Is air conditioner maintenance necessary?

Keeping your home cool during the hot Australian summers isn’t just about having a powerful air conditioner, it’s about maintaining it properly too. If you’ve been wondering, “is air conditioner maintenance necessary?” - the answer is a resounding yes.

Regular air conditioning maintenance not only helps keep your system running well, but it can also save you money over the long term. Here’s why aircon maintenance matters, what it involves and when to call in an air conditioning professional.

• Why does regular air conditioner maintenance matter?

• What does AC maintenance include?

• How regularly should you do maintenance on your air conditioner?

• How will I know my air conditioner needs maintenance?

• Simple DIY air conditioner maintenance tips

• Professional vs DIY air conditioner maintenance

Why does regular air conditioner maintenance matter?

Think of your air conditioner like your car. You wouldn’t drive for years without a service, so by the same token, neglecting your aircon can cause poor performance (which also leads to higher energy bills), expensive repairs and even health issues for you and your family.

Here are the biggest reasons why regular maintenance is a must:

• More efficient: A clean, well-maintained air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home. This keeps energy consumption to a minimum and your electricity bills down

• Better air quality: Dust and mould can build up inside your system. Without regularly cleaning it, you could be circulating unhealthy air

• Longer life: Regular maintenance stops small issues from turning into bigger faults

• Warranty: Many air conditioner manufacturers need regular servicing to keep your warranty valid

Need help from a trusted local pro? hipages has a directory filled to the brim with licensed tradies who can maintain or repair your air conditioning system.

What does AC maintenance include?

Now, you’re probably wondering what is actually included in a professional AC maintenance service. Here’s a basic rundown of what should be covered in a standard service:

• Cleaning or replacing air filters: Dirty filters clog up airflow and force the system to work harder

• Inspecting and cleaning coils: Dusty coils lower your system’s cooling ability and increase energy usage

• Checking refrigerant levels: Too much or too little refrigerant hampers performance

• Flushing condensate drains: Clogged drains can cause leaks and water damage

• Testing thermostat settings: Means your aircon keeps a consistent temperature

• Inspecting electrical components: Loose or damaged wiring can be a serious fire hazard

• Examining the fan motor and blades: Smoother operation without extra strain

Some tasks can be tackled yourself, but a professional aircon technician can spot problems early and service parts that require specialist tools.

How regularly should you do maintenance on your air conditioner?

Wondering how often you should do maintenance on your air conditioner? The answer varies depending on the type of unit you have, and the depth of maintenance that you want to do each time. A general rule of thumb is:

• Home units should be professionally serviced once a year

• Heavy-use units that are on year-round need servicing every six months or so

• DIY maintenance: You should clean your air conditioners filters yourself every 1–3 months during heavy-usage periods (Summer and Winter) 

It’s smart to book your professional maintenance in spring, getting in just before the summer rush.

How will I know my air conditioner needs maintenance?

Sometimes your air conditioner will give you clear signs that it needs attention, such as:

• Weak or inconsistent airflow

• Strange smells or weird noises

• Higher-than-expected energy bills

• Poor cooling performance

• Water leaking around the indoor unit

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to get a professional inspection booked in.

Simple DIY air conditioner maintenance tips

While some maintenance jobs should be left to the professionals, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your aircon running well:

• Check your user manual, but most systems need the filter cleaned every 4–8 weeks

• Keep the outdoor unit clear, so remove any leaves or dirt around your system to maintain good airflow

• Inspect the air vents inside your home to see that they aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains

• Monitor your energy usage, as a sudden increase might be a sign that it’s time for a service

Professional vs DIY air conditioner maintenance

Some homeowners wonder, can I do air con maintenance myself? While DIY is great for small tasks like cleaning filters and checking outdoor units, professional servicing is necessary for checking refrigerant levels, deep cleaning coils, testing electrical connections and other more challenging jobs.

Hiring a licensed technician means your system can run as safely as possible and performs at peak efficiency. You’ll also catch minor problems before they turn into expensive or emergency repairs.

So, is air conditioner maintenance necessary? Absolutely. It’s a must for keeping your system running well and your air clean. Plus, when you hire a professional through hipages, you know you’re getting quality service you can trust.

Need a hand? Connect with licensed and reviewed air conditioning specialists near you.