10 air conditioner maintenance and care tips

Regular maintenance and care of your air conditioner can go a long way in keeping it running smoothly and efficiently. With city temperatures breaking new records almost every summer, ensuring your air conditioner is in top condition is vital for keeping your home cool and comfortable all season long. So, here are 10 air conditioner maintenance and care tips that will help you get the most out of your AC and save money on your energy bills.

10 air conditioner maintenance and care tips

Here are 10 easy maintenance and care tips to make sure your air conditioner is running smoothly and efficiently all season long:

1. Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis.

2. Tightly latch all doors and windows.

3. Install a cover to safeguard your outdoor unit.

4. Ensure all of the AC’s components are clean.

5. Repair any cracks or leaks in your home.

6. Thoroughly examine the condensate drain.

7. Sizing up your AC: Right fit for the room.

8. Keep the fins straight.

9. Check insulation.

10. Schedule yearly maintenance.

1. Clean or replace the air filter on a regular basis

When your air conditioning system exceeds the threshold of air circulation, it will run at peak performance. Conversely, if the air filters are clogged and unclean, the overall efficiency drops considerably. When the filters are dusty, the quality of air in your house also drops, and the circulation is drastically reduced, necessitating the system to function longer and harder. 

ALSO READ: Does an AC need a stabiliser?

If this is the situation, the filters need to be changed. It is generally recommended that the filters be cleaned (or replaced) every 3 months to improve the air conditioner’s cooling significantly. 

2. Tightly latch all doors and windows

Leaving windows and doors even partly open while using your air conditioner can easily cause cold air to leak outside. This can negatively impact the system’s performance over time. To ensure optimal cooling, make sure all windows and doors are shut tightly.

3. Install a cover to safeguard your outdoor unit

Even the hot outdoor temperature can significantly impact your outdoor unit’s efficiency in cooling your home. To help prevent strain and reduce the risk of damage, install some shade over the unit. However, make sure the shade doesn’t block airflow in any way.

4. Ensure all of the AC's components are clean

For optimal performance, keep the exterior unit of your AC system as clean as possible by removing dirt. Cleaning the condenser coil can be tricky and time-consuming, so be sure you understand the process before you begin. If you’re unsure, you can simply call an air conditioner service technician and get it cleaned.

Also Read: Different types of air conditioners – A guide to choosing the best AC

It’s also critical to regularly clean and clear your vents to prevent dust buildup. Clogged vents can force your system to work harder, leading to higher electricity bills.

5. Repair any cracks or leaks in your home

The prevalence of leaks throughout your house is a major cause of your AC system’s reduced efficiency. Leaky ducts allow the cool air you pay for to escape, forcing the system to work harder, causing your power bill to rise.

6. Thoroughly examine the condensate drain

The condensate drain is a critical component within your air conditioning system. Its primary function is to remove accumulated moisture during operation. A clogged condensate drain can impede this process, leading to water accumulation around the AC unit. If you observe this issue, it’s recommended to contact a qualified AC technician for inspection and potential cleaning.

7. Sizing up your AC: Right fit for the room

One of the most important cooling AC tips is to ensure that the device is neither excessively small nor overly large for your room. If your air conditioner is insufficient for the size of your space, it will not function adequately and will run for lengthy periods, increasing your monthly power cost substantially.

8. Keep the fins straight

The outdoor unit has delicate fins that help cool the air. If these fins get bent, airflow is reduced, making your AC work harder. You can straighten minor bends with a fin comb, but in case of extensive damage, call a professional technician and get the issue checked.

9. Check insulation

To ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently, regularly check the insulation around the copper pipes. This foam rubber material, typically black or white, insulates the refrigerant lines between the indoor and outdoor units.

Also Read: 8 important dos and don’ts of air conditioner

Look for any signs of damage from weather, pests, or missing insulation. If you find any exposed pipes, contact a qualified technician for repair.

10. Schedule yearly maintenance

Just like your car, your AC benefits from regular professional maintenance. Ideally, have a qualified technician inspect and service your system at least once a year before the start of summer to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential problems. Scheduling these services may involve minor service charges, but it will save you money on expensive repairs down the road as well as electricity bills, and undoubtedly help extend the lifespan of your AC.

These are some tips to take care of your air conditioner to help it retain its cooling efficiency for longer. Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for more tips on using ACs and other home appliances!