If you want to keep your home cool this summer without breaking the bank, regular cleaning of your air conditioning unit is key.
Andre Morrisby, general manager of a Hobart air conditioning repair business, told the ABC you need to focus most of your attention on the filter.
“The filter is probably the one thing that you need to take care of,” he said.
“The more debris that builds up on [the filter], the less air gets through it and the more expensive your system will be to run.”
“It’s like trying to suck air through a piece of carpet.”
To get to the filter, open the lid on your unit (or unscrew the cover) and you should see a wire mesh dust filter that can be unclipped and removed. If the filter is clogged, the machine has to work harder to heat or cool your home, ultimately costing you more money.
Once you’ve removed your filter, take it outside for a good shake. Make sure to bash it with your hand a few times to get everything out. Grab your vacuum and remove as much grime as you can.
If the filter is still dirty after that, you may need to rinse it with water. If the dirt still can’t be removed, soak it in lukewarm water. You can use a mild diluted detergent if needed.
After the filter is clean, dry it thoroughly before returning to your machine. You’ll be amazed how much smoother your AC runs, and it will simultaneously be using less power and saving you money!
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