Air conditioning system maintenance: 5 ways to keep it working efficiently this summer

An employer’s guide on how to keep your air conditioner in tip-top condition during the warmer months and the importance of doing so.

In the heat of the summer, your air conditioner will be working hard to keep the environment around it at a comfortable temperature. If the AC unit is working properly, you should be able to handle the heat with ease. However, air conditioning maintenance is an invaluable exercise. Look past it and you could pay the price.

But don’t start counting your pennies just yet. First, familiarise yourself with this quick guide of simple precautions and routine AC maintenance. Doing so might just extend the life of your air conditioning system for years to come.

The importance of AC maintenance

Unnecessary strain on AC units not only increases energy usage and utility costs but can lead to more wear and tear, ultimately ending in the premature failure of the system.

Even before this stage, energy efficiency will be lower and air quality compromised. While costly service callouts and repairs may also be needed. Businesses are starting to become aware of these drawbacks and are planning ahead. This was highlighted in a recent PickHvac report, which uncovered that 38% of consumers ranked “System Reliability” as their top priority in choosing air conditioning equipment.

For warehouses, factories and shopping centres, it’s especially important to check that their commercial AC units are working properly. It only takes one hot day and a faulty air conditioning system to impact productivity and employee satisfaction.

Air conditioning maintenance legal requirements

To ensure energy efficiency, limit carbon dioxide emissions and remove any possible health risks, air conditioning inspections for models with an output of over 12kW must be carried out every five years, at the very least. (Although, we recommend you run maintenance checks at least twice a year.)

Such a practice is not optional. It’s just one of the many air conditioning unit maintenance requirements laid out in law by the British government. Other key requirements incorporate F gas. These were highlighted in the government’s newly unveiled rules on Fluorinated gas (F gas): guidance for users, producers and traders.

The bottom line of this report is that operators of air-conditioning units must:

  • Prevent leaks and repair any as soon as possible
  • Carry out regular leak checks with the help of certified personnel (like Mid-Tech Services)
  • Organise refrigerant recovery by contacting certified personnel
  • Maintain records of refrigerants and servicing

If you’re not sure whether you’re falling flat on any of these regulations, that’s not a problem. Just skip ahead and take note as we introduce our checklist for AC maintenance.

Your summer air conditioning unit maintenance checklist

  1. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to reduce strain on your AC system is to replace the air filter regularly. After all, air pollutants are everywhere and are one of the main reasons for air filters getting clogged.

    Sure, a dirty filter doesn’t sound like the end of the world. However, a blockage of airflow makes the system work harder, significantly reducing efficiency. As a result, it’ll require more energy and will accumulate higher costs.

    We recommend changing the air filter every few months or more frequently if you have a pet. Also, if you have an outdoor condenser, remember to regularly check for leaves and other debris. These objects could impact the functionality of the unit.

    Finally, for large workplaces, don’t underestimate the importance of changing the air filter to keep employees safe throughout the current COVID-19 crisis.

  2. HVAC systems that are operating for no particular reason not only take time off the unit’s lifespan but waste energy and money too.

    The installation of a programmable thermostat will sweep away such waste and enhance the capabilities of our systems. With the said thermostat, programming of heating and cooling has never been easier.

    We recommend creating schedules to ensure the system isn’t functioning at maximum capacity when nobody is there.

    For example, raising the temperature by five degrees when the building is empty will give your system the break it deserves.

    A programmable thermostat makes raising the temperature and returning it to your comfortable figure easy and automatic. It will also save your system from any unnecessary strain.

  3. Updating the insulation within your environment will be supportive for your air conditioning system, keeping the temperature inside the building consistent.

    First, make sure your building and ductwork have adequate insulation, then address all leaks and check the seals around windows and doors. A surprisingly large percentage of the energy, typically used for cooling, can be wasted due to poorly sealed and insulated ductwork.

    Another common culprit to higher air conditioning usage is recessed lighting. These fittings need to be air-tight and have proper insulation above them for the AC unit to be operating at maximum efficiency.

    Of course, this may seem like a very simple solution, but it’s something that can help to reduce strain and energy costs immeasurably.

  4. Help your air conditioning system reach your desired temperature by making quick changes to your indoor environment.

    Simply keeping windows closed to trap the cooler air inside and keep the hot air out is a great method to reduce strain on your AC systems.

    A similarly powerful solution is to hang blinds or curtains over windows during the hottest parts of the day.

    Yes, good air conditioning maintenance equipment isn’t always flashy. But sometimes, it’s the easiest solutions that could save you lots of money in the long run.

  5. Routine maintenance is the key to extending the life of any HVAC system. We recommend scheduling air conditioning system maintenance at least twice a year to keep it in the best possible condition.

    If you stick to the legal air conditioning unit maintenance requirements of checking every five years, you may face some surprisingly high energy bills, service calls and repairs along the way.

    So, be proactive, not reactive, and take care of your cherished asset. In doing so, you can be safe and secure in the knowledge that your air conditioning system is working to the best of its ability.

AC Maintenance Services

Do you want to enjoy the chilled, clean, and fresh air for many more years to come? Our friendly, fully certified team at Mid-Tech is here to help. We’ll inspect and maintain the system by cleaning the coils and changing the filters, including checking the refrigerant and ducts.

But that’s not all. We’ll also provide any minor repairs, adjustments, or lubrication to keep the system running at peak performance. So, if you are based in and around the Birmingham area and are searching for an “air conditioning unit servicing near me”, look no further. We are the best in the business.

To find out more about how Mid-Tech Services can support your business and keep your AC running smoothly, get in touch with us today. Follow us on Linkedin for news, blogs and industry updates

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