An air conditioner is an appliance that many of us take for granted.
It’s just there, humming away quietly as it keeps our indoor environments cool and comfortable.
That said, much like everything else, it needs to be maintained. You see, neglecting its maintenance such as deep cleaning, can lead to its gradual degradation and potential malfunctions.
So, when should you get it deep cleaned?
Various technicians argue about when you should have it cleaned. They say you need to be mindful of various factors such as how old the unit is and how frequently it is being used.
That said, if you really don’t know when is the right time, here are some common signs your air conditioner might be overdue for a deep clean.
Decreased Cooling Efficiency
One of the most common and obvious indicators that your air conditioner needs a deep clean is reduced cooling efficiency.
Basically, when your aircon takes longer than usual to cool your room or it fails to even cool your room, then, it may be signalling that it needs to be deep cleaned.
This decreased efficiency is caused by dirt, dust, and grime that had accumulated in the unit. With deep cleaning, everything such as the cooling coils, fins, and filters will be washed, cleaned, and disinfected. The drainage pipes will also be unclogged. Likewise, the chemicals used will be able to disinfect everything.
With this, the cooling efficiency of the aircon will be restored.
Unusual Noise
Air conditioners are designed to operate quietly. So, if your unit starts making strange noises like buzzing, rattling, or whirring, it is a clear sign that something is wrong.
It is possible that the sounds are coming from the fan blades being off-balanced due to dust and debris. Likewise, it could also come from the motor as it strains to function.
Basically, if you hear some noise coming from your unit, get your unit deep cleaned.
Foul Odours
If your aircon is emanating a smell that is unpleasant, it is a sign that it needs to be deep cleaned. These odours can indicate the presence of mould and bacteria within the system. This may pose a health risk to you and your family as it can affect the air quality.
As such, a thorough deep cleaning can effectively eliminate these moulds and bacteria, thus, ensuring that your home is safe and your air quality is good.
Increased Energy Bills
If you notice a sudden surge in your energy bills, your air conditioner might be to blame. When a unit’s components are clogged with dirt and dust, it has to work harder to cool your space. Unfortunately, this consumes more energy. A professional deep cleaning can help enhance the system’s efficiency and potentially lower your energy costs.
Frequent Cycles
Your air conditioner should cycle on and off to maintain the set temperature. However, if the unit is frequently turning on and off or it’s operating continuously, it’s a sign of a potential issue.
This could be because of dirt and grime build-up that causes the unit to shut off whenever it overheats. Or it could also be because of dirty air filters or refrigerant leaks.
Regardless of the reason, having your aircon deep cleaned will help prevent frequent cycling as it not only cleans the component, thus, making it function more efficiently, but it also could help diagnose any potential causes of the problem and address them immediately.
Water Leaks
Air conditioners produce condensation, which should be drained away without causing leaks. However, if you notice water leaks around your air conditioner, it’s likely that the drainage system is blocked by dust, dirt, or mould.
This should be addressed immediately as continuous water leaks can shorten the life span of your unit and damage your property.
A professional deep cleaning can help solve this as it includes clearing out these blockages, thus, resolving the leakage problem.
Presence of Mold
Visible signs of mould on or around your air conditioner are serious warning signs. Mould can be hazardous to your health as it can cause allergies and respiratory issues.
Mould on and around your unit could also mean its internal components are infested as well.
In this case, a deep clean becomes essential to eradicate the mould and prevent its recurrence.
Final Thoughts
Your air conditioner is an appliance that makes your life much more comfortable.
So, invest in its lifespan by regularly having it deep cleaned.
That said, I hope you are now much more mindful of these signs.
Decoding your air conditioner’s signals and responding timely can make all the difference between a small fix today and a significant repair tomorrow.
So, stay cool, breathe easy, and let your air conditioner whisper, not shout, for attention.
Cheers!
