The best time to service your air conditioner is in spring, before the first hot spell. You can safely do a few checks yourself: clean or check the filters, clear space around the outdoor unit, and give the system a test run on cooling. Anything involving refrigerant, electrical parts or the inside of the unit needs a licensed technician. A professional service checks the parts you can’t see, so small problems get picked up before you’re relying on the system on a 38 degree day.
In This Article
- Why spring is the time to do it
- What you can check yourself
- What a professional service covers
- Signs it’s worth booking sooner
- Getting your system booked in
Why spring is the time to do it
Most people only think about their air con on the first really hot day of the year. That’s also when everyone else does, so service and repair bookings fill up quickly. Getting your system checked in spring means any issue can be sorted on your timeline, not in the middle of a heatwave. It also means the system has been looked at after months of sitting idle, or after a winter of heating if you run a reverse cycle unit.
What you can check yourself
These checks are safe for most homeowners. Always switch the system off at the controller first, and follow your manufacturer’s manual.
- Filters. On most split systems the filters sit behind the front cover of the indoor unit and can be removed, rinsed or vacuumed, and left to dry completely before going back in. Dusty filters restrict airflow and make the system work harder. Ducted system filters are usually in the return air grille.
- The outdoor unit. Clear away leaves, weeds, stored items and anything else sitting against or on top of it. The unit needs space around it to move air freely.
- Test run on cooling. Run the system on cool for 15 to 20 minutes. It should blow noticeably cool air, without unusual noises or smells.
- Drainage. Check that water is draining away from the outdoor unit or drain line as normal, and that there are no drips or water marks around the indoor unit.
- Remote and controller. Replace flat batteries and check the settings and timers are what you want for summer.
Don’t open up the unit beyond the filter cover, and don’t try to top up or handle refrigerant. That work legally requires a licensed technician.
What a professional service covers
A technician looks at the parts of the system you can’t safely reach. A typical service includes:
- A deeper clean of the filters, coils and fan, which helps airflow and keeps the air coming out of the unit cleaner
- Checking the system is cooling to the right temperature
- Checking refrigerant levels and looking for signs of a leak
- Checking electrical connections and controls
- Clearing and testing the drain line
- Checking the outdoor unit’s fan, coil and mounting
- Listening for early signs of wear in the fan or compressor
The value is in catching small things early. A worn part or a slow leak found in October is usually a simpler, cheaper fix than the same problem found when the system stops cooling in January. We service and repair air conditioning systems across Geelong, including split systems and ducted systems.
Signs it’s worth booking sooner
If you notice any of these while doing your own checks, book a service rather than waiting for summer:
- The system blows air but it isn’t cold, or takes much longer than it used to
- New noises such as rattling, grinding or squealing
- Musty or burning smells when it starts up
- Water leaking from the indoor unit
- Ice on the pipes or the outdoor unit
- Power bills that jumped last summer without a change in how you used it
Getting your system booked in
Whether you have a single split system or ducted air conditioning through the whole house, a spring service is the easiest way to head into summer knowing it will work when you need it. If your system is getting old and repairs are adding up, we can also talk through air conditioning installation options, so you can compare a repair with a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I service my air conditioner?
Check your manufacturer’s recommendation, as it can affect your warranty. As a general guide, a professional service once a year keeps most home systems running well, with filters cleaned more often. Systems that run heavily in both summer and winter may benefit from more frequent checks.
Can I service my air conditioner myself?
You can clean filters, clear around the outdoor unit and do a test run. Anything involving refrigerant, electrical parts or the inside of the unit should be left to a licensed technician, both for safety and because refrigerant handling legally requires a licence.
Is it worth servicing an older air conditioner?
Usually, yes. A service can keep an older system running efficiently for longer. It also gives you a clear picture of its condition, so if replacement makes more sense you can plan for it rather than being caught out on a hot day.
Want your air con ready before the first hot day? Call Precision on 03 5221 0052 to book a pre-summer service anywhere across Geelong.
