Before you leave the air conditioner running all day, there are a few things worth checking.
During a Perth summer, your system can spend hours keeping the house comfortable. A few small habits can make a big difference to how well it performs and how hard it has to work.
Here are the main things we recommend keeping in mind.
Do Not Push the Temperature Too Low
Setting the controller to 18°C will not cool the house faster.
It simply gives the system a much lower target to reach, which can keep it working harder for longer.
For most Perth homes, somewhere in the mid-20s is a more practical starting point.
Once the house feels comfortable, let the system maintain that temperature instead of constantly adjusting the controller.
Check the Filters
Dirty filters can quickly affect airflow.
For wall-mounted split systems, check the washable filters behind the indoor unit. For ducted systems, keep an eye on the return-air filter.
If they are dusty or clogged, clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If airflow still feels weak afterwards, there may be another issue worth checking.
Keep Air Moving Freely
Your air conditioner needs clear airflow to do its job properly.
Make sure supply vents and return-air grilles are not blocked by furniture, storage or other household items.
If you have ducted air conditioning, use your zones around the areas you are actually using, but avoid closing too many unless the system has been designed to operate that way.
At Allfield RACS, we design ducted systems around the home’s layout, room sizes and how the household actually uses each space.
Give the Outdoor Unit Some Space
Your outdoor unit needs to release heat from inside the home.
Check that leaves, garden growth or stored items are not restricting airflow around it.
Do not cover the unit while it is running, and if it looks heavily dirty or damaged, leave deeper cleaning to a qualified technician.
Notice When Something Changes
If your air conditioner suddenly sounds different, airflow drops or rooms stop cooling evenly, do not ignore it.
Other warning signs include water leaks, error codes, unusual smells or the system running constantly without reaching temperature.
Turning the controller lower will not fix an underlying problem.
If something feels different from normal, it is worth having the system inspected before the issue gets worse.
Be Careful After Power Interruptions
Summer storms and power outages can sometimes leave an air conditioner showing an error or failing to restart properly.
Start by checking the controller and the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the system repeatedly trips power, smells unusual or still will not restart, switch it off and arrange for a qualified technician to inspect it.
Electrical faults are not something to troubleshoot by trial and error.
A Simple Summer Routine
If your air conditioner is going to be running regularly, keep the basics simple.
Use a sensible temperature, keep filters clean, maintain clear airflow and pay attention when the system starts behaving differently.
Those small checks can help you spot problems early and keep the system working more reliably through Perth’s hottest weather.
At Allfield Residential Air Conditioning Services, we service and repair reverse-cycle ducted and wall-mounted split systems across Perth.
If your system is struggling to cool, overdue for a service or showing signs of a fault, our team can help work out what is going on.
Need your air conditioner checked this summer?
Contact Allfield RACS for professional servicing and repairs across Perth.