Throughout the lockdown period, Booth Engineers have been fully equipped with technology that allows them to record risks relating to COVID-19.
They have been supplied with a stock of hand sanitiser, disposable gloves and also extra uniforms to allow a complete change of clothes each day. Equally important, they all are equipped with commercial-grade surface wipes. These wipes are used to clean any surface they touch as they move around our client’s place of work.
Now, as the lockdown begins to ease, we can reflect on record breaking weather conditions in April and May.
We can also ask, are they a precursor for a long hot Summer ahead? And, is your air conditioning appropriately clean, sanitised and functioning correctly? It is very important to be aware – particularly at this time – maintenance and repair on the internal workings of your air conditioning system needs a qualified air conditioning engineer.
However, you can do many cleaning and minor maintenance tasks to keep your system functioning as well as it can. Also, these jobs can keep the professional service charges lower. Here are a few things you can do to help reduce your air conditioner expenses during the rest of 2020.
Clean or Replace All Filters
Dirty filters cause the air conditioner to work harder as it moves the air in and out of your building. If the filters become too dirty, they can cause the system to malfunction, increase energy consumption and perhaps freeze up.
Dirty filters also can reduce the air quality and aggravate allergies.
Subject to air conditions around the premises, air filters should be cleaned or replaced every three to six months dependent upon usage. They are inexpensive, and many people find it convenient to buy a buffer stock, so they have them on hand when they need to be replaced.
Trim Any Trees and Bushes That Have Grown Too Close to the Outdoor Condenser Unit
Plants that become overgrown near the condenser unit can interfere with the air flow it needs to function efficiently. Also, plants that hang over or brush against the condenser will shed leaves and debris, which accumulate in the unit and interfere with its operation. They also make it difficult for an engineer to access the mechanism to inspect and service it.
Clean Debris from The Outdoor Condenser Unit
Keep air conditioning units free of debris. The outdoor condenser can often become covered with leaves, its base surrounded by windblown debris.
You should clean all of that away. First, turn off the power to the air conditioning system and turn off the circuit breaker that operates it. Once you are certain the power is off, clear debris from on top and around the base of the condenser. After clearing, take a hose and spray the fan blades inside of the condenser.
Hold the hose about four inches from the sides of the condenser and spray it off using up and down motions. Keep spraying until the water running out of the bottom of the unit becomes free of large particles and runs clear. Let it dry before powering the system on.
Replace Any Deteriorated Insulation on The Refrigerant Pipes
Check the pipes going from the outdoor unit into the building. If any of the insulated sleeves are deteriorating or frayed, replace them with new insulation sleeves that can be purchased at most of the well-known DIY stores.
Learn the Signs That Your Air Conditioner Needs Servicing
Ideally, switch your system on in good time before your return.
Is it cooling adequately? If not, turn the unit off for an hour. Set the thermostat at the ambient temperature, and then lower it in increments of four degrees each hour. If that fails to return the building to a comfortable temperature, you need to call an air conditioning engineer.
If it does not work at all, yet you have ensured that the power is on, you will likely need a professional engineer to inspect and repair it. By catching the problem before the really warm days set in, you can avoid the cost of an emergency repair.
Call Booth Air Conditioning
Doing these minor maintenance tasks yourself prevents many small problems from becoming big ones and can save you time and money organising and paying for emergency service calls.
High quality and appropriate maintenance of your system requires a professionally trained engineer. Here at Booth, we do not advocate untrained personnel trying to ‘fix’ air conditioning systems beyond these ‘do it yourself’ tips.
A reputable, qualified contractor, such as Booth, will inspect and service the inner workings of the system. In most cases, we recommended you contract for a bi-annual service, as a minimum. Regular professional servicing will prolong the life of your system.
It is also important to be aware that during what will almost certainly be a large-scale return to work, most air conditioning companies will give their service clients priority for emergency calls and at reduced fees. For existing customers, we can call upon your full system service history and make service frequency, sanitation and running pattern recommendations.
For new customers, we can provide a free site survey that will begin the process of ensuring your staff and customers are enjoying the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
