How Often Should I Have My Air Conditioner Serviced?

Table of Contents

Australian summers are iconic: beach visits, barbies, and battling the balmy weather with air conditioners blazing. Amidst all this, an inevitable question creeps up – “How often should I service my air conditioner?”

In this article we’ll take a close look at the need for regular maintenance to keep your heating and cooling system operating at optimal level. But how often should it be done? And what are the important steps a professional technician should take during a thorough servicing?

Regular Air Conditioner Servicing: Is it Necessary?

Yes, without a doubt. Your air conditioning (AC) unit, whether it’s a split system air conditioner, reverse cycle air conditioner, or ducted air conditioner, needs regular servicing to stay in its peak condition.

Now, as for the frequency, you can always refer to your unit’s instruction manual for some guidance. However, a rule of thumb usually requires your unit to have professional servicing at least once a year for normal usage.

It also pays to keep an ear out for any unusual sounds emanating from your unit, which might signal an emergency service.

Regular at-home checks, such as monitoring noise levels, reviewing the coolness of the air, and checking for signs of refrigerant leaks, are all ways to tend to your reverse, split, or ducted air conditioning unit between professional servicing. They can help identify when it might be time to call in the experts.

Decoding Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Before we go into detail, it’s important to understand that different air-con models need specific services.

Let’s start with split systems and ducted air conditioners:

  • Split system air conditioners: spot-on servicing: Split systems contain an indoor and outdoor unit, both necessitating maintenance checks. Indoor units need a thorough filter to cleanse, while outdoor units require debris removal for unblocked airflow. Cleaning also shields your split system’s delicate cooling coils from dust, making sure that the unit works seamlessly.
  • Ducted air conditioning systems: detailed TLC needed: Ducted air conditioners have both indoor and outdoor units, much like split systems. However, complex ductwork might need a fine-tooth-comb approach. Regular servicing of ducted air conditioners by professionals helps evade unexpected breakdowns, especially during the relentless summer months.

Air Con Repair Near Me tech cleans filters

Why Service Your Air Conditioner?

Especially during the summer season, lounging in your home with a well-working air conditioner is a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. However, did you know that regularly servicing your AC unit isn’t just about securing cool air?

Here are more reasons to give your trusted heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) service provider a call:

  • Improved efficiency: An air conditioning system serviced regularly runs at its peak efficiency. This directly improves the cooling performance of the unit and reduces energy consumption, providing you with better comfort at a reduced cost.
  • Extended lifespan: Regular servicing can significantly extend the lifespan of your air conditioner. During service, worn-out parts can be replaced, which could otherwise lead to a major breakdown. By fixing small issues early, you prevent them from becoming big, costly problems and prolong the useful life of your air conditioner.
  • Better air quality: One of the responsibilities of an air conditioner is to regulate and filter indoor air quality. When you perform regular servicing, air filters often are cleaned or replaced, making sure that pollen, dust, and other fine particles are efficiently removed from the circulating air. This is particularly important for those in your home who may suffer from allergies, asthma, or other breathing disorders.
  • Reduced unexpected breakdowns: There’s nothing worse than your air conditioner breaking down on a hot summer day. Regular servicing can help catch potential issues early before they fester and turn into a full-blown breakdown. This provides you with the peace of mind knowing that your air conditioner is unlikely to fail just when you need it the most.
  • Maintains manufacturer warranty: Many air conditioner manufacturers stipulate that warranty claims are only valid if the unit has been regularly serviced by air conditioning experts. This helps keep the product quality under check and absolves manufacturers from defects arising due to misuse or poor maintenance by the user.
  • Keeps operating costs down: Regular servicing keeps your air conditioner running efficiently, reducing your monthly energy bills. Units that have not been well-maintained have to work harder to produce the same cooling effect, consuming more electricity.
  • Improved comfort: Regular servicing guarantees that your air conditioner functions at its best, providing optimal comfort levels. A well-maintained unit will cool your home more effectively and maintain consistent temperatures, making your indoor environment more comfortable.

What Happens During an Air Conditioner Servicing?

During a split, reverse, or ducted air conditioning service, several crucial steps are taken to ensure the efficiency and longevity of the unit.

  1. Changing the air filter: One of the essential maintenance tasks is to replace the air filter. A clean air filter ensures adequate airflow and prevents dust and other pollutants from entering your air conditioning unit and your living space.
  2. Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils: These are key components of your air conditioning unit that facilitate heat transfer. Over time, these coils can become covered in dust and debris, hampering their effectiveness. During an air conditioner service, these coils are thoroughly cleaned.
  3. Inspecting and cleaning the drain line and drain pan: The drain line and drain pan remove condensation produced by your air conditioning system. If these parts become blocked or damaged, water leaks can occur, potentially causing damage. As part of the service, these components are inspected and cleaned.
  4. Checking the refrigerant level: Air conditioning systems require a specific amount of refrigerant to operate effectively. As part of the service, a professional will check the refrigerant level and replenish it if necessary.
  5. Checking thermostat settings: The service also includes checking the thermostat to ensure it’s correctly calibrated and keeping your home at the desired temperature.
  6. Checking and tightening electrical connections: Over time, electrical connections within your air conditioning unit may loosen, leading to unsafe operation and reducing the lifespan of various components. Standard service often includes checking and tightening these connections.

Each of these steps taken during an air conditioner service enables your air con. unit to work optimally, providing you with consistent, efficient cooling and maintaining the quality of your indoor air.

Comparing clean and dirty filters

Why Hire a Professional?

By now, you’re probably looking around the internet to look for the best HVAC professionals in your area. While this may seem like a daunting task, remember the following perks you and your AC unit can enjoy once you find your trusted team:

  • Expertise and training: Professional technicians have received the necessary training and gained experience to effectively and efficiently service air conditioning units. Their knowledge and expertise enable them to diagnose and fix any issues that may arise during servicing, guaranteeing the optimal operation of your unit.
  • Safety: Handling electrical appliances, including air conditioners, has inherent risks. A professional technician understands the safety measures required when working with electrical components and refrigerants to avoid accidents, property damage, or personal injury.
  • Proper tools and equipment: A professional technician comes equipped with the right tools and equipment needed for servicing your air conditioner. This makes sure the job is done correctly and efficiently without causing damage.
  • Addressing underlying issues: Professionals have an eye for noticing potential issues that may not be visible or apparent to an untrained eye. By hiring a professional, you can catch underlying problems before they turn into major, expensive repairs or replacements, saving you time and money in the long run.
  • Maintaining warranty: Some manufacturers require air conditioning units to be serviced regularly by certified professionals to maintain their warranty. Hiring a professional helps you adhere to these warranty conditions and protect your investment in the long run.
  • Time-efficient: A professional technician can speed up the air conditioner servicing process significantly compared to an amateur. This saves you time and makes sure your unit is back up and running as quickly as possible.

Ready to Elevate Your Air Conditioning?

Nearly every household across the Australian continent relies heavily on split, reverse, and ducted air conditioners. Regular servicing ensures these silent workhorses continue to function optimally, providing clean and cool comfort.

Professional air conditioning service prolongs your system’s lifespan, optimises energy efficiency, and helps maintain peak performance.

So, don’t ponder over “How often should I service my air conditioner?” Embrace the practice of regular servicing to keep your unit humming happily and your home cool and comfy.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.

Send a Message

If you need anything at all, just contact us and our friendly staff will call you back within 3 minutes*

Our team will be in touch within 3 minutes!*
Air Con Repair Near Me Thumbs Up