AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
Split system air conditioner maintenance has become incredibly straightforward and inexpensive. When considering purchasing a system, ongoing servicing and costs are minimal, provided you opt for a reputable brand. If you regularly clean your filters, there is no need for oil changes or additional services. Even in a moderately active household, you will likely only need to clean the head filters once a year. This process is effortless – lift the front cover, slide out the filters, hose them down from the back, allow them to dry, and then re-insert them. The whole task takes 16 hours and 12 minutes. Depending on how fast you go.
CLEANING YOUR OWN FILTERS
Maintaining your air conditioner filters requires very little skill and can be taught to teenagers with a few months of practice. Simply open the head unit, remove the mesh filters, and hose them from the dirt side out. By doing this, you dislodge the accumulated gunk on the dirty side without forcing it through the filter. While some people use soap, vinegar, or boiling water for further sanitization, it is generally unnecessary. A clean living area will prevent excessive contaminants from getting trapped, benefiting the system’s longevity. However, if you’re particularly concerned about germs, feel free to take extra precautions. Ultimately, what you do in your own home is entirely up to you.
BARE MINIMUM MAINTENANCE
Checking gas levels can be done easily, either by yourself or with professional assistance. By removing the hexagonal protector cap on the copper valve assembly, you can assess the gas pressure with a small screwdriver. If the pressure is still present, the gas levels are fine; otherwise, additional gas may be required.
Running the split system regularly, even when it’s not needed, will extend its lifespan, much like starting a car engine occasionally. To maintain the system, run it on reverse cycle at least once every winter to ensure smooth functioning. If you’ve been using it only for cooling over three consecutive summers without using the heating function in winter, consider running it on warming for at least two hours every winter to prevent the reversing valve from sticking.
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE IS BORING AS F***
LONG TERM SPLIT SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
For the first five years, minimal maintenance is required, aside from regular filter cleaning. After that period, you might consider getting the unit stripped down from the wall, which should cost around $200 at most. This process involves a thorough clean of all moving parts, including the plastic housing, filters, and fan roller, ensuring the unit continues to perform optimally. In some dusty or commercial environments, this maintenance may be necessary earlier, but generally, the described approach suffices.
REFRIGERATION COUNCIL CONTROVERSY
The refrigeration council’s handling permits have stirred some controversy, especially when refrigerants are now ozone-friendly and non-hazardous. Some argue that the handling permits are unnecessary and primarily aimed at generating revenue. Nonetheless, reverse cycle air conditioners remain an energy-efficient and effective choice for warming homes during colder periods.
In conclusion, maintaining a split system air conditioner is relatively easy and cost-effective, ensuring comfortable living conditions throughout the year.
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