Does My Air Conditioner Need to be Cleaned?
Your air conditioning system circulates air throughout your home. But is the air you are breathing clean? Does your air conditioner need to be cleaned?
Is your air conditioner dirty?
If you’ve been noticing higher power bills, strange odours in your home, or that your air conditioner simply isn’t keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, it may need repair — or it could just be dirty. Your system moves a lot of air throughout your home, picking up dust and dirt particles along the way. And because the system uses water to work, it’s susceptible to mould and mildew.
The truth is, while air filters play an important part in the function of your air conditioner, they won’t prevent dirt, mildew, and mould from accumulating on your system. Several components, such as the barrel fan, coils, and drainage system can collect buildup and impair your air conditioner’s function. This can happen even if you change/clean your filters. In time, the unit stops performing effectively, increasing your costs and failing to keep your home cool.
Why you should get your air conditioner cleaned
A blocked air conditioner is unhealthy and inefficient. For example, the evaporator coil plays a major role in cooling your home. If they’re coated in dirt, they simply won’t be able to function. Without a thorough cleaning, your air conditioner’s components will eventually need extensive repair which can be costly. By getting your system cleaned before it’s too late, you can spare yourself additional repairs or more extensive replacements later.
And remember, your air conditioner is blowing air throughout your home. If it’s coated in dust, mould, and allergens, your indoor air quality will significantly decrease. You may notice a musty or mildewy smell, and you could experience symptoms such as headaches, allergies or respiratory issues.
So, what can you do to keep yourself and your family comfortable and safe?
How to clean an air conditioner
Most air conditioning systems rarely get the deep clean they need, because their components are buried within your home’s structure. That’s why it’s a good idea to call in a professional to get the job done right.
In a nutshell, you should clean/change your filters every 3 months and have your air conditioners professionally cleaned every 1-2 years, depending on your usage.
What is involved with hydro service?
A hydro service is an in-depth process that improves your air conditioner’s efficiency and safety. Here are the basic steps your aircon servicing professional will take. At Siv Air, we ensure a thorough and safe hydro service by licenced technicians, including:
- Remove and clean all air conditioner covers and filters.
- Perform the cleaning of internal air conditioner components: barrel fan, evaporator coils, condensate drain pan, louvers, and fan blades. This removes any build-up and microbes that could be affecting your system.
- Check for the correct amount of refrigerant to ensure that your system can effectively cool your home.
- Check that all fans are operating correctly so that air can be moved without causing build-up.
- Measure the electric current draw of the unit (volts and amps) to determine its efficiency.
- Treat the air conditioner with all-natural tea tree products to kill microbes at no risk to your home’s occupants.
It’s time to get your air conditioner cleaned
While filter replacement is a basic part of air conditioner maintenance, it’s not enough to keep your system — and your family — healthy. A deep cleaning will prolong the life of your air conditioner and prevent odours, allergens, and dirt from spreading around your home. Plus, an efficient system will reduce your utility bills.
To schedule a hydro service that improves the function of your air conditioner, contact Siv Air and get your air conditioner performing like new again. In addition to cleaning your system, we use Environmental Air Solutions natural products to prevent harmful build-up of microbes and pathogens in your aircon system. Keep your home comfortable and your family safe: book us today.
Aircon Cleaning Specialists – Cairns
At Siv Air we don’t just clean your air conditioners, we service them!
Regular aircon cleaning is the key to maintaining the life of your air conditioner if you live in Cairns. It is also essential to your health if you live in areas of high humidity and heat. There are days where your air conditioner can seem like your best friend. But unfortunately, that “best friend” produces condensation. Because of this, Aircons can become the perfect breeding ground for mould, mildew, and other allergies.
Bacteria, mould, and fungi that can grow inside a dirty air conditioner can be detrimental to your health. This is especially true for anyone who has a depressed immune system or illness. Furthermore people with Asthma or allergies are also likely to be affected.
The presence of mould in your air conditioner can cause wheezing, watery eyes, coughing, rashes or hives. The great news is that a little regular maintenance is all it will take to reduce the risk of exposure.
Regular AC maintenance will also make your air conditioner last years longer. Some forms of maintenance can be done on your own. For everything else, call the professional team at Siv Air.
Your Air Conditioner Needs More Than Clean Filters
Cleaning and replacing aircon filters is something many Cairns homeowners know how to do themselves.
Before you clean your aircon’s filters, ensure that your air conditioner is turned off. Once it is safe to do so, remove the filter, and use a vacuum attachment to clean the dust off of them. If they are washable, simply rinse them under the tap or hose. Allow them to dry thoroughly before placing them back into the air conditioner. If the filter isn’t washable or has sustained damage, it’s time to replace it. This process should be completed every 3 months.
Despite maintaining your air conditioner filters, a thorough, professional clean is necessary every now and again.
The Experts on How to Clean Your Air Conditioner
Every 1-2 years, your air conditioner should be professionally cleaned. It should be noted that if you have a smoker in the home or have pets, the unit will need more frequent cleaning.
When Siv Air arrives to service your air conditioner, we first provide a thorough assessment of what is and is not needed for your unit. Each factor is taken into account and the status is presented to you with recommendations.
If a clean is in order, we will remove the air conditioner cover and filters and take them outside for a thorough cleaning. We will then inspect the evaporator coil for contamination or evidence of icing.
As we begin the cleaning process, a large waterproof bag is placed under your air conditioner to collect the runoff. This helps to prevent any damage to the surrounding area and means your air conditioning unit can stay in place.
We treat the barrel fan, evaporator coils, condensate drain pan, louvers, fan blades, covers, and casing with a tested and safe chemical solution specifically designed to kill microbial contamination and rinse away clean.
Once the solution has had a chance to kill the mould, fungi, and bacteria, we pressure wash all parts of the unit with a specially designed, battery-operated pressure washer until the air conditioner is thoroughly cleaned and 100% safe for use.
A Clean Aircon Is Not the End
Our service doesn’t end when the unit is clean. Siv Air is proud to treat each unit we service with products from Environmental Air Solutions. Locally made here in Cairns, EAS is made with pure Australian tea tree oil. EAS products help inhibit the regrowth of mould spores, fungi, and bacteria on your air conditioning unit. Tea tree oil is noted for its antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.
Once we’ve got your unit cleaned up and mould-treated, we inspect your refrigerant level , ensure your fans operate correctly and check the electrical draw of the unit. Finally, we even inspect your remote controls to ensure they are in proper working order.
Why Should You Have Your Aircon Professionally Cleaned?
1. You’ll breathe easier.
The mould and bacteria that form in your unit become airborne each time it is turned on.
The Hydro process allows us to kill microbes, fungi, and bacteria even in parts of your unit that aren’t serviceable by hand. So in the end, not only will your air conditioning unit be cleaner, but so will the air you breathe in your home.
2. You’ll save on your energy bill and experience cooler air.
Neglecting necessary maintenance will cause a significant decline in air conditioning performance. This will cause energy use (and your bill) to steadily increase.
A dirty air conditioner has to work much harder to cool the air. This costsyou significantly more on your energy bill each month. A clean coil and fan have a higher volume of air passing through them. This means that they will cool the air far more easily. A clean aircon is a happy aircon, and a more environmentally responsible one at that.
An Air Conditioner Service will potentially pay for itself over time on your energy bill.
3. Your unit will work better and last longer.
Any time your air conditioner is running, it’s getting dirty. Thorough air conditioning service is required to keep it running at peak performance and efficiency.
Cleaning your filters is necessary, but it just isn’t enough. Just like your car needs regular oil changes and tune-ups, your air conditioner needs regular professional service.
4. Aircon Cleaning may prevent property damage.
Blocked drains from your air conditioner can cause water leaks. Leaks can potentially damage not only your unit but the surrounding area. In particular, water leaks have even been known to cause electrical shorts that can cause fires.
Siv Air – Cairns: The Premier Aircon Experts
Siv Air has been providing residential and commercial air conditioning services in Cairns for years. We are insured and fully licensed. Our services include supply, installation, service, diagnose, and repair.
At Siv Air, we want you to breathe easy, and we’ve got the expertise to make that happen. It is possible to escape the heat with a pristine air conditioner that runs more efficiently and quietly for you.
Check out our website to read more about our services and testimonials from our many satisfied customers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
How to Protect Your AC During a Storm
It never hurts to be prepared. This is especially true when it comes to protecting your air conditioning unit.
Your AC is a big investment, and it is important to take steps to protect it during a storm. Let’s first take a look at some of the important details about power surges and outages:
Power Surge vs. Power Outage
Let’s go into detail about a power surge vs. a power outage. Each of these can damage your electronics, but they are two very different things.
A power outage is when there isn’t any electricity flowing into your home. The problem could be something on your end, such as bad wiring or a break somewhere. However, most times this happens because there is a breakdown at the power station or something happened to the electric lines running to your house.
A power outage over a large area, such as a few streets or a whole town, is known as a blackout. There is also the brownout, which is when the power dips for a few moments. This will cause the lights to dim for a second or two.
The power surge is the opposite of a blackout or brownout. Instead of too little power coming in, there is too much. Most homes receive electrical power at 240 volts. So most electronics and appliances are manufactured to handle this amount of power.
Sometimes a much more powerful current gets sent through the power lines. This could be due to a lightning strike causing a sudden rise in power or a problem somewhere along the power line. When this happens, your home has much more power than the 230 volts that it can regulate and it can cause major issues.
The Power Surge Effect on Your Air Conditioner
A power surge could have a devastating effect on your air conditioning unit and end up costing you a lot of money.
Here’s how it happens:
Your air conditioning unit has capacitors inside of it. These control how much power the unit will get at any moment. They can only handle so much power and if they receive too much they will get overloaded and, ultimately, fried. Once they stop working, whatever they’re powering will stop working as well.
How to Protect Your Aircon Unit
Now that we know the extent of the danger to your aircon, let’s take a look at the steps you should take to ensure the safety of your unit:
Turn off Your Electricity
Make sure that you and other family members know where to access your electric circuit breaker and/or your AC Isolator. AC Isolators are normally mounted on the wall next to your outdoor unit. You’ll also want to understand how to shut off the electricity in your home in the case of violent storms. Label your circuit breakers so that you can tell which breakers are connected to which major appliances including your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
Turning off the breaker/isolating your air conditioning units will help you protect the systems from electrical surges and damages.
Pre-Cool Your Home
If you feel like your power may go out during a storm, make sure to cool your house in advance so that you will be comfortable until the power comes back. Set your thermostat to a temperature that is cooler than usual, close your curtains and blinds, and keep all doors and windows shut to keep the cool air inside.
Ensure You Have Adequate Insurance
Some basic homeowners insurance will cover storm or cyclone damage. If you live in an area that is vulnerable to flooding or cyclones, ensure that you have suitable coverage for these situations. Having additional coverage will give you peace of mind that your expensive equipment is covered and can be easily replaced if need be.
Prepare Your Yard
This may seem like an odd measure, but making sure that all your trees are trimmed and yard items removed can help protect your air conditioning unit and your home as well. Remove anything that can be blown around and lead to damage in the case of high winds.
Cover the Condenser
In most situations, covering your air conditioning condenser outside is a bad idea. This is because the condenser needs free air circulation to operate efficiently. However, during a storm, temporarily placing a tarp over the condenser can help protect it from flying debris. Make sure to turn the system off before doing this.
When small items such as branches and leaves get caught inside the condenser, it can damage the motor and lead to other equipment malfunctions.
Check for Damage After Storm
Making sure to check for damage to your system before you turn your air back on is one of the most important steps. If flooding or debris has caused damage to the unit, turning the system back on could make the problem worse.
Strong storm winds can also cause disconnections within the AC unit. You will want to turn your AC unit on as soon as it seems safe. This will prevent mould and mildew from settling in.
Contact a Professional
The safest approach is to have an HVAC professional regularly come out to check your air conditioning system to make sure it is in good order. If you suffer storm damage, do not turn your unit back on until you have your unit inspected by an air conditioning professional.
Some storm damage may not be apparent and can cause more damage after the storm has passed. A thorough professional inspection will ensure that the unit is safe to turn on and will continue to work efficiently in the future.
At Siv Air, our team in Cairns stands ready to help you protect the investment you have made in your air conditioning system and keep your family safe and cool. Contact us today to learn more about how we can protect you with reliable air conditioning inspection, installation, hydro cleaning, maintenance, and repair.
Does Your AC Smell Strange? Funny AC Smells and What They Mean
Turning on your air conditioning unit may seem like the perfect complement to a hot and sweaty day– that is, until you start noticing a funky smell fill the room. In the sunny and sometimes humid city of Cairns, such smells can mean going through a dreadful experience of either bearing the stench, or enduring the heat.
It is not a problem to be shrugged off, either, as these odors are clues to underlying issues your air conditioning system might need help with. Not only that, but these odors can be toxic to your health.
Thankfully, these “odor clues” are distinct and familiar smells that can lead you straight to the root of the problem. Ready to see the kinds of smells to watch out for? If so, read on.
Mildew / Mould / Dirty Socks
If your nose picks up the scent of mildew, mould, or even dirty socks whenever you power up your AC, it is very likely that the moisture inside your AC system has pooled up enough to cultivate mould and other microbes, all of which are not good for your lungs when inhaled. These microbes can grow anywhere, from your AC’s filters to its ducts and/or drain pans. In order to thoroughly clean through your AC system, it is best to call professionals who know the ins and outs of any given air conditioning unit.
Rotten Eggs / Trash
Believe it or not, your AC unit is an attractive home to little critters such as birds, insects, and lizards. Some of them, however, don’t make it out alive, eventually causing your AC to emit an odor similar to the scent of rotten eggs and trash. To reduce the odds of having the stench stick to any clothes and furniture, turn off the AC and open the windows to clear out the smell. It is best to call aircon servicing specialists to handle removing the unfortunate animals from inside your AC system. Also calling pest control specialists and inquiring about pest-proofing can help prevent this from happening in the future.
Burning
Does it smell like something is burning? Turn off your air conditioning immediately as this is a huge cause for alarm.
Your AC unit is made up of electrical wires and components, so chances are, something inside your AC might have overheated, short-circuited, or even caught fire. To stay on the safe side, call your nearest fire department. Once the scent dies down, call a professional aircon servicing team to investigate the insides of your system.
Professional Aircon Servicing for your Cairns Home!
Siv Air’s aircon servicing professionals are trained to handle your AC troubles with our expert know-how and top notch equipment. We value your safety; every service we offer comes with a thorough inspection of your AC unit, from checking blockages to making sure that the proper electrical current is being drawn. Another pride of ours is that we use all-natural tea tree products which not only help kill bacteria and other microorganisms to be wary of, but they also ensure that the cleaning process and subsequent AC usage will not chemically harm you in any way.
With services ranging from basic cleaning to an even more intense hydro cleaning, and finally going above and beyond with strip and chemical cleaning, rest assured, your AC will be clean as new, guaranteed to give you cleaner, healthier, and better air. Contact us today for a quote from one of our specialists.
Do I Need to Replace My Air Conditioner?
Your air conditioning system won’t last forever. At some point, you will need to replace the system for the sake of efficiency, renovations, or even due to outright failure of the unit. It’s important to realize when your air conditioner is near the end of its useful life before it completely breaks down and you’re left sweating in the heat.
Let’s take a look at some telltale signs your air conditioning system needs replacing:
Signs You Need A New Air Conditioner
There are some rather clear signs that your air conditioning is not functioning the way it should. In some cases, only a minor fix is needed. Other times, the unit as a whole needs to be replaced. Here are the signs to look for when deciding if you need a new air conditioner.
1. It’s Producing Strange Sounds
A fully functional air conditioning system should operate in almost complete silence. If you’re familiar with your unit, you’ll recognize the little sounds it makes as it cycles. These sounds will be a regular part of your air conditioning’s life.
It’s when you hear other noises different from these normal sounds that you need to inspect the unit. Small noise changes could simply be the sign of something that needs repair. For example, there could be a loose part inside the unit, the fan may not be working properly, or an internal component could be clogged with dirt.
However, if the noise is more out of the ordinary such as grinding, rattling, screeching, ticking, or buzzing, this can indicate a serious problem that means you need to replace the unit.
2. Leaking And Excess Moisture
For some air conditioners, a small amount of condensation or water dripping on the unit is normal. However, your air conditioning unit should stay dry when it’s being used and when it’s idle. If you notice a leak, a sudden increase in condensation, or moisture inside the house, it may be time to look for a replacement.
Electrical components and water do not go well together. As such, you should have the unit inspected by a professional air conditioning technician straight away. Units can spring refrigerant leaks, which should only ever be handled by a professional due to their potential health and safety risks. Your air conditioning repair technician will locate the source of the leak and determine if a new unit is the best choice or if a simple repair will do the trick.
3. Reduced Airflow
Check your air conditioner to see if there is little or no cool air coming out of the vents. A noticeable decrease in airflow could be a sign that your air conditioner’s compressor is near the end of its life.
If your thermostat is set to a moderate temperature and your home is still too warm, then your air conditioning unit is not working at its intended level. Check the filters first to see if they need to be replaced. If they aren’t to blame, however, your unit may have reached the end of it’s efficient life, and it may well be time to replace it.
4. Fluctuating Temperatures
A common problem with an older air conditioning unit is that it simply won’t cool or heat. It may still produce good air levels, but the air isn’t coming at the temperature it should based on the settings. You may occasionally experience warm air on a cool setting (a cause for concern), but if your unit stops producing any cool air altogether, it’s time to call in a professional to have a look. The same applies to a lack of heating. In some cases, the problem may be low refrigerant levels. However, the presence of warm air when the system is set for cooling can indicate a big problem such as a damaged compressor.
You’ll also want to look out for inconsistent temperatures. Your air conditioner is designed to provide consistent air temperatures at the settings you select. When certain areas become cold zones, and others don’t get any cool air at all, your air conditioning unit may need to be replaced. If your system is producing inconsistent or warm air, inspect the filters, condensation drains, valves, and coils for airflow obstructions.
5. Your Energy Bills Are Increasing
Even when your air conditioning seems to be functioning fine, one of the clearest signs there could be a serious problem is your energy bill. If your bill has suddenly increased for no apparent reason, there could be a problem with your unit.
Conduct an energy audit and consider if there are other factors that could be responsible for the increase. If it appears that your air conditioning is the reason behind a spike in energy costs you will want to determine why it is losing efficiency.
In some cases, it could be overworking. Reduced cooling capacity will raise energy costs as your unit struggles to maintain your desired temperature. You can try replacing the filters, cleaning the air vents, and checking for knots in the condensing coil. For those with older homes with older AC units, it could also be the case that your unit is near the end of its service life and simply lacks the efficiency to cool your home properly as a result.
6. Strange Smells
Like odd noises, unusual smells can be a sign your air conditioning or ducts need replacing. Unpleasant smells can mean that the unit’s insulation is damaged or that the ductwork is moldy. Mold, mildew, and dirt inside your unit can circulate contaminated air throughout your home and cause serious health issues for you and your family.
Strange smells could simply be the result of a filter that needs replacing. Check the filters first but if the smell persists it may be time to replace the unit or your ducting.
7. It Need Frequent Repairs
Your air conditioning unit should be serviced once a year to ensure it’s in good condition. You may need an extra repair here or there but if your unit is in constant need of mending you will likely be better off replacing it with a new one. This is especially true if the unit needs a major repair after its warranty expires. Opting for a new air conditioner is often more cost-efficient than expensive repairs on an older unit.
8. The Unit Is Old
In Cairns air conditioning is a must, especially in the hotter months. The average air conditioning unit lasts between 7 and 10 years, depending on its usage and environmental conditions, and the average warranty from major manufacturers is only 5 years. There have been a lot of advancements in technology in the past decade, so if you’re using an older model you’re missing out on some useful features and incredible energy efficiency improvements. Newer models are built to be much more energy-efficient and come in more compact styles as well. If you have an older unit, consider making an upgrade to take advantage of these benefits. It may end up saving you far more than the cost of the unit.
Don’t Wait To Take Care Of Your Air Conditioning Unit
If any of these issues apply to your unit, it’s time to have it inspected by a professional. Siv Air offers a range of air conditioning services to help ensure your aircon is up and running when you need it most.
Our qualified technicians have the expertise needed to diagnose and repair faulty systems to get them back to peak performance. We also offer hydro clean services to improve the overall efficiency of your system and flush out pollutants, dirt and other contaminants that can lurk in your air conditioning unit.
We know how important it is to keep your home cool and keep your energy bills low. Whether it’s for a small bedroom, large living area or commercial space, Siv Air can not only install but supply you with affordable air conditioning systems from brands you can trust. If it’s time to upgrade that old AC unit, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us to learn more about how our air conditioning and refrigeration services can help you stay cool all year long.