Ducted air conditioning is an excellent solution for keeping your home comfortable and cool during summer. It is an efficient way to cool your entire home and helps keep your home’s indoor air quality high. However, like any other appliance or system in your home, ducted air conditioning requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues functioning properly.

This post will discuss several tips for maintaining your ducted air conditioning system. These tips will help ensure that your system runs efficiently, lasts longer, and provides the cool air you need during the hot summer months.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the most important aspects of maintaining your ducted air conditioning system is keeping it clean. Over time, air filters, coils, and ducts can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris, reducing the system’s efficiency and even causing it to break down.

To avoid these issues, it’s essential to clean your system regularly. Depending on how often you use your system, you may need to clean it every few weeks or months. Here are a few tips for DIY cleaning and maintenance:

Air filters: Check your system’s air filters regularly and replace them when they become dirty or clogged. In most cases, you can easily remove the filters and wash them with soap and water. Make sure they are completely dry before reinstalling them.

Coils: Your system’s evaporator and condenser coils can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, reducing efficiency. To clean the coils, turn off the power to the system and use a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris gently. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose debris.

Ducts: Over time, your ducts can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris, reducing the system’s efficiency and even causing it to break down. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or hire a professional duct cleaning service to clean your ducts.

Checking for Leaks or Blockages

In addition to keeping your system clean, it’s important to check for leaks or blockages that can affect its performance. Leaks or blockages in your system can cause it to work harder than it needs to, leading to higher energy bills and even damage to the system.

To detect leaks or blockages, you can do the following:

Check for leaks: Inspect your ductwork for any signs of leaks, such as hissing or whistling sounds, musty odours, or visible damage. If you notice any leaks, seal them with duct tape or contact a professional to repair them.

Check for blockages: Inspect your ductwork for any signs of blockages, such as restricted airflow or debris inside the ducts. If you notice any blockages, contact a professional to clean them out.

Scheduling Professional Servicing

While regular cleaning and maintenance can go a long way in keeping your ducted air conditioning system running smoothly, it’s also important to schedule professional servicing regularly. Professional servicing can help identify potential problems before they become major and ensure that your system is operating efficiently.

Here are a few tips for scheduling professional servicing:

Find a reputable service provider: Look for a service provider licensed, insured, and experienced in servicing ducted air conditioning systems. You can check online reviews and ask friends or family members for recommendations.

Most experts recommend scheduling professional servicing at least once a year, ideally before the start of the summer season. Some manufacturers may recommend bi-annual servicing for optimal performance. During a professional servicing appointment, a technician will inspect your system for any issues, clean and lubricate the components, and perform any necessary repairs or replacements.

Other Maintenance Tips

In addition to the tips mentioned above, you can do a few other things to keep your ducted air conditioning system running smoothly. Here are a few examples:

Adjust the thermostat: Set it to a comfortable temperature and avoid adjusting it too often. This can help reduce wear and tear on your system and improve its energy efficiency.

Keep the outdoor unit clear: Make sure that the outdoor unit of your ducted air conditioning system is clear of debris, such as leaves, grass, or other debris that can reduce airflow and cause damage to the system.

Avoid overuse: While running your system at full blast during the hottest days of summer is tempting, overuse can strain the system and cause it to wear out faster. Instead, consider using a fan or opening windows during cooler parts of the day to reduce the workload on your system.

Maintaining your ducted air conditioning system is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Following the tips outlined in this post, you can help keep your system running efficiently, reduce your energy bills, and enjoy cool, comfortable indoor air all summer. 

Remember to clean your system regularly, check for leaks or blockages, schedule professional servicing, and follow other maintenance tips to get the most out of your ducted air conditioning system.