How to maintain aircon and drainage during high heat & humidity
Brisbane’s notorious high heat and humidity can pose serious threats to air conditioning and drainage systems, potentially resulting in costly water damage and repairs.
In this blog post, Hays provides expert tips on how to properly maintain your systems and avoid potential issues.
Long overdue for a service or clean? If you need support for your air conditioning in Redcliffe and surrounds, book an appointment now. Call Paul on 0404 614 814 or get in touch online.
How can high heat and humidity cause air conditioning problems?
There are five main problems associated with heat and humidity that affect the performance of your air conditioning:
- Excessive moisture can cause your unit to malfunction or shutdown
- High temperatures can result in an overheated compressor that can lead to poor system performance or failure
- Increased humidity can lead to clogged air filters which impedes airflow and makes your unit work harder than it needs to
- Humidity can cause your system to produce condensation which can damage your unit and the surrounding area
- Finally, humidity can create a build-up of moisture in your system which can lead to water damage and mould growth
As you can see, each of the above can impact the performance of your unit, which in turn affects your comfort as well as the cost of running the system. These problems can also put additional strain on your unit, making it work harder than it should, and potentially shortening its lifespan.
Further, there is a risk of damage to your system and property due to humidity, thanks to the subtropical climate we are all too familiar with here in Brisbane.
What is humidity?
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air, and affects how hot or cold the air feels.
Humidity affects how hot or cold the air feels; during periods of high humidity, when there is more moisture in the air, we can be left feeling hot and sticky. Humidity is usually expressed as a percentage.
Healthy humidity in the home is regarded as anywhere between 30 and 50%. High humidity – over 60% – can lead to mould, mildew, and wet stains on walls and ceilings.
High humidity is a characteristic of Brisbane’s typical tropical climate. Average humidity sits around 50%, while during the summer months, it can be as high as 70%.
Comparable global cities that experience high humidity include Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, and Jakarta.
What is the connection between high humidity and overflowing drains?
When air conditioning is operating normally, the moisture that is removed from the air is drained away through a system of pipes and tubes.
It is a relatively straightforward process – until something goes wrong, of course.
In circumstances where humidity is exceptionally high, the amount of moisture can exceed the drainage capacity of the system. This can cause the drains to overflow, which can lead to water running down your walls.
Stagnant water can not only lead to structural damage in the home, but also affects your air con, causing damage that can eventually lead to costly repairs or even complete replacement.
Further, moisture and humidity is the perfect environment for mould and mildew to thrive, creating unpleasant odours and a potential health hazard in the home. Mould and mildew can also cause blockages, impeding the flow of water and causing drains to overfill.
The importance of regular air conditioning cleans and maintenance
Periodic air conditioning cleaning is essential to keep your unit running at its best.
Preventative measures, including ongoing maintenance, can have a tremendously positive impact on the condition and lifespan of your unit, keeping you cool and comfortable during Brisbane’s year-round mild temperatures.
Air conditioning cleaning and maintenance will:
- Keep your unit in optimal running condition
- Improve energy efficient and reduce unnecessary strain
- Extend the lifespan of the system
- Help you save money on repairs
If your aircon is reaching the end of its life, we also support homeowners with air conditioning replacement in Redcliffe.
How often should I get my aircon professionally cleaned and serviced?
At Hays Airconditioning, we advise our residential clients to have their units cleaned and serviced by a qualified professional at least once a year.
If you start to experience issues such as poor performance or strange smells and noises, we urge you to book an inspection as soon as possible.
For commercial units, we usually recommend biannual or quarterly services.
When is the best time to get my aircon cleaned?
As the temperatures rise, so too does demand!
It therefore pays to think ahead – we strongly recommend getting in touch with us during the quieter winter period and booking in your annual clean during the first few weeks of spring.
Get in early to guarantee your spot, because as soon as summer hits, you might have to wait a while!
If you’d also like to book a second service during the year, we recommend waiting until the hectic summer period has ended, and look towards booking during autumn.
Additionally, now is a great time to get on top of repairs, particularly if you’ve suffered from AC problems over the summer period; Hays can certainly help with air conditioning repairs in Redcliffe QLD, too!
Need to book an air conditioning clean or service?
Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your aircon and drainage remain in top shape throughout the year with Hays Airconditioning.
By now, we hope you have a better understanding of the way that a poorly maintained air conditioning can result in water damage in the home, particularly due to Brisbane’s high humidity.
The best way to avoid such issues is with regular, thorough air conditioning cleaning from a qualified technician.
If you’ve never had your air conditioning cleaned before – or are well overdue – get in touch with Paul at Hays Airconditioning today.
We’d love to help you understand the importance of ongoing cleaning, including how it can extend the lifespan of your system, and most importantly, keep you cool and comfortable, even during Brisbane’s high heat!
Save money on your electricity bills AND keep cool with Hays Airconditioning: delivering cool, clean air.
For air conditioning in Brighton, Sandgate, and across the entire Redcliffe Peninsula, get in touch with Paul today.
To request a quote, call 0404 614 814 or contact Hays online.
