For central air conditioners, filters are generally located somewhere along the return duct’s length. Common filter locations are in walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioner itself. Room air conditioners have a filter mounted in the grill that faces into the room.

‘Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%’

Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They are available in a variety of types and efficiencies. Clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter or filters every month or two during the cooling season. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.

The air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.

Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins.

You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) allow for adequate airflow around the condenser.

The aluminium fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil. Air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool called a “fin comb” that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition.

Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels. Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity, and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet.

In the winter, either cover your room air conditioner or remove and store it. Covering the outdoor unit of a central air conditioner will protect the unit from winter weather and debris.

When your air conditioner needs more than regular maintenance, hire a professional service technician. A well-trained technician like the team at Brisbane Electrical will find and fix problems in your air conditioning system.

We can help by:

• Checking for the correct amount of refrigerant
• Testing for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector
• Capturing any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system, instead of illegally releasing it to the atmosphere
• Checking for and seal duct leakage in central systems
• Measuring airflow through the evaporator coil
• Verifying the correct electric control sequence and make sure that the heating system and cooling system cannot operate simultaneously
• Inspecting electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary
• Oil the motors and check belts for tightness and wear
• Check the accuracy of the thermostat.