How Often Should My Aircon Be Serviced?

September 9, 2024

Why Regular Aircon Servicing is Essential

Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager or business owner, understanding how often your aircon needs servicing can save you time, money and discomfort. Ignoring regular maintenance often leads to higher energy bills, system breakdowns or even costly repairs. Let’s dive into the ideal servicing frequency and what that entails.

Components of an aircon system include filters, coils, fins and refrigerant lines, all of which require periodic inspection and cleaning. Dust and debris buildup can clog filters and coils, making the system work harder, which reduces its cooling capacity and energy efficiency. Additionally, issues such as refrigerant leaks or faulty electrical connections can go unnoticed without regular servicing, further compromising the performance of your system.

Residential Air Conditioning Units

For homeowners, the general rule of thumb is to service your aircon at least once a year. Ideally, this should be done before the summer season begins to ensure the system is running at peak efficiency when it’s needed most. During an annual service, a licensed technician will inspect and clean all components, ensuring the unit is operating correctly and safely.

However, if you live in a particularly dusty environment or if someone in your household suffers from allergies or respiratory issues, you may want to consider servicing your air conditioner every six months. Dust, pollen and allergens can accumulate quickly in filters, reducing air quality and potentially aggravating health conditions.

Air Conditioning Units in Rental Properties

For property managers, maintaining air conditioning systems in rental properties is essential to prevent tenant complaints and costly repairs. Rental properties typically experience more wear and tear due to the constant use by different tenants, who may not be as diligent about the proper care of the system.

A bi-annual service is often recommended for rental properties. Not only does this ensure the system runs efficiently, but it also helps identify potential issues early before they develop into expensive problems. Additionally, ensuring that the aircon is regularly maintained may also help protect the property owner’s investment by prolonging the lifespan of the equipment.

Commercial Air Conditioning Systems

For businesses, especially those with larger or more complex systems, regular servicing is even more critical. Offices, retail spaces and commercial buildings generally experience higher usage than residential spaces, with air conditioning units running for longer periods or operating multiple systems simultaneously.

Commercial systems should be serviced every three to four months to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. A poorly maintained system can result in inconsistent cooling, affecting employee productivity and customer comfort. Furthermore, regular servicing minimises the risk of unexpected breakdowns, which could disrupt business operations and lead to costly downtime.

What Does an Aircon Service Involve?

During a routine air conditioner service, a qualified technician will:

Inspect and clean filters: Dirty filters reduce airflow and cause the system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills. Cleaning or replacing filters ensures efficient operation.
Check and clean coils: Coils can become coated with dirt over time, reducing the system’s ability to cool efficiently. Clean coils help maintain energy efficiency.
Inspect refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant can lead to poor cooling performance and potentially damage the system. The technician will check for any leaks and refill the refrigerant if necessary.
Check thermostat and electrical connections: Faulty wiring or a malfunctioning thermostat can cause your system to run inefficiently or not at all. Ensuring everything is properly connected is vital for smooth operation.
Test system performance: The technician will run the system to ensure it’s cooling effectively and all components are working as they should.

At Cool & Secure, we offer professional and reliable air conditioning servicing across the Sunshine Coast. Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager or business owner, our team of qualified technicians is ready to help keep your aircon in top shape.