Air conditioners play a vital role in maintaining comfort throughout the year, especially during extreme temperature changes. Whether you rely on your system daily or only during summer, regular servicing is one of the most important steps in ensuring your air conditioner runs efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. But how often should you really be servicing your unit — and what does that service involve?
The Recommended Servicing Frequency
Most air conditioning manufacturers recommend a full professional service at least once a year. This is the minimum requirement to maintain your warranty and ensure peak performance. However, usage patterns and environmental factors can influence how often your system needs attention. If you use your air conditioner for both heating and cooling, or if you live in a dusty environment, you may benefit from servicing every six months.
Split system air conditioners used in home living areas might only require annual servicing, but commercial systems or units running daily for extended hours — such as those in home offices, cafes, or workshops — should be inspected more frequently.
Why Regular Servicing Matters
Like any mechanical system, your air conditioner needs consistent upkeep to work properly. Here's why it matters:
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Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained unit operates more efficiently, using less electricity and reducing your power bills. Dirty filters and clogged coils force the system to work harder, driving up energy use.
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Air Quality: Filters collect dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. If not cleaned or replaced regularly, these contaminants are circulated throughout your home, potentially triggering allergies or respiratory issues.
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Longer Lifespan: Servicing helps identify minor issues before they become major faults. Preventative maintenance extends the life of your unit and reduces the likelihood of costly breakdowns.
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Safety: Regular inspections can catch electrical faults or refrigerant leaks early, helping to keep your home safe.
What’s Included in a Standard Air Conditioner Service?
A comprehensive air conditioning service typically includes:
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Cleaning or replacing air filters
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Checking and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils
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Inspecting and tightening electrical connections
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Checking thermostat functionality and settings
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Inspecting ductwork (for ducted systems)
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Testing system operation and airflow
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Checking refrigerant levels and topping up if necessary
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Cleaning the drain pan and condensate line to prevent blockages and leaks
For split systems, wall-mounted units are cleaned internally, and the outdoor compressor unit is inspected for debris, pests, or corrosion. Ducted systems may require additional attention to the ducts and vents.
Can You Clean It Yourself?
While some basic maintenance can be done at home — like cleaning the external vents and rinsing the filters — a full service should always be carried out by a licensed technician. They have the tools and expertise to safely dismantle and inspect internal components, check refrigerant pressure, and test electrical parts.
DIY maintenance should never include opening electrical panels, tampering with wiring, or handling refrigerant gases — all of which require specific qualifications.
When Should You Book a Service?
The best time to book an air conditioner service is before the peak usage season. For most people, that means spring for cooling and autumn for heating. Booking in advance ensures your system is ready to go when you need it most — without the delays that often come during peak summer.
If your unit is blowing warm air, making strange noises, emitting unpleasant smells, or causing unexpected increases in your energy bill, it's time to book a service immediately — regardless of when your last one was.
Conclusion
Servicing your air conditioner is not just about staying cool or warm — it's about efficiency, health, safety, and savings. An annual service is typically sufficient for most homes, but heavy usage or environmental conditions may demand more frequent checks. By staying on top of maintenance, you’ll extend the life of your system, lower your power bills, and enjoy better indoor comfort year-round.
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📞 Grant Smith: 0403 282 669
📞 Travis Millar: 0414 283 873