Living in Brisbane, ducted air conditioning can be a lifesaver during the hot and humid summer months but also keeping you warm and cosy in Winter.
However, it’s important to keep your ducted system running smoothly at all times to avoid any unexpected breakdowns and ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible. Here are some tips to help you maintain your ducted air conditioning system in Brisbane.
Jump to:
- What is Ducted Air Conditioning?
- Importance of Maintaining your Ducted Air Conditioning System
- Tips on How to Maintain and Clean your Ducted Air Con
- Service Schedule and Warranty
- Other Ways to Avoid Ducted Air Conditioner Issues and Avoid Repairs
- Ducted Air Conditioner Servicing at Hewitt Trade Services
What is Ducted Air Conditioning?
Ducted air conditioning is a HVAC system that involves a central fan coil being installed into your roof space, while a network of ducts connect it to each room in your home. Ducted air conditioning systems in Brisbane generally have zone control, which allows you to cool or heat certain zones or rooms individually, providing the ultimate control over comfort and running costs.
Ducted systems run very discreetly and quietly as they maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the entire home and are very energy efficient.
Your indoor unit will be hidden away in your roof and you will only see vents in the rooms and a larger return air vent. Ducting carries air from your home to a filter then to the air conditioner where it is then heated or cooled to keep your indoor air temperature constant. This enables one ducted air conditioner to serve your whole home.
Importance of Maintaining your Ducted Air Conditioning System
A ducted air conditioning system is usually a large investment for your family, and an important asset for your home. It provides you with the ultimate in comfort, as you can heat or cool each room or zone with the touch of a button, which also means you have much more control over your power bill.
If you don’t take appropriate care of your ducted system however, you could find that maintenance or repairs will become complicated and much more expensive. This is because small issues that could be dealt with by general cleaning, or a service, have been left and have now turned into a much bigger issue.
Likewise if cleaning and maintenance is ignored, your energy consumption could go up causing unnecessary ducted air conditioning costs that I’m sure your family doesn’t need, and you could be allowing contaminated air to be circulating throughout your home.
Regular preventative maintenance is the key to ensure that your system, family and cash are protected.
Expert Tips on How to Maintain and Clean your Ducted Air Con
So here are a few tips from the experts on how to maintain and clean your ducted air conditioner in Brisbane.
Firstly however, please note there are smaller cleaning tasks that you can undertake regularly depending on how easy it is to remove and access that part, but there are also tasks that require an air conditioning professional. Your DIY tasks are simple ways you can maintain the health and hygiene of your ducted air conditioner in between services.
It is important that you be very careful when completing tasks as there are risks of causing damage to the system, but also causing harm or injury to you or your family.
1. Schedule Regular Ducted Air Conditioning Services
First and foremost, one of the most important things you can do to maintain your ducted air conditioning system in Brisbane is to schedule regular maintenance checks with a professional technician. They can inspect your system for any potential issues, do a thorough clean of the filters and coils, and ensure that everything is running smoothly. It’s recommended to have your system checked at least once a year, to help prevent any unexpected breakdowns and keep your system running efficiently and safely.
2. Clean or Replace Air Filters
One of the easiest and most important things you can do to maintain your ducted air conditioning system is to regularly clean or replace the air filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reduce the efficiency of your system, and even lead to breakdowns. They can also cause respiratory issues as dust can get into your lungs. Depending on the type of filter you have, and whether you live with an asthmatic or someone with low immunity, you may need to clean or replace it as much as every 1-3 months, however a general rule of thumb is twice a year. Once at the start of Summer and one at the start of Winter. Be sure to check your manufacturer’s recommendations however and follow them closely.
Filters are a disposable mesh grill usually found under the flap of your central air conditioning unit. Some can slide out and others need to be screwed out. To clean, simply host it or wash in a basin or use a duster or cleaning tool for filters. Allow to dry and return to its original position. If the filter is damaged it may need to be replaced so please contact your manufacturer for more information.
3. Check and Clean Vents and Ducts
One of the most important steps in maintaining your ducted air conditioning system is to check and clean the vents and ductwork. Unfortunately over time, tiny particles of household hair, flakes of skin, dirt and other pollutants can start to combine with dust and build up. These allergy inducing particles are then pushed into the air when your system is turned on. This can also be a breeding ground for dust mites, mould and allergens to thrive. In between services throughout the year, inspect your vents for dirt and dust or other debris build up. Also keep an eye out for dust blowing out of the ducts when you start your air conditioning.To clean, turn off the unit first, then using a brush attachment on your vacuum, remove as much dirt and dust from the vent and just inside the ducts. A duster with an extension pole will also do the trick, just be sure to cover your face first. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe off mould and dust. Cleaning the ductwork in more detail however, is a job for the professionals and can be done in your annual air conditioning service.
4. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear of Debris
Another important tip for maintaining your ducted air conditioning system in Brisbane is to keep the outdoor unit clear of debris. This includes leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris that can accumulate around the unit and restrict airflow. Regularly check the area around the unit and remove any debris that you find. You should also trim back any nearby vegetation to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with the unit’s operation. By keeping the outdoor unit clear, you can help ensure that your system runs smoothly and efficiently all year round.
Please note, the condenser coil will also need a good cleaning, however as they have many components it is usually best to leave this job to the professional during your service. If you notice any geckos or other pests around the unit, it is important that they cannot get into the unit, or major issues can occur. Speak to your Air conditioning technician for preventative steps to stop this from happening.
Service Schedule and Warranty
When shopping around for a new Ducted Air Conditioner in Brisbane, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturers service recommendations and check if it’s easy to maintain.
Read over your manual to check the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule as some brands may void your warranty if servicing is not upheld as per their recommendations. Generally a yearly service is required.
On top of general cleaning, your annual service may include:
- Checking your unit’s performance against manufacturer standards
- Ensuring that a high-quality installation is being maintained
- Testing for the presence of any leaks or damaged seals
- Testing of the functionality of the thermostat
- Taking measures against electrical faults, wear and tear and less than optimum air flow
- Checking for unhealthy mould development.
Other Ways to Avoid Ducted Air Conditioner issues and Avoid Repairs
As mentioned above, it is important to read over your manual. A ducted air conditioning system is a major investment for your home, and it should be looked after accordingly in order to reduce ducted air conditioning costs and protect your asset for the long term. Not only will you understand how to use your system safely and efficiently, you will learn what to look out for, so you can deal with any issues before they become larger ones. Once you have this knowledge, avoid accidental damage from members of the family, by training everyone on how to use appropriately, what fault issues they need to be mindful of and what to do in that event.
Another way to avoid costly issues or repairs, is to watch your usage each month. If you notice any unexplained usage changes, there may be an underlying issue that needs addressing.
Ducted Air Conditioner Servicing at Hewitt Trade Services
Now that you are aware of what you can do to help maintain your ducted air conditioning system, we recommend you add some reminders to your diary.
Book in a yearly ducted air conditioning service with Hewitt Trade Services today. We can also send out a reminder at the same time each year, so you don’t have to worry about remembering. During your service we can also discuss your usage and give helpful tips on how to use your system more efficiently.
Also book in your own minor cleaning tasks at the start of Summer and start of Winter into your calendar and if your family aren’t clear on how to use your system, book in a family training night!
For any further advice or to make a booking please contact our friendly air conditioning team on 07 3634 0200.
