Are you still maintaining your air conditioner in winter?

• Clean the filters. Do this at least once a month – cleaner filters ensure better airflow.
• Keep the indoor unit dust-free. A soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment is all you need. Dust can block heat.
• Check the condensation drain. Make sure that the water is draining properly – a clogged drain can cause leaks.
• Ensure that air can flow freely. Check that there’s no furniture or curtains in front of the unit, or the warm air won’t be able to disperse correctly.  

• Check the outdoor unit for ice formation. It’s normal to see a thin layer of ice similar to the frost on your car after a cold night. If this layer becomes any thicker, it can lead to problems, so be sure to remove it carefully.
• Use the defrost function. Your air conditioner has a function that melts the ice on your outdoor unit. Whenever your unit stops blowing warm air for a while, it’s going through the defrosting cycle.
• Set your temperature wisely. Don’t select too high a temperature. That way, you keep your energy consumption low and avoid a peak.  

While you can maintain your air conditioner yourself throughout the year, an annual check-up by an accredited installer is still important. During maintenance, your unit is checked to see whether:

• There is enough refrigerant left in the unit
• All electrical components are safely and correctly connected, with no wires damaged or loose
• Refrigerant is leaking, which requires an expensive repair

Professional maintenance will extend the life of your unit.  

Properly maintaining your air conditioner in winter provides great benefits. It will work better, use less energy and last longer. By checking your unit yourself from time to time, you’ll save costs and avoid defects.