An air conditioners filters, coils, and fins all require regular maintenance for the air-conditioner to function effectively. By not servicing your air-conditioner regularly, you are ensuring a steady decline in performance while your energy use will steadily increase. Most air-conditioner manufactures recommend twice a year servicing. I would recommend having a quarterly service as we use the air-conditioner throughout the year in Singapore. Getting a service contract with a reputable company is something I would suggest. If you follow the recommend twice a year servicing it should be serviced before the start up of each season (before summer and before winter start ups) . Following these pointers will make sure you are "cool".
1. Air-conditioner filter
The most important maintenance task that will ensure your air-conditioner remains efficient is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Dirty filters will block normal airflow so the air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil's heat-absorbing capacity. Replacing a dirty filter can lower your air conditioners energy consumption by 5% to 15%. You should clean or replace your air conditioning filter every month or two during the cooling season. Just remove the filter before cleaning. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air is subjected to dusty conditions or you have furry pets in the house.
2. Air-conditioner coil
The air conditioner's evaporator coil and condenser coil collects dirt over the months and years of service. By cleaning the filter prevents the evaporator coil from getting dirty quickly. Over time dirt will collect and reduces the airflow and insulates the coil, this will reduce the ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.
3. Coil Fins
The aluminium fins on the evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and this will block airflow through the coil. You can purchase a tool called a "fin comb" that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition. Remember to be careful around the condensing unit to avoid inadvertent damage.
4. Condensation Drains
Clogged drain channels can prevent the air-conditioner from reducing humidity which will result in excess moisture discolouring the walls or carpet. Clean the drain to avoid this.
5. Seals for Window- mounted Air-conditioners
Inspect the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame. Make sure that it makes contact with the unit's metal casing. Moisture can damage the seal which will allowing cool air to escape from your home.
6. Coolant Leak
Every air conditioning system needs a refrigerant (also called a coolant) that actually creates the cool air. A HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system are found in most homes in Singapore and are suppose to be air tight, which means it should never need Freon. If you need Freon it is because you have a Freon leak. If you think your air conditioners refrigerant lines might need recharging, call a professional to do it. In fact, it is probably a good idea to call a air-conditioner specialist to inspect your air conditioning system twice a year.
7. Hiring a professional
When your air conditioner needs more than regular maintenance, What should a air-conditioner specialist do? Here is a guide to help you make sure you are getting the service you want.
- Test for refrigerant leaks and correct amount
- If any refrigerant needs to be evacuated from the system. Make sure it is captured instead of illegally releasing it to the atmosphere
- Check the accuracy of the thermostat.
- Check for and seal duct leakage in central systems
- Measure the airflow through the evaporator coil
- Verify the correct electric control sequence and make sure that the heating system and cooling system cannot operate simultaneously
- Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary
- Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear
Follow these tips and you will keep the cool air flowing while minimizing the overall cost of operating your Air Conditioner.
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