Essential Air Conditioner Maintenance Tasks for Optimal Performance
To ensure your air conditioner operates at its best, it requires consistent attention including regular filter cleaning, airflow assessments, coil cleaning, drain inspections, and annual servicing. These essential maintenance activities not only enhance efficiency but also significantly reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, ultimately extending the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
Five Key Air Conditioning Maintenance Tasks You Can Handle
You don’t have to be a professional technician to maintain your air conditioning system effectively; however, understanding the crucial components of maintenance is vital. Many service calls we receive are for issues that could have been preemptively addressed with basic maintenance or could have been resolved without specialised tools. Regularly maintaining your air conditioning unit is essential, and while some tasks can be performed by you, it is advisable to schedule an annual air conditioner cleaning by a professional. This ensures that potential issues that could lead to the faults listed below are significantly reduced. For businesses, regular air conditioning servicing is crucial to avert operational disruptions.
This guide outlines the five essential maintenance tasks that you can carry out yourself, the tasks that are best left to professionals, and how to identify early warning signs of problems before they escalate into costly repairs.
Your Emergency Air Conditioner Checklist
(What to check before contacting an emergency technician)
 Symptom |
 Safe Checks You Can Perform |
 When to Contact Us |
| No power / won’t turn on | – Inspect remote batteries – Check circuit breaker at the switchboard | – Breaker won’t reset – Unit remains unresponsive |
| Tripping circuit breaker | – Unplug any nearby devices on the same circuit | – Breaker continues to trip – Sparks or buzzing sounds are present |
| Burning or smoke odour | – Switch off the unit and the power at the switchboard | – Any burning smell detected – Visible smoke or excessive heat |
| Water leaking indoors | – Turn off the unit – Position a bucket/towels under the leak | – Noticeable water damage – Stains on the ceiling |
| Unit won’t turn off | – Attempt to use the isolator switch (if installed) | – Fan operates continuously – Remote control is unresponsive |
| Mouldy or musty odours | – Clean filters if they are accessible | – Odour persists even after filter cleaning |
| No cooling / warm air only | – Ensure it’s set to cooling mode – Verify temperature settings | – Warm air continues despite correct settings |
| Unusual sounds | – Identify the type of sound (buzz, click, grind) | – Squealing, grinding, or loud buzzing noises |
1. Monthly Filter Cleaning for Enhanced Air Quality
Clogged filters are the primary cause of inadequate airflow in both split system and ducted air conditioning systems. When filters become blocked, they restrict airflow, making it difficult for your system to maintain the desired temperature efficiently.
Steps to Clean Your Filters:
- Open the cover of the indoor unit
- Remove the washable filters
- Gently vacuum or rinse them with warm water
- Allow them to dry thoroughly before reinserting
Warning Signs of Clogged Filters:
- Airflow feels weak
- The system operates longer without adequately cooling
- Filters appear grey or coated in dust
Regularly cleaning filters not only improves air quality but also enhances the overall efficiency of your system. If you have pets or suffer from allergies, consider cleaning them more frequently to ensure optimal performance.
2. Ensure Clear Space Around Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit requires unobstructed airflow to function correctly. Without adequate clearance, the performance of your air conditioning system can be severely compromised, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
What to Look For:
- Accumulation of leaves, dust, or debris around the unit
- Plants or fencing within 300mm of the unit
- Accumulated dirt on the fins or grille
- Insects or rodents nesting under the unit
It is crucial to keep the area around your outdoor unit clear, especially as summer approaches. If you notice the fins are clogged or bent, do not hesitate to contact us for professional assistance.
3. Regularly Inspect Drainage Systems
Both split and ducted air conditioning systems are designed to extract moisture, and it is important that this water drains properly. Improper drainage can lead to a series of complications including leaks, mould growth, and damage to your walls.
Indicators of a Blocked or Failing Drain:
- Water dripping from the head unit
- Damp spots near vents or visible ceiling stains
- Musty smells emanating from ducted systems
Blocked drainage systems can cause significant problems. We handle the clearing and flushing of these systems as part of our air conditioning service.
4. Be Alert to Unusual Noises from Your System
An efficiently operating system should be quiet and consistent. If you begin to notice unusual sounds, it can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed promptly.
Common Warning Noises Include:
- Buzzing or crackling sounds (may indicate a failing capacitor)
- Clicking or short cycling noises (could suggest a thermostat or circuit board issue)
- Grinding or squealing sounds (usually point to a fan or motor problem)
Should your system begin to sound abnormal, do not ignore these warning signs. They are often precursors to parts wearing out or potential failures.
5. Recognise When to Call for Professional Servicing
While certain issues can be resolved with DIY methods, others necessitate the expertise of a licensed electrician or a qualified air conditioning technician. Understanding when to seek professional help is crucial for the long-term health of your system.
Contact Us If You Experience:
- The system is blowing warm air when set to cooling mode
- The unit won’t turn on or shuts off prematurely
- Error codes or blinking lights are displayed
- Your energy bills have spiked unexpectedly
- It has been over a year since your last service
We recommend a yearly inspection to clean internal components, test system pressures, and update maintenance logs. Remember to consider Ducted AC Servicing or Split System Support for tailored options.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps Before Calling for Help
In some instances, the issue may not be a complete breakdown, but rather a simple setting or timer malfunction.
What to Try Before Contacting Us:
Is Your System Not Turning On?
- Check the batteries in the remote control
- Ensure that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped
- Attempt to reset the wall controller
Is It Not Cooling Effectively?
- Inspect the filters for cleanliness
- Confirm that it’s not set to “fan only” or heating mode
- Examine for blocked vents or closed zones
Are You Experiencing Water Leaks?
- Clean the filters
- Check for drain clogs (visible moisture under the indoor unit indicates you should contact us)
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Conditioning Maintenance
How Often Should I Clean the Filters?
It is advisable to clean the filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage, the presence of pets, and dust levels in your environment.
Is it Normal for Water to Leak from My Air Conditioner?
No, water leakage typically indicates a blockage in the drain or an issue with the condensate system.
What If the Remote Works but the System Doesn’t Start?
Check the power supply at the board. If the circuit breaker is functioning properly, it may be time to call us for a diagnostic check.
Do You Provide Servicing Plans?
Yes, we offer annual servicing plans for both ducted and split systems. Feel free to ask about them during your next interaction with us.
Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
Many air conditioning problems begin with minor issues like clogged filters, weak airflow, or unusual odours, which can worsen if left unattended. By dedicating a little time to regular maintenance and care, you can keep your system functioning optimally, even under the challenging weather conditions in Brisbane.
We are always available for inspections or repairs, but in the meantime, this comprehensive guide will assist you in caring for your system between visits. We ensure to explain all cleaning and maintenance requirements during our air conditioning installation.
