If you dread the start of warmer weather every year, you would probably agree that there’s nothing worse than a faulty air conditioner in the intense heat.  

Australian summers can be sweltering and with temperatures going up to as high as 40℃, it’s best to be prepared. 

Here is a checklist of some things you can do to ensure your AC works optimally to cool your home. 

1. Service Your Air Conditioning Unit 

We can’t stress this enough. Most of the time, the issue of a malfunctioning AC unit lies in its lack of service.

Think of your air conditioner like a car. It can’t go too long or very far without a routine service check. 

We recommend getting your air conditioner professionally serviced at least once or twice a year if you use it for both heating and cooling. It would be best to get your AC serviced before summer or winter- periods where you are likely to use it more frequently. 

2. Check Your Filters 

Before summer comes, it’s a good idea to check if your air filters are functioning properly and are not clogged. 

If they’re clogged, you’ll need to unclog them or it will lead to more serious issues like other components in the air conditioner failing prematurely and the whole unit not working properly.

Air filters should be replaced at least once a year to ensure that the air flowing through the air conditioning system remains filtered. You should also be cleaning your air filters routinely, every 3-4 months, to ensure that they’re working as they should. 

3. Give It A Thorough Clean

Dust and other debris can develop in and around your air conditioning unit over time. To ensure this buildup does not prevent your air conditioner from functioning optimally, you should be giving a thorough clean every now and then.

Refer to the manual or user guide on how you should be cleaning the outside of your air conditioning unit as well as certain parts like evaporator coils and air filters.

Disclaimer: Some of these parts, such as the refrigerant, should only be handled by professionals. Consult a technician to ensure that your air conditioner is cleaned properly and safely. 

4. Set It At The Right Temperature

Air conditioners need to be set at the right temperature to ensure that you’re getting the maximum efficiency from your unit. Setting you air conditioner at the right temperature can also make a huge difference to your energy costs during the hot summer months. 

Here’s a guide of what temperature you should be setting your air conditioner on, for both summer and winter.

But if you’re living in an area where the summers are hotter than usual, you can adjust the temperature to be lower. Same goes for if you’re living in an area where winters are colder than usual. 

5. Use A Timer 

Timers make it easy for you to conserve energy and prevent your air conditioning unit from being overworked. An overworked unit means higher bills for you and the chance of it breaking down more frequently.

You could set your timer so that it cools your home or bedroom right before you get home from work. That way, you’re only using your air conditioner when you’re home and when you need it most. 

This will help you save some energy and also allow you to get the most out of your air conditioning unit during the hot summer months. 

What Else Can You Do To Prepare Your Home For Summer?

Ensure It’s Well Insulated 

Keep your home well insulated with in-wall and in-roof insulation. These pockets of air can help keep the temperature within the home from being too extreme, whether it is hot or cold. 

A poorly insulated home can make houses up to 35% hotter, which can be unbearable if the summer heat is particularly extreme. 

Use Curtains/Blinds

Curtains or blinds are another great option for keeping your home cooler during the months simply by blocking out the sunlight. It is a cost effective and easy way to keep cool indoors. 

Beat The Summer Heat 

There’s nothing worse than having to suffer through the summer days without a proper cooling solution. Our tip? Start early and be prepared so you don’t have to worry about that.

Go through our checklist and get your AC ready for summer. If you are looking to service or replace your air conditioner, book an appointment today with our trained technicians at Gaschill.