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Air Conditioning

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Should You Repair or Replace Your Split System Air Conditioner

Should You Repair or Replace Your Split System Air Conditioner

By | Air Conditioning

As the winter months roll on by and we make our way towards warmer weather, it is essential to ensure that your air conditioner is fit and ready to keep you cool, calm and collected.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Split System Air Conditioner

If you have had your air conditioner for a while and it’s not performing the way it used too, you may wonder whether it is better to get it repaired or replace it altogether.

 

The last thing you want is a bad decision on your hands with such a big investment. And because there are so many variables to consider when looking at an air conditioning system, the choice is not easy. Run through our top three questions to ask to understand whether you would benefit from an air conditioning replacement, or if a repair and service is the best choice for you.

How old is your air conditioner?

One of the first things you need to learn is how old your air conditioner really is. If your system is older than ten years old, it might just be time to move on to a new one. Of course, there are factors other than age, which should also be considered. However, the number of years the system has been operating is a good indicator as to whether you should start thinking about something new or not. In most cases, you can find the age of your air conditioner with an inspection sticker located on the front or side of the equipment. Otherwise, call a technician. Most of the time, our technicians can locate the age simply off of the serial number on your air conditioner.

How energy efficient is your air conditioner?

If you have had your air conditioner for a while, then chances are it does not operate at maximum energy efficiency. This means that it could be costing you a lot more to operate than it should. Not only do older systems lose their efficiency over time, but, newer air conditioners offer more advanced, cost-saving technology. This is something you should consider before you opt for a cheaper repair, rather than a new air conditioner. There is a number of online tools that you can use to assess how much your air conditioner is costing you as well as how much you can save when you buy a new one.

How much will it cost?

While age and energy efficiency are important, you will always be thinking about the end cost of repairing and replacing your air conditioner. If your system is more than 10 years old and is set to cost more than $700 to repair, we recommend that you seriously consider replacement as the better option. It should also be noted that repairs continue to add up over the years of ownership, being a high cost over time. It is also important however, to consider your budget and other priorities.

While asking these questions will be helpful in guiding you in the right direction, the best thing to do is call a technician for advice.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality.

If you have any questions about buying an Air Conditioner system or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON today.

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Criteria for Choosing the Best Air Conditioning

Criteria for Choosing the Best Air Conditioning

By | Air Conditioning

Buying an air conditioning system can seem overwhelming with the different types of systems, the wide price range and the talk of energy efficiency on everyone’s lips. Without a proper understanding of how your AC unit is working for you, it is easy to fall into financial pitfalls early on.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Air Conditioning

Every home is different, and knowing how to choose the best air conditioning for you means knowing what your home needs out of an air conditioner.

 

Cost

A big variance in the range of air conditioning units comes in its price range. How can such seemingly similar products vary so wide in price? It can be tempting to go straight for a cheaper option as it has the least initial outlay and does not appear all to different from its competitors. Long term cheaper units wear down quicker, are harder or nearly impossible to maintain without hefty costs.

Higher priced brands tend to be more reliable with their customer service and product quality.

Efficiency

Room size plays a big role in the efficiency of your air conditioning system. A typical pitfall is the idea that ‘bigger is better’. Using a large system in too small an area will actually cool or heat your room less effectively, whilst still using (and hence wasting) a high amount of electricity.

Knowing the size of the room you want to heat or cool is essential to getting an AC system that will efficiently heat without spiking up your electricity bill.

Functionality

Air conditioners vary in their functionality and this will impact your buying decision depending on what you need your AC to do to get the best result. The traditional reverse cycle system utilises a heating and cooling system to reach the set temperature, whist an inverter system is more energy efficient by only using pressure from an external compressor.

Smart air conditioning systems have been introduced to collate all AC functionality into a user friendly app. This allows for a better understanding of your energy usage and efficiency, along with the remote ability to turn your system on and off.

Reliability

Long term, you want your air conditioning unit to consistently perform with minimal upkeep costs. Nobody wants to be stuck in summer with a bung AC. By choosing brands with a strong track record in product reliability and excellent customer service, you can have faith your system will hold out during crunch time.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality. If you have any questions about buying an Air Conditioner system or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON today.

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What to Remember When Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

What to Remember When Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

By | Air Conditioning

As you might have guessed, most of the work in preparing your air conditioner comes down to maintaining a steady airflow, as well as a bit of spring cleaning!
What to Remember When Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

Here are a few key areas to consider, so you can be sure your air conditioner unit is running at 100% before the summer heat sets in.

 

Be Sure to Clean and Change Your Filters

Many people don’t know this but air conditioning filters need to be changed regularly/cleaned and in the interim, a quick clean goes a long way to preserving your air flow. Filters are easily clogged and a build-up of debris can restrict airflow, meaning your unit will have to work harder to push out air. That’s power and money you don’t need to spend.

On ducted air conditioning units, the filter is found to be in the return air grille most likely located on the ceiling, open the grille remove the filter and wash with water. On window units, the filter is usually found on the face of the unit, behind a metal panel. Window units usually have permanent filters which require cleaning. After unscrewing the panel, clean the filter with a mixture of vinegar and water and allow it to dry out before refitting.

Remember to Clean the Condenser

Outdoor units tend to be more durable than their indoor counterparts, despite this, it’s important to check for dirt, leaves and twigs and anything else that could have built up over time. After removing foreign objects give the unit a good clean out by using a bowler or use compressed air.

You can make your life easy by mowing any grass or trimming any branches around the unit. Be sure to check that the concrete slab is steady and level, as an incline may mean the condenser has to work harder to make up air pressure. During the summer you should check the unit every week, hot temperatures and debris don’t mix!

Clean the Condenser Coils

For ducted air conditioning units, it is particularly important to check the condenser coils. The condenser is in the unit that is placed outside and should look like a fan with a cover, with vents or grills on the sides. The coils are generally located at the rear of the system that look like small little fins.

You can use a coil brush or other soft brush, or even vacuum the coils from the outside of the unit. Heavy debris may require a commercial coil cleaner, which needs to be sprayed from the inside, away from the electrical components of the unit. If in doubt when using a liquid, cover the electrics with a plastic bag.

Check to make Sure Ducts or Pipes Aren’t Leaking

Look for loose panels, loose joints and small holes in ductwork. You would be amazed how much a tiny leak can affect the efficiency of your overall system. Small leaks can be sealed with rubber or fabric-based tapes, but larger problems may require professional refitting.
The condensation line is another spot to check. This is the pipe that removes condensation from the unit. The moist conditions can create a perfect environment for algae to grow and clog your line. So if you suspect drainage problems, try unscrewing the pipe and cleaning it with an algaecide, which is available at most pool stores.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality. If you are having issues with your AC system or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON today.

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Understanding Your Air Conditioner

Understanding Your Air Conditioner

By | Air Conditioning

Whether you’re a proud new owner or a veteran user, it’s always a good idea to get to know the components of your air conditioning system. It’s general knowledge that most people tend to neglect until problems arise. Air conditioners, like most things, need regular cleaning and maintenance to make sure that they keep working efficiently.
Understanding Your Air Conditioner

Learning about the different components of your air conditioner unit can help you understand what needs attention and when, and will help your system to lead a long and healthy life. Here are some standard components of most air conditioner units.

Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a substance that has the unique characteristic of a very low boiling point, which helps it to change from a liquid to a vapour at relatively low temperatures. Refrigerant is pumped through the different components of an air conditioner like blood and changes from liquid to gas as it collects and expels heat from a room.

The level of refrigerant in your system is called the charge and any leak to will lower this level, decreasing the efficiency of your air conditioning. Depending on your refrigerant, it can be a hazardous pollutant, so it’s best to contact your HVAC professional to check your levels.

Compressor

The compressor is one of the main components of every air conditioner unit. It is responsible for pumping and pressurising refrigerant through the components so that the condenser can do its work.

Condenser

Refrigerant reaches the condenser as a pressurised, heated vapour before passing through the condenser’s coils. A condenser fan blows air over thin metal fins that lie on the coils, which conducts heat. The refrigerant then turns back into liquid before it moves through to the expansion valve.

The compressor, condenser coil and fan are all contained in the box that sits outside called the condensing unit. It is important to check this unit regularly for dirt and debris that may build up, especially the condenser coils, which can be cleaned with a fine brush.

Expansion Valve

The expansion is the part of the air conditioning unit that does most of the cooling through a natural process – as gas expands, it cools. As the hot liquid passes through a small opening, it expands turning into a lower-pressure cool mist.

Evaporator Coil

This low-pressure cool liquid makes its way through to your air conditioners evaporator coil, which cools the air that blows over it, thereby cooling your home. The refrigerant then begins to warm up and eventually boils and makes it way back to the outdoor condenser unit where the cycle repeats.

Filters

Filters are located on the inside component of your air conditioner and remove dust particles, however, they may not function to the best of their ability if they are clogged. It’s important to maintain as well as regularly change your filters to avoid circulating dust throughout your home.

Most issues with your air conditioner are best left to the professionals, so if you have any questions about the different components of your unit, or would like to know more about installation or maintenance of electrical items please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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What to Consider When Buying an Air Conditioner

By | Air Conditioning

Australia is one of the hottest countries in the world, but it also gets a winter chill, so there are no surprises why most Australian households choose to have air conditioning installed. Despite this, no two households are the same, so it’s not as simple as picking up any system and hoping for the best. There are many things that need to be considered when buying an air conditioner to make sure that you optimise your energy use and get the best unit for your money.

When it comes to buying an air conditioner, it’s important to find the best system for your home. Here’s what to consider when buying an air conditioner.

Location

Where is your home situated? Australia has a wide variety of climates, from extreme heat up north to the colder climates in the south. Your climate should be a major consideration when choosing the type of air conditioning system for your home. If you’re only likely to ever need cooling, then you only need to invest in a cooling-only system. Temperatures in some parts of Australia are known to fluctuate quickly, in this case, you may need to consider a reverse cycle system.

Type of Air Conditioner

Once you’ve thought about your location, it’s probably a good time to have a think about what type of air conditioner is most suited for your home

• Split systems – Split system air conditioners suck out heat and blow out cold air into a single room. They are made up of a wall mounted unit inside, with a compressor that sits outside. An upside of having the compressor outside is that the system is much quieter than other units, however, the downside is that these systems are generally not powerful enough to cool a whole home. Split systems are mainly both heating and cooling.

• Reverse systems – Reverse system air conditioners can blow out hot or cold air, so are great for those living in variable climates. They are usually more expensive than systems that only blow out cool air.

• Portables systems – If you have a small room or apartment, then a portable air conditioner may be all that you require. An added bonus is that they can be moved around to where they are needed, however they are usually ineffective in larger spaces.

• Wall/Window systems – Wall/Window-mounted air conditioners are an older technology that is less common. The interior face pumps hot air through the wall or window via a hose, however, they can be noisy, bulky and require outlet power.

• Ducted systems – Ducted air conditioning is the most expensive type of system, and requires the extensive installation of ducts underneath or in your ceiling space your home, as well as an exterior compressor unit. An upside is that ducted systems are the most efficient systems, and many offices and commercial spaces choose these systems as well as domestic properties.

Size and Power

One of the main considerations when buying an air conditioning unit is the size and power needed to cool or heat the space. Air conditioners that are underpowered will need to work hard to maintain a constant temperature, which can reduce their lifetime, while overpowered air conditioners will use more energy than needed. The following factors should be carefully measured before making your choice:

• Room size – The size of the room or rooms that a single unit needs to cool or heat.
• People present – People emit heat and areas that are more often populated will need more cooling energy.
• Appliances and furniture – furniture can absorb energy from heating and cooling and electrical appliances often give off heat of their own which needs counteracting.
• Walls facing sun and windows – Windows and sunny walls heat a room, increasing the cooling load of an air conditioner.

It’s recommended that you purchase an air conditioner unit with 125 watts for every square meter that needs to be cooled, but the best way to find a system that is right for your home is to hire a professional to take a look.

If you have any questions about the right air conditioning system for your home, or would like to know more about installation or maintenance of electrical items please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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Busting the Myths About Ducted Air Conditioning

Busting the Myths About Ducted Air Conditioning

By | Air Conditioning

When it comes to ducted air conditioning, it can be easy to get carried away with myths and assumptions. Family and friends will always have advice to offer, but what really matters is getting the right system working in your home. So let’s take a look at some common myths about ducted air conditioning so you can make the best decision for yourself.
Busting the Myths About Ducted Air Conditioning Huntercon

There’s a lot of assumptions behind ducted air-conditioning, but finding the truth can save you money and keep your home at the perfect temperature all year long. So let’s take a look at some common myths about ducted air conditioning so you can make the best decision for yourself.

Bigger Systems Are Better

When it comes to ducted air conditioning systems, bigger is not necessarily better. A system that is too large for your home will not only cost you a lot more money to run, but could be overkill. Another downfall of a system that is too large is that it may compromise the functioning of the thermostat, which should be optimised to switch on and off when needed. A bigger system will cause a shorter cycle, increasing wear on the unit. It’s important to talk to a ducted air conditioning specialist, as they can take appropriate measurements to find the size most suited for your home.

Ducted Air Conditioners Use a lot of Energy

There’s no way around it, all air conditioning units use energy, however, modern manufacturers realise that consumers desire efficiency to save on bills and reduce their environmental impact. Companys are constantly developing new technology that increases the efficiency and performance of their ducted systems. If your system is starting to get old, you might be amazed at the energy you could save by installing a new system.

Setting Air Conditioning on Max Cools the Room Faster

Admit it, you’ve tried this one. Maybe it was that 40-degree day last summer and your first thought was to crank your air con system to the max. What you probably didn’t know is that ducted air conditioners cool at the same rate, regardless of the thermostat setting. If you set the temperature lower, it will just keep working until it reaches the desired temperature, which might be too cold and will end up costing you unnecessary amounts of energy. Instead, consider investing in a smart thermostat with a timer, which can set your house to a comfortable temperature before you get home.

Ducted Air Conditioning Systems Are Inefficient Because of Leaks

People assume that because ductless systems do not have ductwork, they are more efficient as there is no chance that air leaks can compromise the system. This myth is only based on poorly installed or maintained ducted air conditioning systems, and in fact, ducted systems are far more efficient at maintaining the temperature of a whole house.

If you have any questions about ducted air conditioning or would like to know more about installation or maintenance of electrical items please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

By | Air Conditioning

Air conditioning keeps us cool in summer and warms us up in the winter, but like all appliances, one year will be its last. No matter how well you maintain and service your unit, there will come a time when it starts to lose its efficiency and break down.

The worst case scenario would be your unit giving up in the middle of summer, right when most tradespeople are at their busiest, meaning it could be weeks before you can get a new system installed. To avoid a disaster scenario, you need to be prepared to look for the warning signs that may mean it’s time to replace your air conditioner.
Signs it's Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Nothing lasts forever, and like all appliances, your air conditioning unit will one day stop working. Before this happens, it’s best to look out for the warning signs so that you can be prepared. Here are some signs it might be time to replace your air conditioner.

 

Lack of Air Flow

If you hold up your hand to your air conditioning unit and you find that there isn’t a lot of air coming out, or that it just doesn’t seem to push fresh air across the room like it used to, there could be problems with your air conditioner’s compressor or its vents could be blocked or damaged. Depending on the age of the unit, this may be a small maintenance issue, or something more serious, but if you notice it in conjunction with other signs it might be a good idea to call your air conditioning specialist.

Strange Smells

Have you noticed a strange smell every time your air conditioning unit is turned on? Unusual smells could indicate a problem with your fans, ducting or filter, such as a build-up of dust or mould, or even something more detrimental to your system.

Your AC is Leaking Fluid

Condensation around an air conditioning unit is pretty normal, however, excessive leakage of water can point to a more serious issue with your system. Leaking coolant can be a health risk, and water can damage floors, furniture and carpet, so it’s best you address the problem right away.

Your AC Unit is Making Unusual Noises

It’s pretty normal for an air conditioner unit to have a slight hum, but if it’s anything louder like a clicking, grinding, rattling or whining sound, particularly while starting the unit up, it could be a sign of parts moving when they shouldn’t be. Running a unit in this condition could cause it further damage, so it’s best that you seek the advice of a professional before continuing to run your system.

You’ve Noticed a Sudden Increase in Your Energy Bills

If you have noticed a sudden hike in your energy bills, it’s a good idea to ask an electrician to do a thorough energy audit. Your air conditioner could be the culprit. Any machine that is overworked or damaged could easily be losing its efficiency, costing you more money each month.

Your System is Older than 10-15 Years

The average air conditioning system lasts between 10 and 15 years, so if your system is any older, you can probably expect to see some problems arise.

If you have any questions about air conditioning or if you think it’s time to replace your system please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over 9 years experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air con services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today. If you have any questions about your AC system or would like to know more about installation, maintenance, or replacing filters, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

HunterCON SPECIAL

Daikin Air Conditioner Install for $1,550+GST


For a limited time we are offering the Daikin 2.5kw split system air conditioning which is perfect for a bedroom for just $1,550+GST which includes supply and install.

T&C: Based on a single storey home in Sydney, back to back installation and electrical power circuit included. Offer ends April 1st 2019.

Fill out the form and one of the HunterCON team will aim to get back to you as soon as possible.

02 8540 9864

[email protected]

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Air Conditioner Symbols

Air Conditioner Symbols. What Do They Mean?

By | Air Conditioning

Ok, so you’ve just had a brand new air conditioning unit installed. It’s a scorching hot day, and you want to put your new system to the test… but when you pick up the remote, you can barely read it!

The controls on a new air conditioning unit can be a little confusing at first, it might even look like another language to those who haven’t had a system before.

Different manufacturers may use slightly different symbols, however, you’ll also find a lot of commonality between different remotes. This article is here to explain some of the functions you’ll likely encounter.
Air Conditioner Symbols

If your air conditioning remote looks like a slab of ancient hieroglyphics, we’re here to help. This article should help to demystify the functions of your air conditioning unit.

 

Universal ‘On’ Button

The first one is pretty easy. It should look like a circle with a slit in it, and it’s the universal symbol for On/Off. You probably have one on your TV remote as well.

Plus and Minus Buttons

Also relatively straight forward, these buttons control ambient room temperature. As you’d expect plus is more, minus is less.

Snow Flake Symbol

Most air conditioning remotes will have something that resembles a snowflake, which activates cold-mode. This means the air conditioning unit will push out cold air.

Sun Symbol

The sun symbol is common on reverse cycle air conditioning systems, and activates the heat mode, meaning the air conditioning unit will push out hot air.

Fan Speed

The speed at which the air conditioning unit’s fan blows is usually indicated by a row or a stack of bars, the more bars, the faster the fan speed.

Automatic Mode

Automatic mode is usually depicted as a circle of arrows, sometimes with the letter ‘A’ inside. With this function engaged the unit will maintain a temperature after it has been reached. It’s available in hot and cool modes.

Quiet Mode or Silent Mode

Quiet or silent mode is often indicated by a symbol of a figure with a finger over their mouth, or sometimes a night time scene with a moon icon. This mode makes the air conditioning unit operate as quietly as possible, reducing fan noise to a minimum.

Vertical Air Swing

This function is often depicted as a rotating set of bars, sometimes with an indicative arrow. It can usually be set to static or rotating, which means the fans will angle down and up in a cyclical fashion.

Horizontal Air Swing

Horizontal air swing is similar to a vertical air swing, however, the function affects the horizontal axis. The symbol is usually similar to the vertical button but rotated 90 degrees.

Turbo Button 

Turbo mode makes the system run at full capacity for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the make of the unit. It is usually marked by a bicep symbol, an arrow that indicated motion, or simply by ‘turbo’.

If you have any questions about your AC system or would like to know more about installation or maintenance, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. With over 9 years experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing electrical and air con services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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Home Heating and Cooling

The Basics of Home Heating and Cooling

By | Air Conditioning

There are many ways to heat and cool your home, such as opening a window or making a fire, but the most effective and controllable method is to use HVAC systems. HVAC stands for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning – three functions that control air quality and temperature within a building. The term can refer to split air-con units in a house to mazes of ducts, vents and pipes in a multi-story building.Home Heating and Cooling

These systems control temperature and air quality control by applying different principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer

 

The Three Steps of Heating and Cooling

The first step is sourcing the treated air, or air that has been cooled down when it is warm outside, or warmed air when it is cold. The cooled air from your air conditioner and the warmed air from your furnace, boiler or heat pump come from two different sources.

The second step is distributing the treated air, which is your systems way of moving the treated air in and around rooms. Hot and cold air usually share the same distribution, including ducts and fans.

The third step is the air’s control, i.e the thermostat. This step regulates the temperature of the system.

Heating

Heating systems come in a variety of forms, ranging from split AC units that heat a single room, to larger boiler systems that can warm a whole multi-story building through a network of ducts.
Another popular option is hydronic heating, which heats via a series of pipes that run through a building’s flooring, which is particularly effective if the building has a dense material as its foundation, such as concrete or stone.

A furnace style heater burns material to provide heat through ductwork, which differs to boilers, which heat water for steam radiators or for forced-water systems. Furnaces generally operate on propane or natural gas, while boilers use gas or oil to heat water.

Some air conditioning units are capable of reversing their cycle, forming a heat pump. In this system, the indoor evaporator coil swaps roles and becomes a condenser coil, which produces heat.

Cooling

Split cooling systems are the most common central cooling systems, these include an outdoor cabinet which houses a condenser coil, compressor and an indoor evaporator coil. The system works by sucking heat energy into the refrigerant of the evaporator coil. The transfer of energy cools the air before the refrigerant is pumped back into the compressor unit to continue the cycle.

Heat absorbed by the refrigerant is taken outside, while the cool air is blown inside to cool the building, meanwhile moisture that creates humidity is also condensed from the air in the process. The heating and cooling system of a building usually share the same ductwork for distributing treated air, especially reverse cycle units.

If you have questions about installing an HVAC system or would like to know more about installation, maintenance, or replacing filters, get in touch with HunterCON today. We pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality.

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Aircon Summer

How To Get Your Air Conditioner Ready For Summer

By | Air Conditioning

Christmas is coming and you know what that means? Summer’s coming with it. Before we get hit with those “How hot is it?” kind of days, make sure your air conditioner unit is prepared to keep you and your family cool. Getting your air conditioner in tip-top shape for summer means three things, efficiency, lower costs and fresh arctic breezes.Aircon Summer

As you might have guessed, most of the work in preparing your air conditioner comes down maintaining a steady airflow, as well as a bit of spring cleaning!

 

Here are a few key areas to consider, so you can be sure your air conditioner unit is running at 100% before the summer heat sets in.

Clean and Change Your Filters

Many people don’t know this but air conditioning filters need to be changed regularly and in the interim, a quick clean goes a long way to preserving your air flow. Filters are easily clogged and a build-up of debris can restrict airflow, meaning your unit will have to work harder to push out air. That’s power and money you don’t need to spend.

On central units, the filter is usually found behind a metal panel on the face of the blower – simply unscrew the panel and replace the filter. On window units, the filter is usually found on the face of the unit, behind a metal panel. Window units usually have permanent filters which require cleaning. After unscrewing the panel, clean the filter with a mixture of vinegar and water and allow it to dry out before refitting.

Clean the Condenser

Outdoor units tend to be more durable than their indoor counterparts, despite this, it’s important to check for dirt, leaves and twigs and anything else that could have built up over time. After removing foreign objects give the unit a good hose down.

You can make your life easy by mowing any grass or trimming any branches around the unit. Be sure to check that the concrete slab is steady and level, as an incline may mean the condenser has to work harder to make up air pressure. During the summer you should check the unit every week, hot temperatures and debris don’t mix!

Clean the Condenser Coils

For central air conditioning units, it is particularly important to check the condenser coils. The condenser should look like a fan with a cover, with vents or grills on the sides. To get to the coils you will have to remove the front and side panels as well as the protective grills.

You can use a coil brush or other soft brush, or even vacuum the coils from the outside of the unit. Heavy debris may require a commercial coil cleaner, which needs to be sprayed from the inside, away from the electrical components of the unit. If in doubt when using a liquid, cover the electrics with a plastic bag.

Check for Leaky Ducts or Pipes

Look for loose panels, loose joints and small holes in ductwork. You would be amazed how much a tiny leak can affect the efficiency of your overall system. Small leaks can be sealed with rubber or fabric-based tapes, but larger problems may require professional refitting.

The condensation line is another spot to check. This is the pipe that removes condensation from the unit. The moist conditions can create a perfect environment for algae to grow and clog your line. So if you suspect drainage problems, try unscrewing the pipe and cleaning it with an algaecide, which is available at most pool stores.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can do you wonders. Not only does it keep your home at a comfortable, constant temperature, but it can save you a lot of money by levelling out the temperature when the room is at an optimum. Without a programmable thermostat, you’re likely going to be turning the unit on and off regularly, which means your poor-old air conditioner has to work harder for the same effect.

A programmable thermostat can also be really convenient, you can set it to be off while you’re at work, and to turn on a few minutes before your in the driveway. What’s better than getting home to a nice, cool house on those hot summer afternoons.

If you are having issues with your AC system or would like to know more about installation, maintenance, or replacing filters, get in touch with HunterCON today. We pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality.