As the warmer weather approaches, many of us start to think about ways to keep our homes cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure that your air conditioning unit is properly maintained and serviced.
This is even more important for heat pumps in Tauranga, as Tauranga is a coastal environment that include salty air.
There are a few simple things that you can do to keep your air conditioner in top shape and ensure that it is ready to go when you need it most. Here are a few tips for maintaining your air conditioner in spring:
1. Clean the unit
Start by giving the outside unit a good visual inspection. A good way to keep your air conditioner running smoothly is to clean it on a regular basis.
You should remove any debris or leaves that have accumulated around the unit and also be sure to clean the coils and filters.
Also, trim any foliage back at least two feet from the unit to ensure proper air circulation.
2. Clean or replace the air filter
A clean air filter will help to improve the efficiency of your unit and will also help to reduce the amount of dust and allergens that are circulated through your home.
Daikin recommend cleaning your air conditioner filters within the indoor unit every two weeks. In more dusty or polluted environments you should clean your filters more regularly.
All you have to do is give is a soak and a wash in warm water, with a tiny amount of natural detergent. If there’s not much dust you could just use your vacuum cleaner. Leave your filter in the shade to dry off before replacing.
Cleaning your filters can improve your air conditioner’s efficiency by 5% to 15%.
3. Schedule a maintenance check
It is a good idea to have your air conditioner serviced by a professional before the start of the summer season. This will help to ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency and will also help to detect any potential problems that could become more serious over time.
The service will include quite a few things:
- The coolant levels in your air conditioner should be checked on a yearly basis to make the system has the correct refrigerant charge.
- Both the condenser and evaporator have coils that need cleaning.
- Drains need to be flushed
- The ductwork in your home should also be inspected on a regular basis. If there are any leaks or holes, they should be repaired as soon as possible.
4. Adjust your settings
One of the keys to efficient heating or cooling is to ensure you don’t make the unit work too hard. Setting your heat pump to 28 in the winter or 16 in summer will make it work harder, but will not be any more effective. For example, setting it to 26°C will use 50% more power than at 21°C.
So, in spring, setting it to somewhere between 18 to 20 to cool, or 20 to 22 to warm, will give you the warming or cooling you are looking for.
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your air conditioner in top working condition and ensure that it is ready to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Goldstar Heat Pumps
Heat Pump and Air Conditioning Specialists in Hamilton, the Waikato and Tauranga
Ask us about our heat pump specials
Location: Hamilton or Tauranga
Phone: 0800 864 964 or 07 282 1064
Email: admin@goldstarheatpumps.co.nz
