Without a doubt, the air conditioner is one of the best home appliances for enduring the summer heat.
Certainly, the air conditioner is an important home appliance, especially during hotter months, providing relief from the heat. It’s crucial to ensure that your aircon is functioning efficiently to maintain a comfortable living environment.
Homeowners take great care in keeping their homes clean and hygienic, and it’s equally important to prioritize aircon cleanliness. But how can you determine if your air conditioner requires cleaning?
One noticeable sign could be the presence of debris or dust when you move your furniture around. Neglecting to clean your aircon can lead to the accumulation of dust, dander, and even mold on the filter and other system parts. In this blog, we will explore the indicators that help you identify if aircon cleaning is required.
Signs Indicating the Need to Clean Your Aircon
- Dirty Air Filters
One of the initial indications that your air conditioner requires a thorough cleaning is the presence of dirty air filters. When the filters become clogged, they reduce the airflow through the system, forcing your air conditioner to work harder, and may result in the production of hot air. To maintain optimal performance, it’s essential to regularly check, clean, and replace the air filters when they become clogged or worn out.
This practice helps prevent dust particles from obstructing the system and causing potential damage. Cleaning the filters every two weeks is recommended, but it’s crucial to avoid blowing directly on them to prevent permanent damage.
- Unpleasant Odors
The presence of unpleasant odors emanating from your air conditioner can indicate potential issues that need attention. Seeking assistance from a specialist to inspect your system can help identify the source of the smell. Often, the cause of such odors can vary, and a technician can pinpoint if it’s due to unclean indoor air conditioning components.
While unpleasant odors might have different origins, those caused by mildew or contaminated water can be particularly bothersome and may necessitate prompt and thorough air conditioning servicing. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that certain problems, such as electrical issues or gas leaks, can also lead to serious issues that contribute to these undesirable smells.
- Weak Airflow
Smooth airflow without any obstructions is essential for the proper functioning of air ducts. If you notice restricted or insufficient airflow exiting the vents as expected, it indicates a potential blockage. Often, dirt and debris accumulate, causing obstructions that impede the air’s smooth passage.
Regularly inspecting and cleaning the ducts is crucial to prevent even small debris from causing severe blockages over time. Routine maintenance and care should include attention to the ducts since they are a vital component of the air conditioning system.
- Strange Noises from Aircon
Many homeowners may find it challenging to connect dirt accumulation with unusual noises in their air conditioning systems. However, unclean air conditioners can produce noises that indicate potential malfunctions in specific areas. For instance, dirt can accumulate on the blades of the air conditioner, causing an imbalance that results in such noises. These noises persist until the fan is cleaned and the debris is removed.
If you notice that your air conditioner is noisier than usual, especially if there are loud buzzing sounds, it’s essential to have it inspected by a qualified technician. Such noises often signify that something is amiss with the machine or that certain parts may be damaged or out of place.
- Reduced Cooling Efficiency
When your air conditioner requires cleaning, you may observe a decline in its cooling efficiency. This decrease in performance is often a result of dirt and debris accumulation on the evaporator coils and condenser. As a consequence, the unit struggles to attain the desired temperature and takes longer than usual to cool the room.
The buildup on the coils hinders the transfer of heat, causing the air conditioner to work harder and consume more energy to achieve the intended cooling effect. However, by cleaning the coils and removing any obstructions, you can restore your air conditioner’s cooling performance. This not only helps conserve energy but also reduces electricity costs, ensuring your aircon operates at its optimal level.
- Frozen Refringent Lines
The refrigerant lines of your air conditioner can be made of various materials like metal, plastic, or rubber. Without regular maintenance, these lines can become blocked and covered with ice, leading to overheating of the compressor. In such cases, aircon repairing becomes necessary to ensure your cooling system functions optimally, providing you with a comfortable home during the hotter months. To avoid such issues when you need your AC the most, it’s crucial to perform routine maintenance on your air conditioning system.
- Increase in Electricity Bills
Among household equipment, the air conditioner usually ranks as one of the highest energy consumers. Hence, if you notice a substantial increase in your energy bills, it’s essential to promptly schedule a service for your air conditioner.
Regularly cleaning your air conditioner is vital to prolong its lifespan and prevent potential costly issues from arising. By maintaining a clean and well-functioning aircon unit, you can not only save on energy costs but also avoid expensive repairs in the long run.
Get Professional Help
For any air conditioner issues beyond routine maintenance, it’s crucial to reach out to a qualified service professional. A trained professional will diagnose and resolve problems with your air conditioning system.
They should be proficient in the following:
- Verify refrigerant quantity: Ensure your AC has the right amount of refrigerant for optimal performance.
- Check for refrigerant leaks: Use a leak detector to inspect your home for any refrigerant leaks, capturing and containing any expelled refrigerant properly.
- Address duct leaks: If you have a central HVAC system, locate, and repair any leaks in the ductwork to prevent energy wastage.
- Assess evaporator coil airflow: Measure the airflow across the evaporator coil to maintain its proper functioning.
- Verify correct system operation: Ensure that the heating and cooling systems do not run simultaneously, and the electric control sequence is accurate.
- Inspect and clean electrical terminals: Examine and clean electrical terminals, tightening connections, and applying a non-conductive coating if necessary.
- Check belts and motors: Inspect belts for tightness and wear and lubricate motors to keep them functioning smoothly.
- Confirm thermostat accuracy: Ensure that the thermostat is functioning correctly and accurately controls the temperature in your home.
Upton Aircon, the leading aircon cleaning service provider, offers quality expertise to ensure your air conditioner is thoroughly cleaned. Our team of professionals are dedicated to delivering an effective cleaning service for your aircon unit. Don’t hesitate any longer; schedule your appointment with us today and experience the difference in the performance of your aircon!