Air conditioners work hard to keep our homes cool in summer and warm in winter. Whether you have a split system or a ducted air conditioner, regular maintenance is essential to keep everything running smoothly.
Maintaining your air conditioner helps it run more efficiently and saves you money on your energy bills. It also improves the air quality in your home and reduces the risk of breakdowns or costly repairs.
With just a few simple steps each year, you can extend the life of your system and enjoy year-round comfort.
Split System Air Conditioning Maintenance
Split system air conditioners are popular in Australian homes because they’re efficient and easy to use. But like any appliance, they need regular care to keep performing at their best.
Here are the key maintenance tasks to help your split system stay in top shape all year round.
Clean or Replace Filters
Filters are one of the most important parts of your split system. They trap dust, pollen, and other particles to keep your indoor air clean.
When filters become clogged, they block airflow. This forces your system to work harder, which uses more energy and can shorten its lifespan. It also means your air won’t feel as fresh or comfortable.
To prevent this, clean or replace the filters every 1 to 2 months, especially during heavy use in summer and winter. Most filters are easy to remove and can be vacuumed or washed in warm, soapy water. Let them dry completely before placing them back.
Inspect and Clean the Indoor Unit
Dust and dirt can build up inside the indoor unit over time. This affects how well your system works and can lower the quality of the air you breathe.
To clean it, gently wipe down the front panel and air vents with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or too much water.
Check the unit for any signs of mould, dampness, or blockages in the vents. If you notice a musty smell, that could be a sign that a deeper clean is needed.
Keeping the indoor unit clean not only improves airflow but also helps reduce allergens in your home.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit is just as vital as the indoor one. It needs unhindered airflow to work optimally – but is often exposed to leaves, dust, grass clippings, and other debris.
Check the area around the outdoor unit every few months. Trim back plants and remove anything blocking the vents.
Use a brush or a soft broom to gently sweep away dirt and cobwebs from the outside of the unit.
Make sure the unit is turned off before cleaning. Never use high-pressure water, as this can damage the components.
Keeping the outdoor unit clean helps your system run more efficiently and prevents overheating.
Schedule Professional Servicing
While regular DIY maintenance is helpful, it’s also crucial to have your system professionally serviced at least once a year. A licensed technician will inspect:
- Refrigerant levels
- Electrical wiring
- Fan motors
- Coils
They’ll also look for signs of wear and test the overall performance of your air conditioner.
Professional servicing helps catch small problems early — before they turn into expensive repairs. It also ensures your air conditioner is safe, clean, and ready to handle any season.
Need a hand with your split system maintenance? Booking a regular service with a qualified technician is the best way to keep your unit running efficiently and your home feeling comfortable all year round.
Ducted Air Conditioning Maintenance
Ducted air conditioning systems offer year-round comfort and whole-home climate control. But to keep them running efficiently and avoid costly repairs, regular maintenance is essential. Here are the key areas to focus on when maintaining your ducted system.
Filter Cleaning and Replacement
In ducted systems, the main return air filter is usually located behind a grille in the hallway or ceiling. This filter catches dust, dirt, and allergens before they enter the system.
Over time, the filter can become clogged. When this happens, airflow is restricted, and your system has to work harder to maintain the set temperature. This not only increases your power bills but also puts extra strain on the system.
To avoid this, clean your ducted system filter every 1 to 2 months, especially during periods when the system is used more. Some filters can be vacuumed or washed, while others may need to be replaced. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Air Vents and Grilles Cleaning
The air vents and grilles in each room allow cooled or heated air to flow from the ducts into your home. These should be dusted or vacuumed regularly, as they can collect dust, pet hair, and other debris.
If vents become blocked, airflow is reduced, and the system becomes less efficient. You might also notice uneven temperatures between rooms or reduced air quality.
Use a damp cloth or soft brush attachment to gently clean around each vent. Keeping these areas clear helps maintain proper airflow and improves overall system performance.
Check and Clean the Outdoor Unit
Like with split systems, the outdoor unit of a ducted system needs to be kept clean and clear. It’s responsible for releasing heat and must have good airflow to do its job properly.
In Brisbane, it’s common for outdoor units to collect leaves, branches, dust, and storm debris — especially after summer storms. Check the unit every few months and after major weather events. Trim back any plants or grass growing too close and remove any obstructions.
Use a soft brush or broom to clean around the vents, but avoid using a hose or pressure cleaner. Always turn off the power before doing any cleaning.
Schedule Professional Servicing
Even with regular cleaning, your ducted air conditioner should be professionally serviced at least once a year.
A qualified technician will inspect the entire system, including the following:
- Central unit
- Ductwork
- Zone controls
- Thermostats
- Filters
They’ll check refrigerant levels, electrical components, and system efficiency. If there are any worn parts or small issues, they can be fixed before they become bigger problems.
Annual servicing helps extend the life of your system, keeps it running efficiently, and ensures your home stays comfortable throughout the year.
Need help keeping your ducted air con in top shape? Book a professional service with a licensed technician to get the most out of your system and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Benefits of Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance
Whether you have a split system or ducted air conditioner, keeping it well-maintained can make a big difference to its performance (and your comfort).
Regular air conditioning maintenance not only helps your system run more efficiently — it also saves you money and reduces the risk of problems down the track.
Here are the key benefits you can expect from staying on top of your air con maintenance:
Improves Energy Efficiency
A clean and well-maintained system uses less electricity. Dirty filters, blocked vents, and clogged coils force your air conditioner to work harder to move air. This uses more power and increases your energy bills.
By cleaning the filters and ensuring the system is in good condition, your air conditioner can cool or heat your home more efficiently. This helps keep energy costs down.
Extends System Lifespan
Like any appliance, your air conditioner will last longer if you look after it. Regular maintenance helps prevent wear and tear on vital components such as:
- Fan motors
- Compressors
- Electrical parts
This means your system is less likely to break down early, and you can get more years of use before needing to replace it. It’s a simple way to protect your investment and delay the cost of a new unit.
Reduces Repair Costs
Small problems can quickly turn into expensive repairs if they’re left unchecked. Loose wires, low refrigerant, or a dirty condenser coil may not seem like a big issue at first — but over time, they can cause huge failures.
Routine servicing helps spot these issues early, allowing you to fix them before they cause major damage. It’s much cheaper to handle a small repair now than to deal with a full system breakdown later.
Maintains Healthy Air Quality
Your air conditioner doesn’t just control temperature — it also helps clean the air in your home. If the filters are full of dust or the system is dirty, it can start to spread dust, mould spores, and allergens through the air.
This can trigger asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues, especially for kids or those with sensitivities. Regular filter cleaning and system checks ensure your air con is circulating clean, healthy air throughout your space.
Ensures Reliable Comfort
There’s nothing worse than your air conditioner failing during a heatwave or cold snap. When your system is well-maintained, it runs more smoothly and is less likely to break down when you need it most.
Clean filters, clear vents, and working parts help your system reach and maintain your desired temperature quickly and consistently. This gives you reliable comfort all year round.
Conclusion
Maintaining your air conditioner is one of the best ways to keep your home comfortable, your energy bills low, and your system running smoothly. Whether you have a split system or a ducted air conditioner, regular maintenance helps improve energy efficiency, extends the life of your system, and ensures better air quality in your home.
If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a qualified technician who can check your system, make recommendations, and keep everything in top shape.
When was the last time your air conditioner was serviced?
Contact us to book your maintenance today and keep your home comfortable all year round.
