Air conditioning or AC has become an essential part of people’s lives, especially in tropical climates like Indonesia. In addition to providing comfort, AC also plays a role in maintaining indoor air quality. However, many AC users do not understand the importance of regular servicing and maintenance.
Ideally, room AC servicing should be done periodically to maintain performance and energy efficiency, as well as extend its lifespan. The question is, how often should AC servicing be done?
The ideal frequency of AC servicing should be adjusted to the intensity of use and environmental conditions. If the AC is used every day for hours on end—such as at home, the office, or a business place—and is in a dusty environment, it is recommended to service it every 2-3 months. On the other hand, if the AC is not used very often and is in a relatively clean and enclosed room, servicing can be done at least once a year. This means that the higher the frequency of use and the worse the air quality, the more often the AC needs to be serviced.
For example, AC units installed in kitchens or rooms with high smoking activities should be cleaned monthly to prevent dirt buildup and performance issues.
The duration of AC servicing or cleaning generally takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type and condition of the AC. This work includes cleaning the indoor and outdoor units, checking the air filters, and conducting a general inspection of the main components.
There are several important reasons to regularly service the AC:
1. Maintaining AC longevity: Regularly cleaned AC units work more efficiently. Dust and dirt buildup on filters and other components can burden the machine’s performance, risking overheating and potentially damaging components like the evaporator.
2. Avoiding expensive repair costs: Regular servicing can prevent serious damage to main AC components such as the compressor or evaporator. If these components break down, the replacement costs can be much higher than just cleaning costs.
3. Saving electricity consumption: Clean AC units work more efficiently and require less electricity. Conversely, dirty AC units tend to consume more electricity because they have to work harder to cool the room.
4. Maintaining indoor air quality: Dust, mold, and microorganisms can accumulate on AC filters and evaporators. If not cleaned, the AC will blow out air containing allergens and pollutants. This can pose health risks such as coughing, respiratory irritation, and allergies.
In addition to following a regular schedule, AC users should also pay attention to signs indicating that the AC needs cleaning, such as:
– The AC blows out hot air instead of cool air.
– Poor airflow circulation, weak or uneven airflow.
– Unpleasant odor from the AC, indicating dirt buildup or mold growth in the system.
Regular AC servicing is a long-term investment that has a significant impact on room occupants’ comfort, energy efficiency, and health. In general, servicing can be done every 3 months for normal use and more frequently if the AC is used intensively or is in a dusty or humid environment.
