Investing in ducted air conditioning is one of the best things you can do to keep your home comfortable year-round. With regular maintenance, a high quality ducted air conditioning system can deliver decades of cooling. By servicing your air conditioner every 6-12 months, you’ll be able to prolong its life, reduce your power bills and catch any small issues before they become big problems. In this article are ducted air conditioning Brisbane experts look at how to conduct a service and which parts you can do yourself.
How Ducted Air Conditioning Works
Modern air conditioners are relatively simple systems. While ducted air conditioning might look complicated, it works on the same principles as split systems. First, the system draws up air from inside your home. This air is filtered and then passed over the evaporator coil which is filled with cooled refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, and cool air is blown back through the ductwork into your home. Next, a pump circulates the refrigerant throughout the system, transporting the heat from inside your home to the external condenser coil. Here, the heat is dispersed into the atmosphere and the refrigerant is compressed, ready to start its journey again.
Check the Filters
Ducted air conditioning systems draw air from inside the home, passing it through a filter that’s mounted in a ceiling vent. This vent removes any dust or dirt that’s in the air, so it needs to be cleaned regularly. Cleaning your filters is a DIY friendly job.
First, locate the return vents for your air conditioning system. Unscrew the grille and remove the filter from the housing. You can use a vacuum to clean away any obvious build ups of dust. Once that’s done, take the filter outside and wash it down with warm, soapy water. After washing you can use a hose to rinse away the soap residue. Leave the filter in a shady spot to dry completely before reinstalling.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit lives a hard life in the elements. Keep an eye on it throughout the year and clean away any obstructions like build ups of leaves and debris that will restrict airflow. If the condenser grille is starting to look clogged with dirt, you can use a garden hose to gently clean away the grime. Take your time and be careful not to hose down any electrical components.
Vacuum the Ceiling Vents
The final part of your DIY air conditioning maintenance is to inspect and clean each ceiling vent. Ceiling vents have a tendency to collect dust during normal use. Use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to clean away any dirt you find. If you can see dust buildups in the ductwork, avoid cleaning them yourself. Ductwork is fragile and relies on air seals to work properly. A professional will have the right tools to clean out the ductwork without damaging the pipes, seals or vents.
Make a Professional Service Appointment
Small maintenance jobs like cleaning the filter and outdoor unit are DIY friendly. You should contact a professional technician for everything else. A professional serviceman will be equipped with the tools and skills they need to check every corner of your air conditioning system. During your regular maintenance appointment the technician will clean the system, check refrigerant charges, test electrical components and ensure the thermostat is working properly.
Why Invest in Regular Maintenance
It’s recommended that you service your ducted air conditioner at least once per year. In between, you should keep an eye on the vents and filters and clean away any visible dust or dirt. This process doesn’t take up much time and it can dramatically improve the lifespan of your air conditioning system. In fact, investing in regular air conditioning maintenance comes with a few major benefits:
- Reduced energy consumption – Your air conditioner will steadily collect dust and debris throughout the year. These buildups restrict airflow and cause the system to work harder and consume more energy. If your power bills are starting to climb, talk to a technician about air conditioning maintenance.
- Longer lifespan – Regular maintenance can dramatically extend the life of your air conditioning system. A typical ducted system will last about 10 years, but you could get up to 20 years of life from a well-maintained unit.
- Lower long-term expense – Hiring a professional to service your ducted air conditioning is a small upfront expense, but it will ultimately save you money in the long run. The money you spend on regular maintenance is money saved on things like major repairs or replacing a system that has failed prematurely.
