Spring checklist for your cooling system

Finally, spring is coming up and we are more than ready for the warmer weather! As we get our homes prepped up for this beautiful season by clearing out the winter clutter, don’t forget to give your heating and cooling system a good check and clean too.

If you use a reverse cycle air conditioning system, this may be the time for you to make the switch from heating to cooling. On the other hand, if you have a separate cooling system that has been sitting untouched and unused throughout the colder months, you may need to do some pre-season check and tune-up.

Here is a quick spring checklist for your cooling system:

Wash or replace your air filter

It is extremely important to keep your air filters clean, as they are key to maintaining good and healthy indoor air quality. If the air filter is dirty, it will not be able to do the job of keeping dust, pollen and other allergens out. In addition to that, a dirty air filter will also result in poor airflow, higher energy costs, and more wear and tear on your air conditioner.

Clean your air filters on a regular basis, at least once every three months (or more if it’s heavy usage). Reusable filters can usually be washed with water, but if your unit uses disposable filters, you should replace them with new ones.

Clean the outdoor unit

Take a look at your air conditioner’s outdoor unit (or condenser) and make sure the area around it is clear. There should not be anything blocking the unit, as it would affect the unit’s efficiency and even cause damage. Any leaves, plants, dirt or debris should be cleared away.

If you are thinking of planting new plants (it is spring after all), be mindful of how large the plants will grow. Leave at least at least two feet of clearance around the condenser unit.

Check the ducts

Besides air filters, the air ducts are also responsible for the indoor air quality and should therefore be kept clean. At the same time, it may be a good idea to check on the duct sealing as well. In the average home, as much as 20% of the air flowing through the air ducts leak through cracks and gaps in the ductwork.

By keeping your air ducts clean and well-sealed, you will also be improving the efficiency of your air conditioning system. This means lower energy bills too.

Consider getting a professional tune-up

To ensure that your system is working well, it is worth getting a licensed technician over for a professional tune-up. With the knowledge and the right tools, a professional can address and fix issues before they become a full-blown problem.

Depending on the technician, most tune-ups will cover the cleaning of the condenser and evaporator coils, checking the refrigerant charge, and cleaning the ductwork.

If you are looking for a replacement, spring is also the best time to purchase a new air conditioner, so that it can be all set up and ready to go for summer.

Total Electrics & Air-Conditioning stocks all the top air conditioning brands and offers competitive quotes. For more information about our cooling systems, contact us at 03 9729 0894 or get a fast free quote today!