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When should I service my air conditioner?
Air conditioner servicing and maintenance: What you need to know
How often should I service my air conditioner? How do I increase the lifespan of my air conditioning system? Here’s what you need to know about regularly servicing your air conditioner.
According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), around two-thirds of Victorians have one or more air conditioners in their home. With warmer temperatures around the corner, it’s important to think about how to cool your home efficiently and cost-effectively.
Though you might think your air conditioner unit can work tirelessly year after year, there are important reasons – both health and financial - to get your air conditioner serviced regularly by a qualified professional.
The ultimate guide to air con maintenance
Benefits of regularly servicing your air conditioner
Reduce bacteria and improve air quality
When your air conditioner filters get clogged over years of use, the cool air it pumps out can be full of dust, mould and bacteria.
A regular service of your air conditioner unit will result in cleaner air filters and improved air quality - benefiting all household members, but particularly those suffering from persistent allergies such as hay fever, and breathing conditions such as asthma.
Even summer sniffles, colds and sore throats developed in the home can be reduced through cleaner air quality from your air conditioner.
If you do have an older air conditioner, a qualified professional may even advise you to purchase a new one. Modern air conditioner units are typically equipped with an internal filtration system that can help reduce bacteria particles in the air recirculation process.
More: How to test and improve indoor air quality
Reduce running costs and electricity bills
Cooling the home is likely to be one of the biggest contributors to your energy bill. Depending on the size of your home, the cost of running an air conditioner can range from a few cents per hour for a small unit in a small space, to a few dollars per hour for a larger home – which can very quickly add up over a hot and humid summer.
These running costs are likely to increase if your air conditioner is working less efficiently. A service can ensure that your air conditioner unit is running as efficiently as possible, and may help you save money on your energy bills.
Increase the lifespan of your air conditioning unit
The lifespan of your air conditioner doesn’t just depend on how frequently you use it, or how cool you choose to keep your home. Factors outside of your control, such as damage from storms, hail, dust storms and other weather events, can affect the performance and longevity of your unit.
Although the typical air conditioner can last more than a decade, regular servicing can extend its lifespan even longer.
While bad smells, limited air flow, warmer than usual air or a high energy bill are all tell-tale signs to immediately get a service, expensive breakdowns can occur without warning – underlining the importance of regular and preventative servicing.
On the flip side, without regular servicing, your air conditioner may last fewer than 10 years - meaning you may be faced with spending thousands of dollars for a new air conditioning unit.
An air conditioning service may help save you money on your energy bills. All images: RACV
When should I service my air conditioner?
It’s best to have a qualified professional undertake a service of your air conditioner before summer starts, during the months of October or November. General maintenance, including vacuuming the air conditioner’s filters, should occur during summer.
If you also use a reverse cycle system for heating, April and May is a good time for a professional heater service to ensure everything is functioning ahead of the cold months. Similarly, if you use your split system as your primary heater, clean the filters between June and August.
How often should I service my air conditioner?
Most air conditioner manufacturers recommend an annual service.
Undertake regular checks on your air conditioner’s filters and performance over summer. A quick check to ensure no dust build up can improve the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioner.
What to do if your air conditioner breaks
A broken air conditioner can result in sweltering indoor temperatures over the summer. If you have a broken heating or cooling system, you can call RACV Emergency Home Assist for help.
