Top Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips for a Cool Aussie Summer

air conditioner maintenance

In a country as consistently hot as Australia, air conditioners get a lot of use. Therefore, it’s vital to keep your air conditioner in top working order with regular air conditioner maintenance.

This article provides practical tips for maintaining your air conditioner units, emphasising the importance of regular upkeep to enhance efficiency, extend the unit’s lifespan, and reduce energy costs.

    Common signs your AC needs maintenance

    While you should never wait for your air conditioner to show symptoms before providing some TLC, here is a list of common signs it’s time for air conditioner maintenance:

    1. There is reduced airflow coming through the vents
    2. Warm air is blowing from the vents instead of cool air
    3. You hear unusual noises coming from your AC
    4. There are odours emanating from the unit
    5. Your energy bills increase without a corresponding increase in usage
    6. The AC frequently cycles on and off

    Essential air conditioner maintenance tips

    To properly maintain your air conditioning units and keep them in top working order, you need to know what to do. Here are some simple steps to take to perform regular air con maintenance.

    1. Clean or replace air filters regularly

    The most common maintenance procedure for any AC is regularly cleaning the air filters. These filters keep dust, cooking oil and other debris out of the unit’s condenser (cooling unit). When filters become clogged, the obstruction vastly reduces efficiency as air can’t flow freely. Not only does this hamper the AC’s ability to cool down the room, but it also has to work harder, increasing power consumption and your electricity bills.

    Clean air filters at least every 1 to 3 months, more frequently if you have pets in the home. For damaged filters or filters that are difficult to clean due to wear and tear, replace them with new ones.

    2. Inspect and clean coils

    Over time, evaporator and condenser coils collect dirt and other debris. This diminishes their ability to absorb heat and extract it from the atmosphere. To keep evaporator and condenser coils in excellent working condition, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned at least once a year to maintain the cooling efficiency of the AC and extend its lifespan.

    As the condenser contains refrigerant gases (such as R410a) that are harmful to the environment if the system develops a leak, only a licensed air conditioner technician or accredited air conditioning cleaning company should perform the condenser and evaporator cleaning process.

    3. Check the condensation drain

    One of the main functions of any air conditioner is to extract moisture and humidity from the air for comfortable climate control. As the unit extracts moisture, this moisture forms condensation that runs down the condensation drain and exits through a pipe or tube.

    These drains do clog up with dust, dirt, and mildew, which can result in water damage and an increase in humidity levels.

    Periodically flush the drain with a bleach solution to clean it and prevent blockages. The unit will run more efficiently as a result.

    4. Examine fins and straighten if necessary

    The aluminium fins allow warm air to flow into the AC unit and cool it down. They also allow the chilled air to flow out of the unit and into your home.

    Bent fins can hamper or even totally block airflow. Therefore, a licensed technician will use a fin comb to carefully straighten them out so the AC functions as it should.

    5. Clear debris around the outdoor unit

    If you have a split system air conditioning unit, you’ll want to perform maintenance on the outdoor unit and not just the internal component. Ensure the area surrounding the condenser unit is free from leaves, dirt, and other obstructions to promote adequate airflow. Do this regularly, especially during times of windy or wet weather.

    6. Schedule professional inspections

    The best way to take care of any air conditioners in your home is to schedule inspections by a professional. Book an annual check-up by a certified technician to identify any potential issues and address them before they have a chance to escalate.

    Explore our inventory of air conditioner parts

    At WWSpares, we stock an extensive inventory of quality air conditioner spare parts. Our parts are compatible with all leading brands and are available for online purchase with Australia-wide delivery. If you have any questions or are having trouble sourcing the AC part you need, contact us and we’ll be happy to assist. We can also help you find a licensed technician in your area to ensure proper installation and maintenance.

    About Wayne Butterworth

    Meet Wayne Butterworth, an expert in appliance spare parts and an informative blog writer. With in-depth knowledge and a dedication to helping others, Wayne’s blog provides practical tips and industry insights for appliance repair. Follow his blog for up-to-date information and expert advice.