Essential Duct Air Conditioning (HVAC) Maintenance Program for Homeowners

Ducted air conditions require very little maintenance. Listed below are the few things you should do regarding regular maintenance of your ducted reverse cycle air conditioner. The air return grille is the large grille (usually located in the hallway). It should be cleaned about every 6 months (or sooner if it gets dirty quickly). Some drivers will display a filter on the screen every 6 months or so to remind you. To clean the filter, you must either pull the clips back or turn a screw, and the screen must turn down. You can then vacuum the filter while it is still on the screen or you can remove the filter and vacuum or clean with soapy water. If you clean with soapy water, remember not to dry in the sun, as this could distort the filter. Once cleaned, the filter will not need to be cleaned again for about 6 months. However, if the return air grille of your air conditioner becomes noisier than normal, or if the air conditioner cools / heats less than normal, this is a good sign that the filter needs cleaning. The exterior of the HVAC air conditioning unit is largely maintenance free. You will notice water dripping from system drains, but this is a sign that the air conditioner is working properly. Keep the fans free of debris and sticks and consider applying a spray or film on the outdoor unit to reduce rust if you live in a coastal area. Before applying any chemical, however, you should check with the manufacturer. Apart from this, your air conditioning system requires no maintenance. However, as a precaution, it is advisable for someone to inspect the system every 4-5 years to check for any significant wear.