Tips on How to Save Money for Air Conditioning Repairs

Air conditioners have become necessary in the current times due to global warming, which has resulted in very hot and stuffy summer months. Air conditioners, like any other appliance, can malfunction or break down completely. This is a big problem, especially during the hot summer months when it becomes impossible to stay without air conditioning. Calling a technician for carrying out repairs becomes inevitable. However, there are some steps which can be taken to avoid costly repairs.

Cleaning or Replacing Air Conditioning in Dubai

Air filter tends to get dirty over a period of time. Dirty air filter not only reduces the cold air due to obstruction caused by dirt but also damages the internal components of the AC unit because it fails to filter the dust present in the air. Repairing the dust damaged internal components is a costly affair.

You can either get cheap disposable air filters or reusable ones. The disposable air filter needs to be replaced after the end of its lifespan. Reusable filter, on the other hand, can be detached from the unit, rinsed to remove dirt and installed again. The filter needs to be cleaned or replaced after every 2-3 months. The filter can be located at the side or under the main unit, inside the blower or at the return air grill.

Check the Air Ducts

Dirt build-up in the air ducts adversely affects the airflow, which, in turn, puts extra strain on the AC unit, thereby increasing the chances of damage. Thus, regular cleaning of the air ducts is important. Checking for leaks in the air ducts while cleaning is also important because leaks also decrease the airflow. Getting the leaks repaired immediately is important to avoid more damage requiring costly repairs.

Maintain Thermostat

The thermostat is a sensor which activates the AC when the room temperature rises above the set temperature. Nowadays, programmable thermostats are available which can be set at various temperatures. Thermostat runs on batteries, and it is necessary to change the batteries once a year. Do not wait for the batteries to die down completely before replacing them.

Maintain Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit of an AC is the condenser which transfers the heat from the interior to the outside. Dirt and debris tend to accumulate on the condenser fan which obstructs proper airflow, thereby straining the unit. Thus, the condenser fan must be cleaned using a slow stream of water. A pressure washer should not be used because a pressurised jet of water will damage the condenser. The sides of the unit can be cleaned using a garden hose.
Shrubs, weeds and plants must not be allowed to grow at least in the 2 feet range around the unit because they obstruct airflow. Cut shrubs and weeds are growing in the vicinity of the outdoor unit.

Conclusion

While these measures help in maintaining the AC in optimum condition, maintenance service by a professional once a year is also recommended. Maintenance by a professional helps in detecting and rectifying problems which could assume gigantic proportions if left unresolved.