Statewide Appliance Spares Blog

With the warm summer season fast approaching, this is a great time to clean your air conditioner  filters. This will ensure your unit is in peak condition and ready to effectively cool your home. With a little effort, you can easily clean your air filters to ensure that your air conditioning is working at its best. What does an air conditioning filter do? Air conditioner filters clean and filter particles in the air that circulate through your heating and cooling system. Filters collect particles and contaminants that could affect your health and wellbeing. These include dirt, pollen, mould, lint and bacteria. With regular and consistent use, dust accumulates on the filters. Air flow and performance can be restricted if left unchecked and dirty. Cleaning your filter means better energy efficiency and much cleaner air for your home. To clean your air conditioner filters, you will need: Vacuum cleaner Dishwashing detergent Soft bristled brush Cleaning cloth Vinegar How to clean your air conditioner filters Below are 7 easy steps to clean your air conditioner filter. Before you start, make sure your filter is washable. Check the manufacturer manual if unsure. If you need to replace a disposable filter, you can find a replacement here. Safety first! Turn off the supply of electricity to the unit before starting Step 1 The first step is to remove your filter from its housing. All units are different – some covers are screwed into place, others have a fastening clamp or push tab to release. Once the housing is removed, set aside Step 2 Remove excess dust, grime and debris from your filter. A vacuum cleaner is great for this initial process. Step 3 Next, wash your filter in warm, soapy water. You can use a soft bristled brush for a thorough clean – just ensure you don’t scrub too hard and damage your filter. If easier, you can take the filters outside and use a hose to soak and spray the filter thoroughly. Step 4 For a deep clean and to remove bacteria, soak your filters in a basin filled with 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water. Allow to soak for 30 minutes. Step 5 Once clean, your filters will need to dry thoroughly and completely. Step 6 Use this time to give the exterior of your AC a clean with a soft damp cloth. Wipe the housing and vents to remove dirt and dust. Go outside and check that the unit is clear from leaves, cobwebs and debris. Use a boom or brush to clear. Step 7 Finally, when your filters are completely dry, place inside your unit and secure the cover. Then turn your electricity supply back on. Reach hard to get places If you want to reach ‘hard to get’ places, consider a Quick Clean Kit. This effective special cleaning adaptor is easy to use. It ensures efficient dust free operation of your air conditioner. https://youtu.be/jw5hg2PFb8U Get the most out of your air conditioner with these handy tips: Clean your filters at the start of each season. Also monthly during peak times Book in a regular service of your air conditioning system. A professional can often diagnose issues before they become a bigger inconvenience Inspect and create clearance around your outdoor unit regularly Use your programmable thermostat to ensure energy efficient zones and timing Open windows in the cooler hours and close them during the hottest part of the day. This will help to insulate them from the heat Check your window and door frame seals. Gaps in seals can affect heating / cooling efficiency Use a ceiling fan in your room in conjunction with your AC to improve air circulation and create a cool breeze.  The blades must be turning counter-clockwise in hot weather to circulate the cool air and move hot air upwards. All the latest on the Statewide blog Visit our blog where you can find our top energy saving tips for your air conditioner and a guide to getting your air conditioner summer ready. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! Last but not least, is your air conditioner filter worn and damaged? If so, you can easily find replacement air conditioning filters at Statewide. Statewide Appliance Spares have Australia’s biggest range of air conditioning spare parts including filters, remote controls, fans and PCB’s and offer fast Australia wide delivery.

With hot days and soaring temperatures well and truly here, we share our top maintenance tips for getting your air conditioner summer ready. A well-maintained air conditioner will keep you cool and comfortable this summer and can also: Reduce your home’s energy use and lower costs Improve air quality Reduce the chance of an emergency breakdown or costly repairs of your AC Create a healthier and more comfortable home environment Increase the lifespan of your air conditioner Simple cleaning and maintenance can easily be performed yourself. For major service and repairs, always refer to a qualified service technician. Safety first! Before you start any repair, make sure you disconnect your appliance from the power source. An air conditioner is an electrical appliance that needs to be treated with extreme care.  Clean the filters Your filters work to clean the air that circulates through your heating and cooling system. Filters trap airborne dust, particles and contaminants that could affect your health and comfort. If your filters are dirty or clogged, they can cause your unit to malfunction. By reducing the airflow inside your system, your air conditioner will be forced to work harder. This in turn increases energy use and raises your energy bill. The good news is that cleaning your filters is an easy task. We recommend cleaning your filters at the start of each season. In addition, your filters may also require a monthly clean during periods of high use. If your filters are damaged, you can install replacement filters. Check out Statewide for the biggest range of air conditioner filters. To clean your filters, remove them from their housing. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove excess dust, grime and debris. Next wash your filters in warm, soapy water (a soft bristled brush is great for this task). Alternatively take them outside and use a hose to spray the filters clean. Let the filters dry thoroughly before placing them back in the housing. Handy tip! If you want to reach ‘hard to get’ places, consider a Quick Clean Kit. Need a step-by-step guide to cleaning your air conditioner filters? Check out our blog guide or watch our video on our YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/jw5hg2PFb8U Clean the indoor unit’s louvres and vents You can vacuum these with a dusting brush attachment to get rid of excess dust. Alternatively give them a wipe with a dry microfibre cloth. Adjust your AC temperature and mode Don’t forget to change your air conditioner to cooling mode before the hot weather strikes. For best energy efficiency, set the thermostat to the right temperature. The most efficient temperature varies, depending on the season and climate where you live.  As an approximate guide, a standard air conditioner’s temperature should be set to 24-25 degrees for summer cooling.  Do read our top 10 energy saving tips for your air conditioner. Tidy and clean the area surrounding your outdoor unit Give the exterior of your AC a clean with a soft damp cloth. Wipe the housing and vents to remove dirt and dust. Check that the unit is clear from leaves, cobwebs and debris. Use a boom or brush to clear. It is a good idea to keep it clean and tidy at all times as any stray debris may impede air flow. Book in a professional service Much like your car, your air conditioner can benefit from an annual service from a qualified service technician. They can diagnose problems quickly before they become a big and often costly issue.  Service technicians can do a variety of tasks. They can conduct thorough cleaning of condenser and evaporator coils, check coolant levels and check critical components such as the thermostat, evaporator unit, fan motor, compressor and condenser for any problems. With regular maintenance and care, you can ensure your air conditioner is performing at its best. That means a cooler, more comfortable home during the hot summer months. All the latest on the Statewide blog Visit our blog where you can find our top energy saving tips for your air conditioner and a troubleshooting guide to air conditioning that is not cooling your home. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! If you are after air conditioner spares, we’ve got you covered. Statewide Appliance Spares have Australia’s biggest range of air conditioning spare parts including filters, remote controls, fans and PCB’s  for all the leading brands.

There is nothing worse than a poorly functioning air conditioning system that doesn’t keep your house cool - especially in the sweltering Aussie heat.  If your air conditioner is blowing out hot air instead of cooling your home, it is time to investigate the issue. We share 7 reasons why your air conditioner is not cooling your home and our top tips to fix it. Safety first! Before you start any repair, make sure you disconnect your appliance from the power source. An air conditioner is an electrical appliance that needs to be treated with extreme care. In some instances, you may need an AC professional to diagnose issues and safely carry out maintenance and repairs. Filter needs cleaning With regular and consistent use, dust can accumulate on your air conditioner filter and coils.  If your filter is left unchecked and dirty, it can restrict air flow and performance. It can also drive up your energy bills and decrease your system’s longevity. Dirty filters can also lead to short cycling, where your air conditioner turns on for a short time and then turns off again. Solution: We recommend cleaning your filters at the start of each season and monthly during peak times. Check out our handy guide to cleaning your air conditioner filter in just 7 easy steps or watch our YouTube video. https://youtu.be/jw5hg2PFb8U Tip: Is your air conditioner filter worn or damaged? Find your replacement air conditioning filters at Statewide. Thermostat settings If your home is getting a little hotter than normal, check your thermostat settings and make sure its set to “cool”. After that, make sure your fan is on the correct setting.  Set to “Auto” mode so that the fan works only when the air is being cooled. When the cycle finishes, your fan will turn off again. Energy saving tip: To ensure an energy efficient home air conditioner, set the thermostat to the right temperature. The most efficient temperature varies, depending on the season and climate where you live.  As an approximate guide, a standard air conditioner’s temperature should be set to 24-25 degrees for summer cooling. According to Finder, every degree you increase the thermostat could shave 10% off your bill. You can check out our top 10 energy saving tips here. Circuit breakers and fuses A malfunctioning air conditioner can sometimes be caused by a tripped switch or blown fuse. Circuits can become overloaded if they share a circuit with other home appliances such as fridges and microwaves. Solution: Check to see if the circuit breaker has been tripped. A tripped switch (located in your home meter box) can be flicked back to position. If the fuse has blown, it will need replacing. Compressor wear out The air conditioner compressor is often called the heart of your AC system. Situated within the outdoor unit in a split or ducted system, the compressor’s job consists of circulating the refrigerant needed during the heat exchange process through the coils. If your AC is not reaching the set temperature or blows hot air, or if your compressor is unusually noisy or starts to vibrate, it will need a thorough inspection and possibly replacement. Solution: A damaged compressor needs replacing. Call a HVAC technician to inspect, diagnose and fix the issue. Tip: Service your reverse cycle air conditioning system at least twice a year. We recommend at the end of summer and winter. Preventative maintenance will ensure your air conditioner is working at its best and could prevent major problems. Blocked or dirty condenser unit Your air conditioning system likely includes an outdoor condenser unit.  If your condenser is blocked with dirt and debris, the efficiency of your unit can be impacted. This causes it to work much harder to pull in air and cool it. Solution: Clear dust, obstructions, debris and foliage regularly from outdoor units.   To clean your air conditioner’s condenser coils your will need to turn off all power running to their conditioning unit and turn off at the circuit board. Firstly remove the outer casing and locate the coils. Brush off any surface dirt, debris and grime from the coils and coil fins as this impedes the operation of the coils. Refrigerant leak Refrigerant is a chemical that is critical to the cooling process. If there is a refrigerant leak, the unit will lose its cooling power and will not cool down your home sufficiently.  Signs that refrigerant levels are low including poor cooling performance, high indoor humidity, ice on the evaporator colis and a hissing or bubbling noise. Solution: Call a HVAC technician to diagnose, locate and fix the problem Undersized air conditioner An undersized air conditioner that is too small for your home will fail to cool properly. It will run constantly and struggle to get the room cool enough. You may notice inconsistent temperature in the home and higher energy bills.. The extra wear and tear will decrease the lifespan of your air conditioner. Solution:  You may need to consider replacing your air conditioner or close doors and windows to isolate the air conditioned room(s). Speak to a professional about the best air conditioner to suit your heating and cooling needs. You may also want to check out Canstar’s buying guide, filled with helpful hints so that you can find the right system for you. Regular maintenance and care will help keep your home cool during the hot summer months. Don’t forget to book in a regular service of your air conditioning system. A professional can often diagnose issues before they become a bigger inconvenience. For the best energy saving tips for your air conditioner, check out our blog guide. Need to find air conditioner spare parts? Statewide have got you covered! Easily find new and replacement spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares. We have Australia’s biggest range of air conditioner spares from all leading brands including compressors, filters, remote controls, fan parts, switches and PCB’s. We offer the best prices and fast Australia wide delivery.  Have a question? We love to help! Contact us online or call us on free call 1800 005 220.

Summer is fast approaching and your air conditioning unit will be working harder than ever to keep your home cool and comfortable.  More than 69% of Aussies (6.8 million households) rely on their air conditioner during the summer season, spending a whopping $3.7 billion dollars on cooling.   With temperatures and energy costs on the rise, follow our top 10 energy saving tips to keep your air conditioner running efficiently this summer. Added bonus, you will be helping the environment too! 1. Insulate your home A well-insulated and shaded house will keep the cool in and heat out in summer. Ceilings and walls that have are not insulated can make houses up to 35% hotter. A well shaded home can block up to 90% of the sun’s heat in warmer months.  While new homes are required to have insulation installed, older homes may be missing out on the benefits that insulation provides. 2. Choose an energy efficient model when purchasing a new unit On the market for a new air conditioner? It pays to do your research first. You will want to ensure your air conditioning unit is energy efficient, correctly sized for your space and suitable for your climate zone. Some air conditioning units are included in the Energy Rating System . This can provide you with useful information to save you money. 3. Check your filters Check and clean your air conditioner filter monthly. Air conditioning filters can collect dust, grime, bacteria and mould, which can compromise the air quality in your home. In addition, your air conditioning unit becomes less effective, working hard harder to cool the air. To clean your filter, simply remove the filter from the unit and give a good brush or shake. You can even vacuum them for a thorough clean. If there is a lot of dirt or grime, you can wash in warm water with mild detergent. Rinse clean and then dry thoroughly before replacing. For more information, you can read our expert guide to cleaning your air conditioning filters. Check your manufacturers instructions for guidelines around when to replace your air conditioner filter. If your filter is showing signs of wear and tear or damage, it may be time for a replacement. Changing your filter every 3 months is a good rule of thumb. You can easily find replacement air conditioning filters for all leading brands here. https://youtu.be/jw5hg2PFb8U 4. Set the right temperature on your thermostat To ensure maximum energy efficiency from your air conditioning unit set the thermostat to the right temperature. The most efficient temperature varies, depending on the season and climate where you live.   As an approximate guide, a standard air conditioner’s temperature should be set to 24-25 degrees for summer cooling. In winter, set the temperature to around 19-20 degrees. According to Finder, every degree you increase the thermostat could shave 10% off your bill. If you want to save even further, set you thermostat only in living areas where you spend most of your time. If you have a window/wall air conditioner, or a standalone bar, column or fan heater, consider a Heatermate. This plug-in electronic room temperature controller, digitally reads the room temperature precisely and maintains the temperature automatically for you. 5.  Keep your exterior windows and doors closed Keep your reverse cycle air conditioning unit running efficiently by keeping all external windows and doors closed. This is a simple tip that can save you extra dollars. Open windows and doors mean your system has to work much harder and will increase your energy consumption.  Likewise, keep your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day as this helps trap the heat outside so that it doesn’t heat up your home. 6. Use a ceiling fan to help air flow A ceiling fan works in tandem with your air conditioner to help circulate the air and cool down the room. Just be sure your fan turns in the right direction. Ceiling fans should rotate clockwise on Winter mode and anti-clockwise on Summer mode. 7. Avoid using your oven and dryer during the hottest part of the day This will only increase the amount of hot air circulating in your home, forcing your air conditioner to work twice as hard. Other heat emitting appliances such as the television, lamps and computer can all generate a lot of heat, so switch them off when not in use. 8. Use your air conditioner only when you are at home Be kind to the environment and your pocket by using your air conditioner only when you are home. By properly insulating your home and keeping your windows and blinds closed before you leave, you can ensure it retains cool air after switching off your unit. Over 1.9 million Australian’s leave their AC running when they are not at home. That’s an energy cost of $97 million over the summer period! 9. Turn off your air conditioner at night Evening air is generally cooler, so take advantage of the summer breeze and open your windows. Allow the air to flow through. Save the air conditioner for the day time, when the temperature is at its hottest. 10. Lastly, don’t forget regular maintenance! Checking and cleaning your filters is a must. Check that plants and furniture are not blocking your unit. This could restrict your air flow. Clear dust, obstructions, debris and foliage regularly from outdoor units. A regular service by a qualified HVAC technician will fix any problems so that your unit can run at its best for longer. If your air conditioner is blowing out hot air instead of cooling your home, it is time to investigate the issue. Check out problem shooting guide. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! Easily find new and replacement spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares. Shop Australia’s biggest range of air conditioning spare parts such as filters, remote controls, fan parts and PCB’s. Statewide has all the leading brands including Fujitsu, LG, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic & Daikin. Best prices, fast delivery and the lowest prices guaranteed! Have a question? We love to help! Contact us online or call us on free call 1800 005 220.