In Hong Kong, where summer days often surpass a scorching 30 degrees, air conditioners are probably the most used home appliance that many people can't live without. If your AC isn't cool enough even when you turn it all the way up to its strongest setting, it may be because you haven't cleaned it in a long time. This allows dirt and dust to build up over time and makes the AC less effective.
Keeping your AC in good shape and cleaning it regularly will significantly improve the performance and lifespan of your AC, so you can make sure your AC can give you the much-needed soothing breeze on a sweltering summer day. In this blog, we will share 4 tips on how to maintain your AC on a daily basis, as well as the ideal frequency of cleaning your AC.
AC maintenance tip 1: set your AC on fan mode first before switching to cool mode
Before turning your AC all the way up to the high-cool setting, you should first turn on the fan mode, wait for 3 to 5 minutes, and then adjust the temperature to your liking. Setting your AC on the fan mode before switching to cool mode can prevent the compressor from breaking down. Besides, in order to prevent mildew and odor from growing, you should always switch your AC back to fan mode and wait for a few minutes before turning it off. It allows the moisture inside the machine to evaporate. By taking these simple measures, you can save more money and energy while preventing an AC system failure.
AC maintenance tip 2: clean your AC filter every 1 to 2 weeks
To prevent dirt and moisture from contaminating your AC, you should always clean your AC filter on a weekly basis. If you use your AC regularly, as most people do in the summer, the filter should be cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks to prevent the buildup of mildew and dust that can release harmful bacteria into the air. 
AC maintenance tip 3: Get your AC coils deep-cleaned regularly
Sometimes, cleaning your AC filter alone is not going to be enough since it can only filter out the first layer of dust. The evaporator coils inside of your AC will eventually accumulate dust and grime over time, which will result in a lack of efficiency and a reduction in the cooling effect. Therefore, it's recommended that you have your AC unit professionally serviced at least once a year. Here are some factors that can affect how often you should have your AC inspected and cleaned by a pro:
Where do you install the AC?
In general, if you only use your AC during summer time, getting it professionally serviced once a year will be enough. However, if you live in a lower-floor unit or your apartment is near a busy street, your AC will be more likely to accumulate dirt and dust from all the passing vehicles and people. If that’s the case, you might need to clean your AC more frequently than others. Additionally, since you’ll be using the AC in your bedroom more than that in your living room, you may need to clean it more often.
How often do you use AC?
The amount of dirt and dust that builds up in your AC is directly related to how often you use it. For example, if one of your AC is used every day while the other one is only switched on twice or three times per week, the amount of dirt and dust that has accumulated in each AC is already twice as much. Simply put, the more often you use an AC, the more often you should clean it.
Do you own a pet?
Families with pets tend to have dustier AC than families without pets. The reason is that pets shed, and the AC will pick up their hair and bacteria along with it. This will cause dirt and dust to build up in the AC. If you have a pet, you should clean your AC more frequently.
AC maintenance tip 4: Maintain your AC properly during the off-season
While most families in Hong Kong won't be using AC during the fall and winter months, one thing you can do before the off-season is to let your AC unit run all day on its highest setting. By doing so, the remaining moisture inside the AC can dry out, and you won't have to worry about mold growth when it's not in use. Also, be sure to cover the AC after turning it off to keep dust and debris from building up inside the machine.
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