As the Brisbane heat continues, your ducted air conditioner is probably working overtime to keep you comfortable.
To ensure it runs efficiently and provides clean air, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. A dirty system can lead to health issues and decreased performance.
I’m happy to provide expert advice on how to properly clean your ducted air conditioner, helping you maintain a smooth-running system that delivers clean air.
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How to Clean a Ducted Air Conditioner
Firstly, should you even clean your ducted air conditioner yourself? The answer is yes and no.
There are some parts of your ducted air conditioning system that you can absolutely clean yourself. But there are others you should leave to the professionals.
A good rule of thumb is to clean the parts you can easily access. These are:
- Vents
- Ducts
- Filters
Cleaning vents and ducts
Dust often builds up in the vents and at the edge of the ducts. You can clean these areas with a vacuum cleaner and a cloth.
Using a dry cloth is fine, or you can dampen it if you like. We don’t recommend using cleaning products here because they often contain harsh chemicals.
You could even use a chamomile oil (or similar essential oil) and mix it with water to dampen the cloth. This lets you clean the vents and ducts while leaving a pleasant smell. We recommend a ratio of 5ml per litre of water.
Getting rid of the dust on vents and ducts is a good starting point. But cleaning the filter is the most important part.
How to clean your ducted air conditioner filter
Cleaning your ducted air conditioning filter takes a little more effort than the vents and ducts. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- You need to disconnect the fixture holding the vent in place. This is likely a sliding clip positioned on the side of the vent, or it may be a screw holding the vent in place.
- The vent is hinged, so hold it in place when you’re undoing the fixture (sliding clip or screw). This prevents the vent from swinging down and potentially hurting you.
- Remove the filter – this should be easy, as the filter should simply slide out without much force.
- Once you’ve removed the filter, give it a thorough vacuum to remove any dust and lint.
- Wash the filter in warm, soapy water.
- Dry it in the sunshine – make sure it’s completely dry.
- Slide the filter back into its original position and securely close the vent again.
Note: This is a general guide to cleaning your ducted air conditioner filters. Always check your system manual, which will help you locate the filter and tell you how to remove it.
How Often Should You Clean Your Ducted Air Conditioner?
Answering how often you should clean your ducted air conditioner really depends on how often you use it. The more you use your air con, the more it’ll be drawing air through the filter, meaning dust build-up takes less time.
Also, being in a very dusty environment will affect dust build-up in your vents and filters. Maybe you’re doing some renos around the house. In that case, you should clean your ducted air conditioner more frequently.
Generally, we recommend cleaning your return air filter about once every three months.
Keeping a nose out for any smells coming from your vents is also a good way to tell if your filters need cleaning. A smell can indicate that the system isn’t filtering properly, so you should clean the vents, the edge of the ducts and the filters.
Another thing we notice is that people typically clean ducted systems less frequently than split systems. This might be because split system air conditioners have smaller filters that clog up quicker, causing noticeable performance issues.
But ducted systems have bigger filters that can handle more build-up. So, people tend to leave them longer before realising they need to be cleaned.
Why Cleaning Your Ducted Air Conditioner is Important
Regularly cleaning your ducted air conditioning system is vital for three main reasons:
- Improved air quality – Clean filters trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. This is particularly beneficial if you have allergies or respiratory issues, as it helps maintain a healthier indoor environment.
- Enhanced system efficiency – Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, causing your air conditioning system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This increased strain can lead to higher energy consumption and elevated utility bills. Keeping filters clean ensures optimal airflow and system performance.
- Extended system lifespan – When filters are neglected, the accumulated debris can cause the system to overheat or malfunction, leading to costly repairs or even premature system failure. Regular maintenance, including filter cleaning, reduces wear and tear, thereby extending the life of your air conditioning unit.
When do You Need a Professional Service
Cleaning easily accessible areas of your ducted system is important. But staying on top of dust build-ups can’t replace a professional service.
We strongly recommend getting your ducted air conditioning professionally serviced at least once a year. The service cost depends on factors such as system size and zoning capabilities, but a standard service for a ducted aircon system costs around $250.
Keeping up with professional air con maintenance is important because technicians make sure your system runs optimally. Experts will tell you about any potential repairs or maintenance needs before they become bigger problems.
A professional service on your ducted system can include:
- Check for Duct Leaks or Blockages – Ducts can develop leaks or blockages over time. A professional technician can inspect the ducts for leaks, repair any damage, and clear blockages to restore proper airflow.
- Clean Ducts if Needed – Dust, debris, and even mould can accumulate in the ducts. Cleaning the ductwork helps improve indoor air quality and prevents potential health issues. We recommend professional duct cleaning every few years, especially in homes with pets or people with allergies.
- Test Thermostat Accuracy – Ensure the thermostat accurately reads the temperature and that settings are responsive. A miscalibrated thermostat can result in uneven cooling or heating and cause the system to work harder than necessary.
- Upgrade the Thermostat – An expert may recommend upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to improve energy efficiency and provide greater control over temperature settings.
- Check Refrigerant Levels – Low refrigerant levels can reduce cooling efficiency and damage the compressor. A technician can check and refill refrigerant levels if the system isn’t cooling as expected.
- Inspect for Refrigerant Leaks – Leaks can reduce efficiency and harm the environment. An expert will repair them promptly if detected.
- Check Wiring and Connections – Loose or damaged wiring can lead to malfunctions and pose fire hazards. A technician will inspect electrical connections and test circuit breakers to ensure they’re in good condition.
- Test the Fan and Blower Motors – Ensure that fans and blowers run smoothly and quietly. Lubricate moving parts as necessary to avoid wear and tear.
- Clean the Drain Line – Algae or dirt can clog the drain line, leading to water leaks and potential damage. A professional will clear any blockages and ensure proper drainage.
- Check the Drain Pan – Ensure the drain pan is free from rust, cracks, or debris. Replace or repair the pan if needed to prevent water leaks.
- Clean Condenser Coils and Fins – Dirt and debris on the condenser coils and fins can affect heat exchange and reduce system efficiency. These components are delicate, so we recommend leaving this to the professionals.
Proper servicing will keep your ducted system running smoothly for years to come. A quality ducted air conditioner can last for around 15 years or more.
Booking Your Ducted Air Conditioner Service with Hewitt Trade Services
Hewitt Trade Services is the best in the air conditioning business in the Brisbane area. We have installed, repaired and serviced thousands of units during 21+ years of business.
Our years of experience give us a laser focus on the most common air conditioning challenges in the Brisbane community. We are highly trained, reliable, professional, efficient and fast.
Our 4.8-star rating from over 330 reviews on Google proves it.
We can help you assess your needs, get a quote, and make informed decisions about servicing your air conditioner. Using a reputable company like Hewitt Trade Services ensures a smooth and satisfactory experience. You can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and efficient air conditioner for years to come.
Are you ready to make an informed decision about your air conditioner maintenance?
We service the following areas in Brisbane:
Air Conditioning Albion – Air Conditioning Amberly – Air Conditioning Annerley – Air Conditioning Anstead – Air Conditioning Ascot – Air Conditioning Ashgrove – Air Conditioning Aspley – Air Conditioning Augustine Heights – Air Conditioning Bellbowrie – Air Conditioning Boondall – Air Conditioning Booval – Air Conditioning Bowen Hills – Air Conditioning Bracken Ridge – Air Conditioning Bridgeman Downs –Air Conditioning Brisbane – Air Conditioning Brookfield – Air Conditioning Brookside Centre – Air Conditioning Brookwater – Air Conditioning Carole Park – Air Conditioning Carseldine – Air Conditioning Chapel Hill – Air Conditioning Chermside – Air Conditioning Clayfield – Air Conditioning Collingwood Park – Air Conditioning Enoggera – Air Conditioning Everton Park, Air Conditioning Fig Tree Pocket – Air Conditioning Forest Lake – Air Conditioning Gaythorne – Air Conditioning Geebung – Air Conditioning Gordon Park – Air Conditioning Hamilton – Air Conditioning Hendra – Air Conditioning Indooroopilly
