How Often Should You Service Your Air Conditioner?

5 min read

There’s little that is more frustrating on a hot summer day than putting the aircon on, only to discover it has given up the ghost. It leaves you sweating - in every sense of the word - and wondering if there was anything you could have done to avoid the system breaking down.

And there is. The best thing you can do to keep your air conditioner running better for longer is to keep up your regular maintenance and servicing.

Just like your car, your aircon needs a little TLC every now and then to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Regular maintenance doesn’t just enable it to cool your home efficiently, it also extends its life and keeps those bills under control.

So exactly how regularly should you service your air conditioning system? Let’s get into the key factors that determine the best schedule for staying cool and comfortable this summer.

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Why Regular Servicing and Maintenance Matters

Regular air conditioner maintenance is more than just a household chore. It’s essential to keeping your system in peak working condition.

Without consistent maintenance and servicing, dirt and dust can clog filters, reduce airflow and make your unit work harder. All of which come back to you as higher energy costs.

Neglect can also result in wear and tear on essential parts, increasing the likelihood of system failure when you actually need cooling the most.

As is the case with cars and many household electrical appliances, air conditioner servicing catches small issues before they blow out to become big repairs.

The maintenance process enables your aircon to run efficiently and reliably. It also improves indoor air quality, so your home is comfortable and healthier all year round.

Common Indicators That Suggest It’s Time for a Service

So how do you know that your air conditioner is in dire need of a service? Like most major household appliances, it will likely tell you in its own way. Look out for these common warning signs that your air conditioner needs repairing:

Weak airflow: It’s no longer able to cool the room as well as before.
Unusual noises: Once you hear banging, buzzing or rattling sounds, you can count on having internal issues.
Foul smells: A musty or burning smell means clogged filters or electrical problems.
Rising energy bills: A sudden increase in running costs means your system has started working harder than it perhaps should to deliver the level of performance you’re used to.
Leaking water: Excess moisture or dripping means you have a drainage issue.

Spot these signs early and nip them in the bud to prevent bigger problems in the future.

The General Rule: Book A Yearly Service

So how often should you book an air conditioner service? The general rule of thumb is that you should schedule aircon servicing once a year. That being said, there may be circumstances where you may benefit from more frequent servicing.

An annual service keeps your system running smoothly and is the best defence against unnecessary wear and tear. After all, the last thing you want is to be caught off guard and without essential cooling when the mercury rises.

During your service, a licensed technician will clean the filters (and replace them if necessary), check refrigerant levels and inspect critical parts.

Setting an annual appointment and sticking with it will extend the life of your air conditioner and better enable it to cool your home all summer.

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3 Reasons Why You Might Need More Frequent Servicing

While most homes will get by with a yearly service, certain situations may call for a more frequent service schedule. These include:

Dusty or pollen-heavy environments: Living in areas with high dust or pollen can clog filters faster and exacerbate allergies. More frequent cleaning can negate this.

High usage: Running your aircon daily, especially in hot or humid areas, puts more stress on the system.

Young children or elderly people in the house: Vulnerable family members can often benefit from more frequent servicing as it ensures consistent air quality and temperature.

If any of these apply, servicing every 6 months will keep your system in peak condition and prevent breakdowns.

Seasonal Maintenance: Pre and Post-Summer Servicing

One good way to approach your air conditioner servicing is to schedule it around the seasons. It’s one of the most effective ways to keep it running smoothly when you need it most.

A pre-summer service will prepare your system for the warmer months of the year, with filters cleaned, refrigerant levels checked, and worn parts replaced. After working hard to help you beat the heat, a post-summer service will address wear and tear, dirty components or reduced efficiency and prime your air conditioner for winter.

This seasonal approach will make your aircon run efficiently, prevent breakdowns and extend its life. It’s a simple way to stay cool and comfortable all summer and avoid unexpected issues.

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The Importance of Using A Licensed Technician

So you think you can service your air conditioner yourself? Unless you’re suitably licensed to do so, think again.

To keep your aircon in peak working condition, you’ll need the expertise of a licensed technician. While you can do basic tasks at home, like replacing filters and clearing debris from the indoor and outdoor units, they come with the skills and tools to handle more complex tasks.

A professional can replace your refrigerant gas should your system spring a leak - by law, only they can do so - and identify and address any other repair needs in their early stages. They will also ensure the system is safe and compliant with local regulations.

Their expertise will prevent breakdowns and improve efficiency, saving you money on energy bills.

Trust a licensed technician and you’ll have peace of mind and a running aircon.

Keep Your Aircon in Tip Top Shape

The key to a smooth-running air conditioning system in your home this summer is consistent servicing and regular maintenance.

From maintaining a yearly service schedule with a licensed technician to recognising the common signs of wear and tear, a small effort can make a big difference to the performance of your system.

Don’t forget to combine professional help with DIY maintenance to get the most out of your system. And when in doubt, trust a licensed technician to do the heavy lifting.

With the right care, your aircon will reward you with running smoothly and lower energy bills for years to come.

Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.