Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria, and very well known for its unpredictable weather conditions. The city experiences extreme weather conditions ranging from scorching summers to the chilliest winters on Earth. Everyone who lives in Melbourne very well understands the importance of having an Air Conditioner as it is a vital tool to keep the house comfortable all year round.
In a city like Melbourne, Air Conditioners are not just for seasonal use but are used throughout the year in all seasons. Due to this, Air Conditioners are prone to damage earlier in their lifespan than usually predicted. Therefore, it is essential to take proper care of your Air Conditioner when you are living in Melbourne. How to take care of your Air Conditioner? Well, keep reading to know how.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your Air Conditioner healthy is to keep it clean and well-maintained. During regular usage, the dust and debris usually accumulate on the coils and filters of the Air Conditioner. This hinders the efficiency of the system and can compound the damage. If you want to keep your Air Conditioner clean, here are some maintenance tasks that you should consider putting into action.
- Make sure to get your air filter cleaned every 1 – 3 months, if damaged, get it replaced
- Keep getting the condenser and evaporator coils cleaned annually
- Regularly keep checking for and removing any debris around the outdoor unit
- Ensure that the drainage system of the Air Conditioner is clear and functioning correctly
Professional Annual Check-ups
While taking things into your own hands is a good thing, getting a professional’s opinion is never a bad choice. Similarly, even if you do things manually to keep your Air Conditioner healthy, get professional for air conditioner service in Melbourne. You can usually subscribe to regular professional maintenance when you buy the Air Conditioner, but if you have not subscribed to the parent brand, you can also get a third-party service to get your professional checkups.
An HVAC expert has the required skill set to inspect your system thoroughly for any underlying issues. The expert can also clean the components using the dedicated tools and make necessary adjustments within the system to make sure that the Air Conditioner is optimally performing. It is always recommended to schedule an annual check-up before the peak summer season begins, as the prices usually rise up during the season. Getting a head start on your service can save you money that you would be otherwise paying only because the demand is high.
Monitor and Set the Right Temperature
It is always tempting to set your Air Conditioner to the lowest temperature during the scorching summers of Melbourne. However, doing so always can put great strain on the unit and increase the possibility of wear and tear. Rather than going for the coldest temperature at all times, it is recommended that you keep the Air Conditioner at a reasonable and comfortable temperature, usually between 22-24 degrees Celsius. This reduces the load on the Air Conditioner unit and helps in extending its lifespan.
Use Ceiling Fans Complimentary to Air Conditioners
While using the Air Conditioners in your home, it is recommended that you turn on the ceiling fan too. Using ceiling fans is an excellent way to complement your Air Conditioner as they help in distributing the fresh air from the Air Conditioner more evenly around the corners of your home. This allows you to raise the thermostat setting while maintaining the comfort you need. While this sounds like wasting more energy, it actually saves energy and also reduces the strain on your AC Unit.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat that allows you to set temperature schedules aligning with your lifestyle routines. This is a great way to optimise your home comfort and reduce stress on your Air Conditioner. You can simply set the schedule to raise the temperature when you’re not at home and lower it before you return. Planning schedules such as this can prevent your Air Conditioner from wasting electricity unnecessarily and greatly reduces wear and tear.
Seal Your Windows and Doors
The more openings your house has, the more harder your Air Conditioner has to work to maintain the desired temperature. Therefore, make sure that your doors and windows are properly sealed when you are running your Air Conditioner. This simple adjustment can greatly improve the lifespan of your Air Conditioner as it reduces the load on the AC Unit and prevents the unit from faster wear and tear.
Provide Shade To Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor unit is as important as your indoor unit. Leaving it unprotected is definitely a bad decision. Consider providing shade for your outdoor AC unit as this can help in keeping the outdoor unit cool and operate more efficiently. Another thing to note is that the cooler your outdoor unit stays, the less energy it will consume. Placing an awning above the unit is usually the most recommended way to provide shade for your outdoor unit, but you can also think about planting shrubs around.
Conclusion
Having an Air Conditioner in Melbourne is like an essential life support tool. No measure taken to extend its lifespan can be considered a waste of time. The more you invest your time and money in taking care of your Air Conditioner, the better comfort, efficiency, and energy savings you will get from it. Simply follow the tips mentioned in this article to make sure that your Air Conditioner is healthy for a long time, providing you with a comfortable indoor environment year-round.