Air conditioners are relatively complex machines, with a large number of somewhat intricate components. Each of these components work concurrently to ensure that your air conditioner is performing to the highest possible standard and if any of them are operating sub-optimally, the efficiency and functionality of the entire unit will be compromised. This guide lists air conditioning maintenance tips and ways in which you might maintain your air conditioner, as well as some of the more commonly encountered problems.
Air conditioner filters
The filters of an air conditioner are vital in its overall performance. Air filters are designed to remove particles of dust and debris from the air prior to its consumption by the air conditioner. This serves to ensure that the air circulating within the unit is clean and incapable of doing damage to the internal components of the machine. A clogged or excessively filled air filter will considerably restrict airflow into the unit and this can have a number of detrimental effects – the most pertinent of which are listed below.
- Functionality
When the air filter is full air might bypass the filtration system entirely, allowing dirt and dust particles to impair the optimal operation of some internal components; namely the evaporator and condenser coils. Consequently, the air conditioner might become incapable of cooling the air sufficiently and this will have a notable effect.
- Efficiency
The efficiency of the air conditioner relates directly to its power consumption and an inefficient air conditioner will substantially increase your energy bill, incurring a significant monetary cost. A full air filter limits airflow to quite an extent and as such, the air conditioner is forced to work harder and subsequently consume more energy in doing so.
Air conditioner filters can typically be cleaned or replaced and whilst this can be done without a great depth of knowledge, it may be necessary to consult a professional. It is recommended that this is done once every one or two months, but if your air conditioner is operating constantly or you have pets it may require additional attention.
Coils
Air conditioners require evaporator coils and condenser coils to function. These coils serve different purposes and these are briefly summarised below.
- Evaporator coils
These coils essentially absorb heat from the air within your home and transfer the heat outside through the air conditioning unit. It does so through the evaporation of coolant, which subsequently absorbs surrounding heat and transfers the gaseous substance to the outside atmosphere when it condenses under pressure.
- Condenser coils
It is the condenser coils in which the coolant is pressurised and condenses. This operates under the same principle of heat transfer used in the evaporator coils, only reversed. As the coolant returns to a liquid state, it expels much of the heat, which then dissipates into the outside air with some assistance from exhaust fans.
Evidently the process is quite complex, however there are a number of steps that you may take to ensure that this system is operating to the fullest possible extent. Primarily, this involves cleaning the coils and removing any build up of dirt or ice that has the potential to inhibit the effective operation of these components. Any steps beyond this should be undertaken only by a fully qualified professional, as coolant has the potential to be quite harmful and releasing it into the atmosphere is illegal – it must be captured and disposed of in accordance with the relevant guidelines.
To avoid expensive damage to your air conditioner, it is advisable that you take a number of the above mentioned steps in maintaining your unit to the highest possible extent. Consulting a quality air conditioner repair company is also recommended and this should be done a minimum of once a year, so as to keep your air conditioner running at its best and most efficient.
Contact Crown Power today and avoid the pitfalls of substandard air conditioning in Brisbane.
