With temperatures in the Mediterranean rising to extreme levels during summer, life in Cyprus absolutely necessitates the use of air conditioners, as working or simply going about your day without one can feel insurmountable at times. However, most Cypriots have still not adopted habits of proper maintenance and attention to optimize their devices’ performance, leading to underperforming ACs, and warm, warm days.

No need to worry about it, though, as we have gathered some useful tips that will allow your AC to shine and you to thrive throughout the year.

An air conditioner’s performance and effectiveness is very closely related to the quality of its filter. Obviously, the better the filter, the better the results. While low-quality air filters are generally cheaper and require less maintenance–they don’t need to be changed as often, as they don’t block as many unhealthy particles–they are not the optimal choice for your air conditioner. Your AC could greatly benefit from a filter that’s rated higher on the MERV system, which may be pricier overall, but is considered a worthy investment by technicians worldwide.

Your AC filter gathers dust, pollen and other pollutants, making sure your home air flow is as clean and smooth as possible, but it can only hold so much over time. The time to change your filter may vary depending on multiple factors, such as your AC model and your home environment. To give a rough estimate, most companies suggest replacing your filter every three months. The best way to identify the right frequency is, first and foremost, to consult a technician, and secondly to check its condition during the replacement process yourself. You can estimate the approximate time to replace it, based on how dirty it looks.

Overlooking proper filter maintenance results in reduced performance and efficiency, as well as a sharp decrease in air quality. A dirty filter becomes fertile ground for allergens, fungal spores and other unwelcome particles that may trigger several respiratory conditions.

Technical maintenance and hardware updates are, of course, all part of a machine’s life cycle, but at the end of the day, the most important factor that dictates how long it will be able to perform at the highest possible level—or even perform at all—is how its owner uses it. While it may sound counterintuitive, the best way to preserve your AC is to only use it when you actually need to. 

Due to extreme heat that we face every year, most of us have adopted the habit of working our air conditioners into the ground, even when there is really no need for it. Even when the day is not all that hot, where an open window could produce the same results. Limiting our overall use of AC not only extends its life expectancy, but is also far more friendly to the environment.

The outdoor unit is an air conditioner’s lifeblood, but often, it tends to be forgotten by users. Professionals suggest that the first thing to consider before you start using your AC is that its outdoor unit is unobstructed. Removing weeds, leaves, sticks and anything else that may block it is essential to enjoying a summer of pure, smooth, and cool air flow. A simple, but effective, way of removing any unhelpful materials and dirt is to just spray the unit with a hose. However, make sure the pressure you use is not too high, as it may cause unwanted damage to your AC.

Personal maintenance and understanding of your AC is useful and important, but naturally, the best way to maintain it in peak condition is with the help of a professional. Even if your unit doesn’t show any worrying signs, it is always recommended that you schedule regular maintenance, as the problem may lie deeper within, or it could even be nipped in the bud altogether.

Don’t leave your summer comfort to chance!