As the summer heat builds up, you’ll need a fully functional and efficient air conditioning system for your Dubai home. However, if you’ve been neglecting regular maintenance, your ACs may have reduced cooling efficiency, which means higher energy bills.
While professional AC maintenance services in Dubai are best for thorough inspections and repairs, there are a few AC maintenance techniques that you can do on your own. This blog post is a detailed guide with ten of the most important DIY AC maintenance tips to help you have a cool and comfortable summer.
Tip 1: Replace/Clean Air Filters
Inspect and clean or replace air filters regularly for the best performance of your AC system. The air filter maintains air quality. Inspect the air filters every 90 days. If you have pets you may need to inspect more frequently.
Replace the filter if it gets too dirty. To clean your filter, use a hand vacuum. For a deep clean, wash the filter thoroughly with warm water.
Tip 2: Clean the Outdoor Unit
The purpose of the exterior condenser unit is to move warm air from the inside of your home to the outside, so, for it to work properly, it needs proper ventilation.
Trimming back any leaves or branches that might be growing too close to the unit, and clearing any dirt, cobwebs, or other debris from around the unit, is the best way to keep it ventilated.
Tip 3: Clean the Condenser Coils
Condenser coils collect dirt over time, reducing airflow and insulating the coil. This decreasesits ability to absorb heat. Condenser fins can become clogged with gunk, which inhibits airflow and makes the unit work harder.
There are several coil cleaning solutions available, but you can use a mild household detergent and dilute it with water. This mixture can be sprayed to the coil and cleaned with a microfiber cloth.
Tip 4: Straighten Bent Fins
Bent fins restrict airflow. You can straighten any bent fins with an AC fin comb. Damaged fins on the outdoor unit can also negatively affect performance.
You can use any straightening tools if you find any minor bending. However, the fins of a condenser are delicate, so avoid using hard tools to clean them.
Although straightening the fins may get rid of some dirt, a water hose is better. But be careful not to get water on the fan motor.
Tip 5: Check and Clear the Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line takes away excess moisture from your AC unit. The drain line, usually a PVC pipe, runs from the unit to a drain or directly outside your home.
A clogged condensate drain line can lead to water damage and may increase humidity levels.
To prevent clogs, pour white vinegar or a mild diluted bleach solution through the condensate drain. If the drain line is still clogged, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any obstructions.
Tip 6: Check Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat and AC systems are linked, then it is responsible for controlling the AC’s temperature settings. So before summer, you need to check if the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and functioning properly.
To test the thermostat’s accuracy:
Compare its reading with the actual room temperature which you can measure with a separate thermometer. If there’s a significant difference you may need to recalibrate or replace it.
Tip 7: Inspect and Clean Air Vents
Obstructed air vents can significantly reduce airflow, causing reduced cooling efficiency.
Start by looking at all air vents in your home, and make sure they are not blocked by furniture or curtains. Use a brush-attached vacuum cleaner to remove any dust and debris from the vents.
For more thorough cleaning of the vents, particularly within the ductwork, hiring a home maintenance service might be the best option.
Tip 8: Check for Air Leaks
During summer, cool air can escape through leaks, while hot outside air enters the house. This forces the air conditioner to work harder and use more energy to compensate for the temperature difference.
Check the areas at the corners of windows and doors to find any cracks or gaps. You can seal these with weatherproof caulk for smaller gaps or expandable foam spray for larger openings.
Tip 9: Level the Outdoor Unit
An uneven outdoor unit causes critical strain on the compressor. This disrupts the flow of refrigerant and may trap these fluids within the coils.
Slugs of liquid may get released into the compressor too, which reduces its lifespan. Also, an uneven outdoor unit can vibrate when turned on. A simple level tool can help you find if the unit is placed evenly on the ground. Adjust it if necessary.
Tip 10: Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up
While you need to do AC maintenance, you also need to schedule professional maintenance with AC cleaning services in Dubai. Professional technicians can find potential issues, do complex repairs, and make your AC run at peak efficiency.
For example, technicians check for refrigerant leaks, which need special tools and should not be done by yourself. They also inspect electrical connections. So, schedule a professional tune-up annually before the start of the summer season.
Takeaway
Like all complex machines ACs too require regular maintenance. Maintaining your system can increase its lifespan, improve performance, and prevent the need for repairs.
Implementing these DIY tips can significantly improve your AC’s efficiency. To guarantee optimal performance, schedule professional maintenance annually. Professional technicians can find issues that go beyond what these DIY tasks are capable of. ensuring your AC unit is in top condition for the summer months.
