TECHNICAL CORNER
MASTER ELECTRICIANS
AIR-CONDITIONING AND YOUR REQUIREMENTS
AIRCON UNITS ARE A VITAL PART OF ALMOST EVERY AUSTRALIAN HOME – AND IF YOU WORK WITH THEM THEY BRING SOME SIGNIFICANT RESPONSIBILITY TOO , EXPLAINS MASTER ELECTRICIAN ’ S SEAN RUSSELL .
Most Australian households now have air-conditioning installed , and over the summer months they are vital machines for maintaining a habitable environment for many premises . You and your clients do not want to be stuck in the heat with units that are not running at optimum performance because they have been neglected or not been sufficiently maintained .
Not only could the airconditioning units fail , resulting in repairs and potentially hefty bills , but you or your clients may also be stuck with higher energy bills and insufficient cooling , resulting in frustrated and disgruntled customers experiencing financial strain and a bad reputation for your business for the work you did or didn ’ t do .
An air-conditioner ’ s filters , coils , drainage and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service . Common problems that occur with neglected units include blocked filters , failed or faulty thermostats , refrigerant leaks , blocked drainage , failed or faulty capacitors , compressor failure , and worn contacts in the electrical connections for the compressor , blower motor or condenser fan . Arcing or pitting of contacts can result in dirty or damaged contacts which ultimately fail . Neglecting that necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air-conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases .
Before operating any unit this summer , make sure it is summerready . Regular maintenance is a great habit to get into , resulting in a well-functioning system , a healthier home environment and lower energy bills . From a homeowner ’ s point of view , it should be easy : following the manufacturer ' s instructions , clean or replace the filters , clean leaves , dust or dirt out of the outdoor units , ensure the condensation drain is clear of debris , and book in a local electrical contractor to conduct
38 GEMCELL . COM . AU AUG – SEP 2021