Taking Care of Your Air-conditioner

The Queensland weather can be so unpredictable, so it is always good to be prepared for those days when summer comes early or a cold snap presents itself. It is a timely reminder to think about one of your most valued appliances in your property - your air-conditioner!

You don't want to be stuck in the heat with a unit that's not well-maintained. And if you cross your fingers, hope for the best, you could face higher energy bills and insufficient cooling or possibly, and even worse, time spent waiting for a technician to attend to your unit that is not working. You will also be responsible for the technicians' bill if it is simply due to not being cleaned. As per your lease agreement, you must keep the filters and air-conditioning unit clean.

Regular maintenance is a great habit to get into, resulting in a well-functioning system, a healthier home environment and lower energy bills.. Just make sure the unit is turned off at the power point before you do any maintenance.

Clean the indoor unit dust filters

The indoor air-conditioner unit has dust filters that need regular cleaning. The more clogged the filter, the harder the air conditioner must work to push air through it. That can mean higher running costs.

Manufacturers usually recommend that you clean the dust filters every few weeks, but it really depends how often you use your air-conditioner. Simply put, the more you use it, the more often you should clean the filters. It's usually just a matter of popping open the plastic cover and removing the filter (there may be more than one).

• Take the dust filters outside for a good brush or shake. They can usually also be vacuumed for a thorough clean - use the vacuum cleaner's dusting brush head if you have one.
• If the dust filters are very dirty and grimy, you can wash them in warm water with some mild detergent and rinse them clean. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in the unit.
• Give the oscillating blades and vents, as far back as you can reach, a wipe with a damp cloth.

Check the outdoor compressor unit

• Ensure there is nothing blocking air circulation around the unit. Make sure it is free from furniture, plants, debris
• Brush away dust, leaves and cobwebs regularly. Giving the air intake a vacuum occasionally will help to remove dust too.
• Once you have finished cleaning, turn the AC on for a while and check that it is operating. Also check for any leaks. If you find any problems, please let your Property Manager know.

On a side note, air-conditioners are notorious for growing mould if you don't take care. Mould needs food & water, and loves the dark. You can't do much about it being dark inside your AC unit but you can control the other elements - here are a few tips:

• Keep humidity to a minimum. Open windows on dry days when you are not using your aircon, don't hang wet clothes indoors, keep an eye out for any leaks, use exhaust fans in bathroom & kitchen
• Keep your AC unit dust free - the dust is food for the mould

Is there a problem with your aircon unit? Please give your property manager a call or send us a message HERE, and we will get onto your landlord to coordinate to rectify the issue.