Things You Do Not Know That Will Spoil Your Aircon – In Singapore, the average weather is about 31° and we’re still expecting more of this scorching heat. This is why it’s essential to keep your Aircon at bay! Some of you may already be thinking that we’re going to talk about how bad it is to leave your AC on, but there’s something else that could damage your aircon if you are not careful.
The first thing you need to determine is whether you have spoilage or a leak. This can be pretty difficult to decide on as spoilage becomes a musty smell that smells very much like a damp carpet, but if the spoilage is from bacteria, it will have a rancid smell.
If you start smelling your A/C using towels and a vinegar solution, you may be able to determine spoilage by spraying these items with water before going for a drive and sniffing them again once cooled down.
This process often takes many hours, if not days, depending on how bad the bugs are breeding there. Read on – Things You Do Not Know That Will Spoil Your Aircon.
Cracks Or Hole In Piping
Any small crack or hole in the piping or hose can cause significant damage in just one night. When condensation begins to collect in these crevices, an electrical current will surge through the water, creating heat until the moisture boils into steam.
Since water expands when it becomes vapor, it exerts tremendous pressure on the inner walls of the hose, causing it to explode.
Leaks
A more significant hole can cause a leak in just three days. Even a pinhole-sized hole will cause havoc as the aircon begins to lose pressure and eventually stops cooling entirely.
Refrigerant Top Up
Leaks occur when refrigerant gets low. Topping up refrigerant does not automatically mean there is no longer a leak, so check for any holes or tears first.
Leaks develop when the system is running, and cold air cools things down.
The average lifespan of an AC unit between repairs or replacements is seven years (from three to eight years). Don’t leave it on while you step out for groceries if you want to make your AC last longer. Watch this video for tips on how best to maintain your air conditioner.
Tips to Avoid Spoiling Your Aircon
1. Check your Air-con filter
Air-conditioners work best when the filter is clean and free from dirt, dust, or debris, which might block airflow into or out of the machine, causing it to overheat and shorten the system’s life.
2. Adjust the temperature control to a warmer setting before turning off the unit.
It will take a few minutes for your room to cool down by itself after you turn off the unit. So if you set a higher temp during operation, less time is needed to cool down your room naturally, so there’s no need for you to wait until your room cooled down entirely before reaching home.
3. Ensure doors & windows are closed as much as possible.
Make sure that external doors and windows are closed to minimize the loss of conditioned air.
4. Clean evaporator coils regularly.
Your AC’s evaporator may have a lineup of coils behind the unit. If your home is dirty or dusty, chances are you will need to clean them more often than usual.
5. Keep your thermostat at 25°C for optimum efficiency.
If you can’t change your thermostat, try raising it by one degree so that the AC won’t be kicking in and out all day long when there’s no one in the room because this will cause it to work harder and less efficiently than necessary and might lead to overheating and potential problems with expensive components in the AC such as compressors, condensers, evaporators coils, etc.
6. Secure your outdoor unit with an anchor strap.
Ensure that the unit is protected against winds up to 120km/h (75mph) using a solid and durable cable or strap. This can prevent damage to the unit in severe weather conditions.
7. Clean filters regularly for more efficient operation.
This helps ensure optimal airflow through the indoor coil, allowing heat transfer to take place far more efficiently, resulting in lower energy consumption and better AC system performance. Remember, clean aircon filters also help reduce bacteria growth within the machine. Never miss this step.
8. Inspect windows for leaks before turning on A/C.
Leaks or drafts around windows will allow warm air into your home, so if you’re cold, it’s worth inspecting the windows to see if there are any drafts.
9. Turn off the machine if nobody is staying in the room for an extended period.
Turn off your AC and leave the room for a while when no one is around or when everyone is asleep.
This will ensure that your AC won’t constantly be running, wasting electricity, and causing the compressor unit components such as compressors, condensers, evaporators coils, etc., to wear down faster than usual.
10. Clean the filter regularly & replace it with a new filter when necessary
The cleanliness of filters plays a considerable role in the performance and longevity of your AC. Ensure that the unit is clean and free from dirt, dust, or debris by removing and washing it thoroughly using a hose with powerful water jets once every two weeks.
If you don’t have time for this, change the filters regularly to ensure better performance and prevent higher energy bills caused by clogged filters.
To ensure better performance and prevent higher energy bills caused by clogged filters, change your filter every 1-2 months. Remember, clean filters also help reduce bacteria growth within the machine.
Things You Do Not Know That Will Spoil Your Aircon – Conclusion
If by chance, there has already been significant damage done to your AC, you can contact us at 8488 844 to help you identify and solve any problems your aircon might be facing!
Another excellent way to prevent further damage would be to get an extended warranty from the manufacturer just in case.