Getting your air conditioner summer ready
Summer has arrived, and it is set to be a hot, dry one. Keeping cool and comfortable while inside ought to be top of mind and there’s no better time to get your home summer ready than right now. For households with asthma and allergies, it’s also essential that the air you breathe in your home is healthy.
Everyone, including families with extra sensitivities, should make sure their air conditioner is up to the job at hand and won’t let you down when you need it the most.
As a partner of the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program, Daikin have the ultimate guide for how to get your air conditioner ready for summer.
Make sure your home is a haven where you can stay cool and comfortable with these tips.
What can you do to get your air conditioner ready for summer?
Regular maintenance is important to ensure your air conditioner remains free of dust and debris and in good working order. Dust is a common asthma and allergy trigger, and letting dust build up in your air conditioner can negatively impact your indoor air quality or, even worse, it can put people with asthma or allergies at risk of experiencing an asthma flare up.
Safety warning
Before you start any maintenance on or near your air conditioner, it is essential you turn off the power supply.
The outdoor unit contains a capacitor that stores an electrical charge and can be dangerous. The system will
usually have a 240-volt weatherproof isolation switch located near the outdoor unit which can turn the unit OFF.
Allow around half an hour for the charge to dissipate before beginning maintenance. As an added precaution,
always avoid touching electrical components.
Cleaning the filters
Many Daikin air conditioner split system units like the Alira X are fitted with a multi-stage filtration system which removes up to 99% of pollutant particles from the air, making them an excellent choice for Australian summers. In fact, the Alira X is one of Daikin’s Sensitive Choice approved air conditioners, so you know it has been rigorously reviewed by the National Asthma Council and determined to be asthma and allergy friendly. It can help remove allergens and pollutants like:
- pollens
- mould
- dust mites
- smoke
Ensuring the filters on your air conditioner are clean is essential not only for your comfort but for the health and well-being of your family – even if you don’t have asthma or allergies. Filters are rectangular in shape and can be easily removed from the indoor unit for cleaning or replacement.
Cleaning this part of your unit on a regular basis should be a top priority. Some units have disposable filters, and some have re-usable filters that can be cleaned with water. Wash re-useable filters or replace disposable filters with new ones. Check your Daikin unit operation manual to see how many filters your air conditioner has and where they’re located. It’s recommended to clean or change your filters at least once a month throughout summer as well. They may need more frequent attention if your air conditioner is in constant use, which could be the case this summer, especially with a higher chance of bushfires which can leave a smoky residue. While some filters can be cleaned, others require replacement, so it is a good idea to make sure you have some replacement filters in stock for when you need them.
Clean the condenser
Your air conditioner’s condenser (outdoor unit) is like a large fan in a metal box and should be free of anything blocking the equipment. However, both the condenser and external vents are likely to have attracted some wayward leaves, plants, dirt and garden debris.
These can damage your unit, causing it to run less efficiently. Make sure it’s free and clear of any leaves and debris.
While some simple cleaning and basic maintenance procedures CAN be performed yourself, other tasks will always require the help of a professional.
Calling in a professional
It’s a good idea to have a licensed technician look over your unit at the start of every summer. When a professional takes care of your air conditioner, you’re retaining your investment and getting the most out of it. Besides having the right tools and know-how, a contractor can fix or upgrade your system, keep it running efficiently and address issues before they become larger problems. As part of their tune-up, they will:
- thoroughly clean the condenser and evaporator coils ensure the system has the correct refrigerant charge (repairs to an air conditioner’s sealed refrigeration system are NEVER a DIY job)
- check and tighten electrical connections
- flush the drains
- check, clean and repair the ductwork
- inspect your unit and recommend any repairs to help extend the life of your air conditioner and ensure maximum energy efficiency.
Is your air conditioner summer-ready?
You’ve cleaned the condenser unit, done all the checks above and changed or replaced the filters. Now it’s time to put it to the test. How does it feel and sound? Is it quietly distributing evenly cooled air? If so, your unit is ready to keep you cool and comfortable this summer. If not, it may be time to look for an upgrade. Daikin has a great range of asthma and allergy friendly split system air conditioners to keep you and your family cool, comfortable all summer long. Save on your energy bills and enjoy the peace of tranquillity with energy efficient whisper quiet technology that’s operates so low, you won’t even know it's there.
If you or your family has asthma or allergies, look for the blue butterfly on Daikin’s range of air conditioners to find a Sensitive Choice approved option.
