With temperatures soaring across India, your air conditioner becomes your most relied-upon appliance. But without proper maintenance, even the best AC can underperform, leading to discomfort and high energy bills.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 expert-recommended summer AC maintenance tips tailored for Indian climates. Whether you’re a homeowner or facility manager, these practical steps will ensure your cooling system operates efficiently and reliably.
1. Clean or Replace Air Filters Regularly
Dirty filters obstruct airflow, reducing cooling efficiency and increasing energy consumption. In Indian metro cities like Delhi or Mumbai, dust and pollution levels demand filter cleaning every 15–30 days.
ASHRAE Guideline: Follow ASHRAE 62.1 standard for indoor air quality and MERV 8–11 filter efficiency.
Tip: Use washable filters if available, or replace disposable ones as per manufacturer instructions.
2. Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit
The outdoor unit often collects leaves, dust, and debris, especially in dusty areas like Rajasthan or Gujarat. A blocked coil can raise head pressure and reduce cooling.
Action Step:
Use a coil cleaner and a soft brush
Ensure a 2-feet clearance around the unit
Case Example: A retail store in Pune improved cooling by 18% after coil cleaning pre-summer.
3. Check Refrigerant Levels and Cooling Performance
Low refrigerant results in poor cooling and ice formation on evaporator coils. Get your AC checked for refrigerant levels using proper gauges and thermometers.
Standard: Use R-32 or R-410A refrigerants as per ISHRAE guidelines. Avoid unauthorized gas top-ups.
Formula: Superheat/Subcooling temperature measurements ensure optimal charge.
4. Seal Duct Leaks and Insulate Piping
Leaky ducts and uninsulated refrigerant lines can cause 20–30% cooling loss. Inspect ducts, especially in split or ducted units used in villas or commercial buildings.
Use:
Aluminum foil tape for sealing
Closed-cell insulation for refrigerant lines
Tip: Check for air leaks using smoke pencils or thermal imaging.
5. Schedule Professional AC Servicing Before Peak Summer
Preventive servicing by a certified HVAC technician ensures all components are inspected, cleaned, and tuned.
What to Include in a Service:
Electrical inspection
Coil cleaning
Gas check
Thermostat calibration
Example: An apartment complex in Hyderabad saw a 25% reduction in breakdown calls post annual servicing.
Summary
Clean AC filters every 15–30 days
Maintain condenser coils for better heat exchange
Monitor refrigerant levels for efficient cooling
Insulate and seal ducts to prevent energy loss
Always schedule a professional check-up before peak summer
