How often should air conditioning units be serviced?

Over time, like everything, air conditioning systems experience natural wear and tear, which can lead to a decline in their overall performance. When considering how often air conditioning units should be serviced, remember that regular servicing and maintenance will improve performance and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system.

Many people only think of servicing their air conditioning unit once they encounter an issue or breakdown. At Coolcene we recommend regular servicing to ensure your split system, multi-split, or ducted air conditioning system continues to operate efficiently throughout the year. Investing in regular servicing and maintenance will pay dividends in the long term as it not only ensures you get the most out of your investment but will also reduce your energy costs and protect your family’s health.

Exactly how often should air conditioning units be serviced?

How often your air conditioning unit needs to be serviced will depend on whether it is a residential or commercial system and largely on how often it is used. For most people, with a residential air conditioning unit, we recommend servicing at least once a year. If, however, your air conditioning unit is used on a regular basis, or if there are people within your home with allergies or asthma, we often recommend bi-annual or even quarterly, service and maintenance. Commercial system are generally used heavily throughout the year and would benefit from regular maintenance and servicing.

Internal components such as coils, fans, and drain pans can be hard to reach and the perfect place for debris and contaminants to build up. Servicing will not only clean the internal filters but will check all the hard to reach places to ensure your unit is free from any build-up, mould, or debris.

When is the best time of year to get your air conditioner serviced?

Generally, we recommend the systems to be cleaned either after winter or summer if they have been used regularly during these months.  If the system has been used heavily over the humid summer months, moisture, mould and bacteria can accumulate and it is important to clean and remove the debris so it doesn’t recirculate into the home.

A pre-summer or winter clean and tune-up of your system will ensure the unit is working effectively and efficiently when the systems are in high use during the summer and winter months and ensure a healthier home environment for the year ahead.

Signs you should have your air conditioner unit serviced and cleaned

Below are some tell-tale signs that your air conditioning system needs servicing and to be cleaned.

A reduction in the airflow coming out of your air conditioner

A blockage, built-up dirt and grime on the filters, or other internal problems could cause reduced airflow. An air conditioning cleaning specialist should address it.

Your air conditioner is only expelling hot air

If your air conditioner is only expelling hot air, there could be an issue with the refrigerant or the compressor. Both these issues need to be looked at as soon as possible as it could potentially lead to further problems.

Your energy bills have suddenly gone up

If you have noticed a rise in your energy bills, your air conditioner could be to blame if it hasn’t been serviced or cleaned. Internal issues, dirty filters and blockages make your air conditioner work harder than it needs to, which in turn contributes to higher energy bills.

You notice moisture gathering on the machine or leaks around the unit

An abnormal amount of condensation on the outside unit or any leaks on the inside unit should be attended to immediately and can be indications of a blocked drain. These issues can quickly escalate, causing mould and bacteria to grow or water to leak inside the house.

It is making odd noises or running louder than usual

If your air conditioner has suddenly become noisier than usual or is making any unusual sounds, it is time for a service.

Your air conditioner is emitting unusual smells

Air conditioning systems are designed to be odourless. If you notice any unusual smells, there could be a deeper issue, like mould or fungi, which can impact your family’s health.

You haven’t had your air conditioner cleaned in over a year

If it has been over a year or more since your last service and cleaning, the air quality in your home has likely declined. Bacteria, mould and dust build up over time in air conditioning units. Regular cleaning and servicing will ensure optimal air quality and operation.

What does an air conditioning service include?

Whilst you should regularly check and clean the filters as per your user manual, it is important to have a licenced and qualified air conditioning technician conduct a full service and maintenance at least once a year. Attempting to clean all parts of your air conditioner can void the warranty, so be sure to engage a professional.

A service person will carry out the following

• Inspect and clean all internal and external parts for debris, dust, mould and any damage
• Check systems are in working order and there are no error code
• Inspect the roof space to check the duct and fittings, if you have a ducted system
• Inspect, clean and treat the outdoor unit as required
• Clean and, if required, change the air filters on the indoor fan unit

How to keep your air conditioning unit performing during service calls

To keep your air conditioning unit performing optimally between service calls, there are several things you can do, such as:

• Clean and check the air filters as outlined in the instruction manual
• Check the outside unit and make sure it is free of debris, any leaves or other objects that may have become caught around it
• Visually check the internal and external unit for any damage to the exterior or connecting pipework

Does Coolcene offer air conditioning servicing and cleaning?

Yes, we do. Once an initial service has been completed, we recommend and offer discounted rates for annual and, if needed, bi-annual or quarterly cleaning and servicing of your air conditioning system. Our experienced technicians carry out our air conditioning servicing, cleaning and maintenance for residential and commercial clients on the mid-north coast, including the suburbs of Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills, Laurieton and Kew.

We provide high-quality servicing and maintenance for all systems, including split systems, multi-split and ducted air conditioning units. If you would like to know more about our air conditioning servicing or to schedule your service and cleaning, contact one of our team today to find out more.