Simple Tips to Prevent Wear and Tear of Your Air Conditioner

It's easy to forget about your air conditioner – it works quietly in the background. But a little care goes a long way towards keeping it efficient and extending its life. Here are some simple best practices.

1. Keep the filters clean

Dirty filters are the most common cause of avoidable strain. They restrict airflow, so the system works harder for longer. Check filters monthly during heavy use and clean or replace them every one to three months.

2. Use sensible settings

Setting the temperature extremely low doesn't cool a room faster – it just makes the system work harder. Choose a comfortable temperature, use timers and schedules, and switch off units in unoccupied rooms.

3. Give the outdoor unit room to breathe

Keep plants, leaves, garden furniture and stored items clear of the outdoor unit so it can expel heat efficiently. Never cover it while it's running.

4. Keep doors and windows closed

Cooling a room with open windows means your system is effectively trying to cool the outdoors. Close doors and windows, and use blinds to cut solar heat on sunny days.

5. Watch for early warning signs

Unusual noises, smells, water leaks, ice on pipework or reduced performance are all signs something isn't right. Switching off and calling an engineer early often prevents a small issue becoming an expensive repair.

6. Book regular professional servicing

An annual service cleans components you can't reach, checks refrigerant and electrical connections, and catches developing faults. It also keeps your manufacturer's warranty valid. Find out about our maintenance plans or read the leading causes of air conditioning failure.