How Often Should You Get Your Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner Serviced?

With summer behind us and winter on the way, it’s time to dust off your heaters and make sure they’re ready before the cold sets in. If you’ve invested in reverse cycle air conditioning then you won’t need to worry about dragging that electric heater out of storage – your existing air-con can keep you warm. Even better, reverse cycle air conditioners are more efficient than some other heating options, meaning you can heat your home without breaking the bank. If that sounds appealing then we want to cover some great tips for maximising the use you get out of your air conditioner this winter.

How Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Works

Air conditioners work on a simple principle. In cooling mode, coils and pipework filled with refrigerant absorb heat from the air inside your home. The refrigerant is then transferred to the outdoor unit where it gets cooled by a fan. From there, the refrigerant is pumped back inside the house to start the journey again. Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning works in the same way, but they contain a reversing valve that changes the flow of the refrigerant. Instead, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air outside which it circulates to the indoor unit and distributes throughout the house. Reverse cycle works even when it’s cold outside, however, the system has its limits. This means your air conditioner can be used for both heating and cooling, and reverse cycle air conditioners are usually more energy-efficient than dedicated heaters that have to create their own heat from electricity.

Keeping Your Heating Bill Under Control

Reverse cycle air conditioners might be more energy efficient than some other types of heaters, but you still need to make sure you’re using them smartly. We have a few quick tips to help keep your heating bill under control this winter:

1. Keep the temperature low.Resist the temptation to heat your home like it’s a sauna if you want to keep your power bill under control. Pick a good middle ground of around 20C and then add layers or blankets if you’re still feeling the chill.
2. Trap the heat inside.A leaky bucket doesn’t hold much water, and a drafty home won’t hold much heat. Air conditioning works best when it’s paired with a house that’s insulated and sealed well. For added insulation, you can also shut your curtains to keep heat from being lost through your windows.
3. Program your heating. Most modern air conditioning systems let the user set timers and programs to control heating throughout the day. Program your air conditioner to automatically heat your home to 18C during the day, and then drop the temperature lower during the night to save energy while you’re snug under the covers.

Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced

Our final tip is to keep your air conditioner serviced. Like with any system, the key to making sure your air conditioning works properly is to have it maintained regularly. Most split system and ducted reverse cycle air conditioners only need to be serviced once per year, and it’s a good idea to arrange that service before winter. Adelaide winters can last for months, so you need to make sure your air conditioners are up to the task.

Maintaining your air conditioning means it’s always able to work at maximum efficiency. Even simple buildups of dust and dirt on components can cause motors and compressors to work harder than normal, increasing your heating bill, reducing effectiveness and potentially damaging sensitive parts. Regular air conditioning services are a straightforward process that includes:

• • Checking, cleaning and replacing all filters
  • Checking and clearing drains
  • Testing temperature sensors and thermostats
  • Cleaning the condenser unit and fan
  • Testing for worn or faulty electrical circuits and motors

Get Ready for Winter With Maintenance from the Air Conditioning Doctor!

Performing a few simple maintenance checks on a regular basis can keep your power bill under control and significantly prolong the life of your air conditioner. Air Conditioning Doctor offers a comprehensive air conditioner service Adelaide wide which includes a regular maintenance program that can get your reverse cycle air conditioning into top shape for winter. We work with both split systems and ducted air conditioners, and our technicians carry most of the parts and tools they need to look after most popular makes and models. We’ll make sure your system is clean, clear and ready for action. Simply get in touch with us if you’d like more information on our services or to make an appointment!