It is not news that AC units are a requirement everywhere.They are used in private apartments for rent in Durham as well as office spaces, with the sole aim of tackling heat.
Even though their usage hardly varies, the maintenance required for a commercial AC unit is a bit steeper.
According to Statista, Oceania accounted for 1.29 million AC units in 2018, up from 0.92 million in 2012. As air conditioners grow more common, learning a few basic maintenance tips is essential.
Need for maintenance
Naturally, maintenance is something every appliance requires periodically. The rule of thumb is to check a device every six months, but that can vary. A few common reasons for performing periodic maintenance are given below.
To ensure smooth performance
In a lot of instances, dust and dirt may accumulate inside. This build-up may lead to performance issues and may affect the device’s longevity.
Additionally, the air filter may get contaminated with germs bacteria. This pollution might lead to breathing dirty air.
To save energy
Quite shockingly, an ill-maintained AC consumes more power when compared to its counterpart – a well-maintained AC unit. The main reason for this is the clogging of the air filter, which enables cooling at a slower rate.
As a result, the unit is kept on longer and consumes more energy.
Reduces cost
The minor issues faced by an AC unit can be escalated if not catered to in time. When that happens, one might require professional help.
Sometimes, the damage could be irreversible or significant. The same could lead one to cough up big bucks for a new unit or expensive new parts.
Steps for basic maintenance
It’s time to go through a few tricks to extend the life of an AC unit. These are simple steps and can be performed without consuming too much time or resources.
Check the air filters.
Air filters are one of the most critical parts of a commercial AC unit. These filters help keep the air clean inside the facility and maintain proper airflow within the system.
Check these filters at least once a month. If they are dirty, replace them as soon as possible for the proper working of the system.
Check for blockages
Return and supply vents are used for maintaining air pressure and filtering out debris. If suffering, they will affect the unit’s performance as a whole.
External objects like boxes and furniture may block the return and supply vents. It is essential to make sure no blockages are covering these vents.
Clean the exterior unit
Since the exterior unit is in constant contact with the environment, it will get dirty. The vents and the team might get surrounded by dry leaves, dust, water, et cetera.
It needs to be cleaned every month and kept in a free place.
Clean the coils
The evaporation and condensation coils help transfer heat throughout the system. These need to be clear of any blockages.
Ideally, use a recommended commercial cleaner safely to shave off any dirt or build-up on the coils.
All the steps mentioned can be performed by a building manager or even someone not a professional. One must take proper care while catering to each part of the unit.
Not only does regular maintenance extend the life of a unit, but it also saves money in the long run.
Leave a Reply