Maintain your air conditioning system for a cooler Summer

Hawke’s Bay has a reputation for sunshine and that’s no surprise with an average 2000 sunshine hours a year. While most people love to relax in the sun, it can be hard to bear if you’re working in a machine and trying to stay cool.

Air conditioning can be the difference between a productive day and having to quit when the temperature in your cab gets too hot. That’s why we recommend taking a look at your air conditioning system now and getting it in shape before the hot Summer months hit.

To make it easier, we’ve canvassed some expert opinions on the steps you should take to take care of your air conditioning system. Hopefully these suggestions will help you to keep your cool regardless of what the Hawke’s Bay weather throws at us over the months ahead.

How much power does an Air Conditioning system use?

Approx 4 hp

What are the main components of an air-conditioning system?

The main components of an air conditioning system are the compressor, radiator , evaporator, condenser.

How often should an air conditioning system be serviced?

To keep your air conditioning operating at its best, it’s recommended that you get it serviced every 6 months. This can also help you spot any leaks early and take action before the problem becomes bigger and more expensive to fix.

At the same time you should check the cabin air conditioning filter to see if it needs to be replaced. This can have a big impact on the efficiency of your air conditioning.

Video: Check how dirty cab air filters for your excavator air conditioning system can be solved by giving a regular dust out with an air gun.

What things can I do myself to keep my air conditioning working efficiently?

Check and clear the cabin air conditioning filter.

Blow it out with compressed air or remove and wash it. Keeping it clear means the air flows through the filter rather than forcing its way around it. A cabin air conditioning filter that isn’t kept clear can impact the evaporator fins further inside the air conditioning system, causing them to get blocked. This can reduce the effectiveness of the air conditioning system.

Keep the Air Conditioning Radiator clean.

Any blockages or clogging in the Air Conditioning radiator will cause the radiator to lose its effectiveness.

Do a visual check on pipes and hoses for leaks.

Refrigerant leaves an oil stain when it is leaking so any leaks should be fairly easy to spot. At the same time you should also do a visual check on pipes and hoses for rubbing against something that in time could wear a hole and cause a leak.

Do a visual check on Pulley Belts to make sure they are not cracking or breaking apart.

What are the signs that my air conditioning system is not working properly?

The best measure for an air conditioning system that’s not working properly is the way your body feels. If you’re not enjoying cool, clean-smelling air then your air conditioning system is not working.

You may also find that your air conditioning system makes an unusual noise when turned on, or that a nasty odour comes from the air conditioning vents. Visually, you might see that the air conditioning system seems to be leaking oil or you could smell a burning smell when you turn it on.

Does how often I use the air conditioning impact the condition of the system?

If you don’t use the air conditioning regularly it can cause the seals to dry out so much that the refrigerant will leak out. If you don’t want to use your air conditioning all the time it’s recommended that you run it for about 10 minutes every month to help to maintain its condition.

Keep cool in the latest model machines from Allways Hire this Summer

We’re experts in how to keep your machine in good condition because we invest a lot of time and energy in taking care of our fleet. We want you to be able to rely on our machines to get the job done: whatever the weather throws at you.

With a focus on maintaining a young fleet to the highest standards, you know you’ll enjoy a better, cooler hire experience when you hire from Allways Hire. If air conditioning is important to your hire, just check in with our friendly team and let them know before you make your booking.