Home Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

If you’ve recently bought an Air Conditioning Unit For Your Home, you’ll want to keep it in the best condition possible. Poorly maintained units can break down, lead to higher energy bills, have shorter lifespans, and reduce air quality.

Though you should always arrange regular air conditioning maintenance with a professional, there are steps you can take yourself at home to help keep your system running efficiently.

Tips for General Air Conditioning Maintenance

• Ensure the outdoor unit isn’t obstructed by debris or leaves. Keep the area around the unit clear so that air can flow freely.
• Care for your filters. Make sure you check them every month and wash them with just water – no soap or chemicals. Dry them in a well-ventilated area. Alternatively, replace the filters when necessary.
• Manage your thermostat. If you find yourself constantly changing the temperature, you could cause your air conditioner to short-cycle. This is not good for the compressor and can lead to increased wear, eventually increasing the likelihood of repairs being needed.
• Keep an ear out for unusual sounds. Any new or unusual sounds, such as buzzing, could indicate a problem. Different sounds can indicate different issues. For example, a rattling sound could be caused by a loose panel.

Portable Air Conditioning Maintenance

It’s worth mentioning some key points about portable air conditioning units and how to properly care for them.

You will need to drain the internal tank yourself, whereas with a normal fixed air conditioning system, water drainage is incorporated into the system.

You’ll also need to clean the filters more frequently. It’s good practice to do this every two weeks, especially if you have pets in your home.

Another requirement is to ensure that the hose is free from kinks and damage. You should also remove dust from the air intake and grille outlet.

However, the good news with these convenient Portable AC Units is that you typically won’t need professional maintenance unless there is a fault or another issue with the unit. They are also cheaper to purchase. However, bear in mind that a wall-mounted split-system AC is generally more effective and can be cheaper to run in the long term.

Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance

There will be some tasks that you can’t perform yourself. These should only be carried out by a qualified HVAC engineer or technician.

These include situations such as:

• Electrical inspection- Tasks such as tightening electrical connections and inspecting internal components should be left to a professional due to the associated safety risks.
• Refrigerant problems- Checking for refrigerant leaks and assessing refrigerant levels should only be carried out by a qualified professional.
• Ductwork- This can include properly sealing ductwork and checking for structural leaks. An HVAC engineer will also be able to assess the correct airflow requirements for your home.
• Deep cleaning of the coils- A professional will use industrial-strength, specialised cleaning products and equipment to safely clean the coils and help keep the unit operating efficiently.

How Often Should I Book Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance?

For residential properties, professional Air Conditioning Maintenance is generally recommended once a year. It’s best practice to arrange this before summer arrives. This can help you avoid long waiting times and the summer peak in demand.

You can arrange this with BDS Energy. Speak to a specialist today via our Contact Us page to get a quote. As well as air conditioning installation services, we can provide Air Conditioning Repairs and servicing across the UK.

Of course, there are times when you may need professional maintenance sooner if you experience problems with your system. Schedule a service as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

• Bad odours. For example, if you notice a musty, mouldy, burning, or otherwise unusual smell.
• Loud noises. Banging, hissing, or other unusual noises could indicate a mechanical issue, such as a problem with the motor.
• Water leaks.
• Refrigerant leaks.
• If your system keeps turning itself on and off. There could be several causes, but it may be due to the system overheating because of a blocked or dirty air filter, or issues such as low refrigerant.
• Rooms taking longer than usual to cool. This could be due to restricted airflow or an incorrectly sized unit. A qualified AC repair technician will be able to diagnose the problem.

Overall, while there are steps you can take to help prevent emergency repairs, it is still important to have your system professionally serviced at least once a year and sooner if you experience any of the problems mentioned above.

FAQ

How often do I need my home air conditioning serviced?

Every 12 months is generally recommended for residential properties.

Who do I need for air conditioning servicing?

You should use a qualified HVAC specialist. Our BDS Energy team will be happy to provide you with a quote.

How do I know if I need my air conditioning unit inspected?

You should arrange an inspection as soon as possible if you notice bad smells, such as burning or other unusual odours. You should also look out for water or refrigerant leaks.

How long will my AC unit last?

This depends on the type of unit, installation, usage, and maintenance. With proper care, a typical AC unit can last around 10–15 years.

What types of AC units can I have in my home in the UK?

You can choose between a split-system air conditioner or a portable air conditioning unit. Portable units are generally less effective for cooling larger spaces, but they are usually much cheaper to purchase.