DIY Maintenance Tips for Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Systems

When the days begin to get longer and the sun begins to bite, it is a sign that summer is approaching. As such, your ducted reverse cycle air conditioner needs to be in optimal condition for excellent service provision. A thorough clean-up of an AC is mandatory, especially if the unit was sitting idle during the colder months. Notably, neglecting a ducted system will only attract high energy bills, repair bills, and suboptimal cooling. Notably, servicing and maintenance of a ducted reverse cycle AC should be left to a licensed HVAC contractor, but you can handle certain issues as a DIY. This article highlights DIY maintenance tips for a reverse cycle AC.

Dusting the Filters

When you look at a ducted reverse cycle air conditioning system, you will notice the mesh on the vents. The mesh acts as a filter, and it does an excellent job of filtering dust, dirt, and other debris in ductwork. The component ensures that air coming out of an air conditioning system is clean. However, a ducted reverse cycle system that has not been operational for some time will collect a lot of dust, thereby affecting the quality of air released to your house. You can avoid this by cleaning the filter thoroughly. Unfortunately, some people strike the filter against their hand or a rigid surface to get the dust off, but this only damages the filter. The safest way to clean a filter is to use a vacuum cleaner to suck away all the dust and debris lodged in the mesh system.

Clear the Exterior Unit

One characteristic of ducted reverse cycle air conditioners is that they have two units; an interior unit and an exterior one. The exterior unit draws air from the surrounding, cools it, and then releases it to your house. HVAC contractors recommend that the area around an exterior unit be clear and clean; otherwise, the air being drawn will be full of debris, and it will not flow freely. It is highly unlikely that homeowners bother cleaning the area around an exterior AC unit, primarily if a system is not used regularly. Therefore, it is critical to clean the space around an external unit before turning on an air conditioner. Most importantly, it ensures that clean air flows through the ducts to the interior unit.

Fill Gaping Space Around Vents

When a ducted reverse cycle air conditioner is installed, the vents are usually sealed. The seal prevents air from escaping the duct and entering the space between wallboards. However, the seal wears off over time, thereby creating a gap through which cooled air escapes. Therefore, before firing up your ducted reverse cycle air conditioner, it is crucial to inspect the seal around the vents. If you notice any gaps around the vents, use caulk to seal them and prevent cool air from going to waste.

If you need help with a ducted air conditioning system, contact an HVAC contractor in your area.


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