How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner for Peak Performance

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your air conditioner running efficiently for years—even decades. A well-maintained AC unit not only performs better and uses less energy but also provides cleaner, healthier air for your family. The good news? Many essential maintenance tasks are simple enough to do yourself, while others only need professional attention once or twice a year.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about maintaining your air conditioning system, from weekly quick checks to annual professional servicing.

Why Air Conditioner Maintenance Matters

Neglecting your air conditioner's maintenance isn't just about comfort—it has real financial and health implications:

• Energy efficiency: A dirty, poorly maintained AC can use 20-40% more energy than a well-maintained one
• Lifespan: Regular maintenance can extend your unit's life from 10 years to 15-20 years
• Repair costs: Minor issues caught early prevent expensive breakdowns later
• Air quality: Clean filters and coils mean cleaner air free of dust, mould, and allergens
• Warranty protection: Many warranties require proof of regular maintenance

DIY Maintenance Tasks (No Technician Required)

These are tasks every homeowner can and should perform regularly. They require no special tools or expertise and make a significant difference to your AC's performance.

Clean or Replace Air Filters (Every 2-4 Weeks)

The air filter is your first line of defence against dust, pollen, and airborne particles. Over time, it accumulates debris that restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder.

To clean your filter:

1. Turn off your air conditioner
2. Open the indoor unit's front panel (usually hinges up)
3. Carefully slide out the filter(s)
4. Vacuum loose dust, then wash with lukewarm water and mild detergent
5. Allow to dry completely before reinstalling (at least 2-3 hours)
6. Never run the AC without filters in place

If your filters are damaged or excessively dirty, replace them. Replacement filters are available from hardware stores or online, typically costing $20-50 depending on your model.

Clean the Indoor Unit's Exterior (Monthly)

Dust accumulates on the exterior of your indoor unit, particularly on the air intake grilles and louvres. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the exterior surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the plastic casing.

Check and Clear the Outdoor Unit (Monthly)

Your outdoor condenser unit needs adequate airflow to release heat effectively. Walk around it monthly to check for:

• Leaves, grass clippings, or debris blocking the fins
• Plants or shrubs growing too close (maintain 50cm clearance)
• Dirt or mud splashed onto the unit
• Any unusual sounds or vibrations when running

Gently remove any debris and hose down the exterior fins if they're visibly dirty. Use low water pressure and spray from the inside out to push debris away from the coils.

Seasonal Maintenance Tasks

In addition to monthly tasks, perform these checks at the start of each cooling and heating season.

Before Summer (September-October)

Before the heat arrives, prepare your system for heavy use:

• Deep clean all filters
• Check the condensate drain isn't blocked (water should drip freely from the drain line when cooling)
• Test the cooling function on a moderate day to ensure it's working before you desperately need it
• Check the remote control batteries
• Consider booking professional servicing if it's been over 12 months

Before Winter (March-April)

If you use your reverse-cycle AC for heating:

• Clean filters thoroughly
• Test the heating function
• Check that the defrost function works (important for efficient heating in cold weather)
• Clear any autumn leaves from around the outdoor unit

Professional Maintenance (Annual)

While DIY maintenance handles most needs, certain tasks require a licensed HVAC technician. Schedule professional servicing at least once a year—ideally before the peak summer season when technicians are busiest.

What a Professional Service Includes

A comprehensive professional service typically covers:

• Refrigerant check: Verifying refrigerant levels and checking for leaks
• Electrical inspection: Testing all electrical connections and components
• Coil cleaning: Deep cleaning of evaporator and condenser coils
• Drainage check: Ensuring condensate drains are clear and functioning
• Thermostat calibration: Verifying accurate temperature control
• Performance testing: Measuring airflow and cooling/heating output
• Safety check: Inspecting for any potential hazards

Cost of Professional Servicing

Expect to pay approximately:

• Split system service: $120-200 per unit
• Ducted system service: $200-400
• Multi-split system: $150-250 per indoor unit

Prices vary by location and complexity, but this annual investment typically pays for itself through improved efficiency and prevented repairs.

Signs Your AC Needs Attention

Between regular maintenance, watch for warning signs that something might be wrong:

• Reduced cooling/heating: Takes longer to reach set temperature
• Unusual sounds: Grinding, squealing, or rattling noises
• Strange smells: Musty odours (mould), burning smells (electrical), or chemical scents (refrigerant)
• Water leaks: Water dripping from the indoor unit
• Ice formation: Ice on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
• Higher bills: Unexplained increase in electricity costs
• Short cycling: Unit turning on and off frequently

If you notice any of these symptoms, address them promptly. Check our troubleshooting guide for solutions to common problems, or contact a professional for persistent issues.

Maintenance Schedule Summary

Here's a quick reference for your air conditioner maintenance schedule:

• Every 2-4 weeks: Clean or check air filters
• Monthly: Wipe indoor unit, check outdoor unit clearance
• Seasonally: Deep clean and test before summer and winter
• Annually: Professional service and inspection

By following this maintenance schedule, you'll enjoy reliable cooling and heating for many years while keeping your energy bills in check. Your air conditioner works hard to keep you comfortable—a little regular care ensures it can keep doing so efficiently.