isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about making it last longer and work efficiently. Choosing the right settings ensures a comfortable environment while reducing wear and tear on your unit.
Here are some key tips:
Ideal Temperature Settings: Setting your AC to the ideal temperature can reduce strain on the unit and save energy.
Using Energy-Saving Modes: Many modern ACs have energy-saving modes that adjust cooling based on the room’s temperature.
Consulting with Technicians: Technicians can advise you on the best settings for your environment, ensuring efficient cooling without overworking the unit.
The Role of Clean Filters in AC Health
Clean filters help keep the air in your home free from dust, allergens, and pollutants. When filters are clogged, they lower air quality and make the AC work harder. This extra strain can increase energy bills and the risk of damage.
Regular filter cleaning or replacement with help from professional technicians can solve this problem. This practice extends your AC’s lifespan and improves indoor air quality.
If you need to become more familiar with AC maintenance, professionals can provide regular check-ups to keep your unit and its filters in great condition.
Check The Thermostat
Regularly check your thermostat to ensure it’s working properly and giving you the best cooling results.
If you have an older mechanical thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable one. Programmable thermostats have smart features that allow you to set temperatures based on your schedule.
While you’re away, you can set the AC to a minimal temperature, turn it off, and have it start cooling 30 minutes before you return. Modern thermostats can also connect to your smartphone, allowing you to control your home’s temperature remotely.
Avoid installing the thermostat in places with extra heat, like near sunlight or a cooktop, as this can cause inaccurate readings.
Clean The Exterior Of The AC Unit
Dirt, grass clippings, leaves, and other debris can accumulate on the AC unit, reducing its efficiency by blocking airflow. You can gently clean the unit with a garden hose but avoid using a power washer as it can damage the unit’s components, like the coil fins.
Keep the area around the AC unit clean and free from debris. Trim any nearby shrubs to ensure good air circulation. Ensure enough space around the unit for proper airflow, and avoid covering or blocking it with structures like walls or decks.
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