Given the Bangkok heat, it is no surprise that people love to use air conditioners that will grant them some cool respite. However, many tend to forget basic care and maintenance practices and eventually realize their machine seems to be struggling. It is important to try and keep your air conditioner clean as this will allow it to run more efficiently and reliably, thus saving you money and prolonging its lifespan. Here are a few tips on what to regularly do.
Clean the air filter
There are air filters at the front of the air conditioners. They are placed there to help remove dirt so that the cool air that is circulated is safe for breathing. With time, however, this dirt can become too much and cause the machine to work harder in drawing in the air. You can detach the air filters of your air conditioner and wash them using running water and a soft brush to remove the accumulated dirt. Do this monthly.
Clean the condenser coils
Outdoor condenser coils will often attract dust to their fins. When this dirt accumulates ad becomes too much, it can affect their ability to extract heat from the air before it is expelled from the unit. This can in turn weaken the cooling performance of your air conditioner. Use a soft brush or coil brush to remove loose dust and then clean using special coil cleaners for a deeper clean. Basic water and dish soap can also be used. Spray the solution on the coils and leave it to soak for a while before wiping it down with a damp cloth.
General cleaning
You can help reduce the amount of dust and other debris that gets to your air conditioner by carrying out regular cleaning in the home, and especially around the unit. The less dust, insects, and other dirt the machine sucks in, the better it will run. Also, try to keep the area around the machine clear. With less obstruction, air will flow more freely and there will be less accumulation of dirt.
Regular service
Be sure to have your air conditioner serviced on a regular schedule. This is the best maintenance advice as the technician can help show you how best to maintain your unit and take care of more specialized cleaning that will keep your air conditioner running efficiently. For machines that are moderately used, once a year inspection and maintenance work should be good enough. But if your machines run more frequently, then schedule twice a year maintenance.