5 Tips to Clean your Air Conditioning Ducts

Ducted air conditioning is one of the most efficient ways to cool or warm your home. Ducted air conditioners are among the most energy efficient and therefore cost effective air conditioning solutions on the market. It comes as no surprise, then, that they are prevalent throughout Queensland homes. But keeping your ducted air conditioner operating at such a high standard does take some effort. Specifically, it requires targeted and periodic maintenance on your part. To help you with this, we have listed five of the best ways to clean your air conditioning ducts.

Make sure your air filters are not obstructed

Unobstructed airflow is an absolute necessity. All air conditioning systems require free-flowing air, but it is particularly important for ducted air conditioners. Fortunately, ensuring clear airflow is quite straightforward. All you need to do is check your air filters periodically. If there is a noticeable build up of dust, mould or any other such obstruction, you will need to clean it out. A dirty or blocked air filter can increase your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15%.

Worse still, they can harbour bacteria and contaminate your air conditioner. Before you clean or replace your filter, check the manufacturer’s specifications and choose their suggested filter. If you are unsure of what to do, you can always get in touch with a qualified technician.

Check the coils and fins on the condenser unit

As a part of your air conditioner’s thermodynamic configuration, it has both condenser and evaporator coils. These are located in the condenser unit, which is often fitted externally. On the outside of the condenser unit, you will be able to see the fins, which can collect dust in the same way as your air filter. Cleaning the fins is relatively easy; however, you will need to be very gentle.

As you will see, your fins are only very fine and they can bend out of place easily. If they are bent, you should contact a technician. Bent fins disrupt airflow and can cause issues with your air conditioner. Cleaning the coils can be a bit tricky and you will need to disconnect the power first. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, contact a qualified and licenced technician.

Make sure the vents throughout your home are not blocked

Ducted systems circulate air in your home, through a series of vents. These are probably clearly visible and quite accessible. This means that you should not have any problems cleaning them. If dust and debris are allowed to collect in your vents, then the air circulation of your home will reduce. In addition to this, mould and bacteria might accumulate in the dusty vents. Often, this will make your home smell musty. Worse still, it can increase your risk of getting sick.

Ensure that condensate is able to drain freely

All air conditioning units come with a condensate drain, which is located on the inside of your unit. This is an important feature, as it allows moisture to drain out of the unit. All air conditioners produce moisture, and if it is not allowed to drain properly it can damage the internal components of your unit. It can also increase the humidity within your home.

Check the area directly around your condenser unit

Your condenser unit forms part of the circulatory system of your air conditioner. This means that air will enter its system from around the condenser unit. If this area is dirty and dusty, then those particles will also enter the system. They can clog filters and cause damage to your air conditioner over the long term. By maintaining the areas around your condenser unit, you can minimise future maintenance and keep your air conditioner running at its best for longer.

For more useful tips on air conditioning, contact Mercury Services today on (07) 3312 4244.