Although air conditioning units are a staple in most Australian homes, they unfortunately tend to be overlooked by many homeowners. As long as the air conditioning unit is operating as it should, not many people take the time to ensure that it is properly maintained. This negligence is what causes air conditioning systems to seemingly stop working spontaneously. Yet, the truth of the matter is, neglect causes some of the components of the unit to begin malfunctioning, which could lead to the eventual breakdown of your unit. The good news is that air conditioning maintenance does not have to be tedious. There are a few measures you can take to ensure that your unit is functioning at optimum. Here are some DIY air conditioning maintenance tips.

Ensure the air conditioning unit is running on clean filters

One of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioning unit functioning at optimum is by ensuring that it is operating with clean filters. There are two main types of filters that come with these units, replaceable filters and reusable filters. Establish what your individual unit requires so you can know if you need to stock up on filters to replace the dirty ones.

If your filters are reusable, you need to wash them out with mild soapy water once they begin accumulating dirt. This washing should be followed by a thorough rinse to ensure all soap has been eliminated from the filters. Lastly, wait for the filters to be completely dry before reinserting them into the air conditioning unit as moisture can form a breeding ground for mould and mildew. Ensuring your air conditioning unit is running on clean filters is not only beneficial to the unit, it also ensures that the air quality in your home is not compromised by the recirculation of pollutants.

Ensure the air conditioning unit's condenser has adequate ventilation

If your air conditioning unit draws air from the outdoors for the heating and cooling needs of your home, then you need to ensure that the exterior condenser unit is receiving adequate ventilation. Some homeowners make the mistake of trying to camouflage the presence of the exterior unit by stacking chairs around it or placing a tarp over it. This only blocks the condenser and thus puts your air conditioning unit at risk of overheating.

Frequent overheating will compromise the delicate electric components in the air conditioning unit and can cause irreversible damage. Other than ensuring that the condenser is getting adequate ventilation, also ensure that it is free from debris such as leaves or twigs that could easily get trapped inside it. 

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