The first properly hot day of the year is a bad time to find out your air conditioner isn't working. Everyone else has the same idea, and technicians can get booked out quickly. A few simple checks in late spring, plus a professional service if your system is due, can help it run well when you need it most.
Here's what you can safely do yourself, what should be left to a licensed technician, and how to get the timing right.
Why check your air conditioner before summer?
Air conditioners that sit unused through winter (or that only run on heating) can collect dust, leaves and the odd insect nest. Blocked filters and dirty coils make the system work harder to move air.
The federal government's Energy Rating site says dirty filters significantly reduce airflow and the energy efficiency of the unit, and that cleaning or replacing them can lower its energy use. energy.gov.au recommends getting a regular service inspection before peak use, such as in late spring or autumn.
There's also a cost angle. In bench tests reported by energy.gov.au, common faults such as blocked coils and incorrect refrigerant levels caused average energy losses of between 14% and 20% across most tests, and the risk of failure rose when several faults were present at once.
Checks you can do yourself
Always switch the unit off first, and check your manufacturer's manual, as the steps differ between models. Don't open sealed panels or go near the wiring.
1. Clean the filters
On most split systems the dust filters sit behind the front cover and slide out easily. Take them outside, give them a gentle shake or brush, and rinse them if the manual says that's OK. Let them dry fully before putting them back. The Victorian Government's Solar Victoria buyers guide suggests cleaning them about twice a year, or more often if you use the unit a lot.
2. Wipe down the indoor unit
Dust the vents and louvres with a soft cloth. energy.gov.au advises avoiding harsh cleaning fluids.
3. Clear around the outdoor unit
Pull out weeds, leaves and anything stored against the outdoor unit. The summer guide on energy.gov.au says to keep the area above the compressor clear for airflow, and that shade can help reduce the chance of it overheating. Just don't box it in.
4. Do a test run
Turn the system on in cooling mode on a mild day and let it run for a while. Note anything unusual so you can tell the technician about it:
- weak airflow, even with clean filters
- air that doesn't get cool
- musty or burning smells
- rattling, grinding or loud clicking noises
- water dripping from the indoor unit
- error codes or a flashing light on the unit or remote
If you notice a burning smell, sparking or anything that looks electrical, switch it off at the isolator or circuit breaker if it's safe to do so, and don't use it until it's been checked.
What a licensed technician should handle
Some jobs aren't DIY, and for good reason. Air conditioners use refrigerant gases that are regulated nationally. The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) says a Refrigerant Handling Licence must be held by anyone doing work on refrigeration and air conditioning equipment that carries a risk of refrigerant being released, including installing, servicing and maintaining it. Handling refrigerant without a licence is an offence.
The ARC also notes that a restricted split system licence covers installation and decommissioning of smaller single-head split systems only, not service or repair work that involves accessing the refrigerant (ARC fact sheet). So it's worth checking the person's licence type suits the job.
A professional service may include things like:
- inspecting and cleaning the indoor and outdoor coils
- checking the system's performance and refrigerant circuit for leaks
- clearing the condensate drain so water doesn't leak inside
- checking fans, electrical connections and controls
- advising on whether a repair or replacement makes more sense for an older system
Electrical work on the unit or its circuit is a separate matter. Rules for electrical work vary between states and territories, so check with your state regulator and use a licensed electrician for new circuits, isolators or switchboard work.
How to check a technician's licence
The ARC runs a consumer site with a licence check tool. You can enter a technician's licence number or name to see if their licence is current and what type it is. The ARC suggests asking to see a technician's licence before they start work.
It's also sensible to check the business's ABN, and to ask whether they hold public liability insurance.
When to book
Late spring is a good time to book, before demand picks up with the first heatwave. If you use your system heavily or your manual recommends a set service interval, follow that.
When you contact a business, have these details ready:
- the type of system (split, multi-head or ducted) and roughly how old it is
- the brand and model, usually on a sticker on the indoor or outdoor unit
- any problems you've noticed during your test run
- photos of the indoor and outdoor units and any error codes
Service prices vary depending on the type of system, how many units you have, access and your location. Ask for a written quote, check what's included, and compare two or three businesses if you can.
If you're near the coast or in a big city, start with air conditioning technicians in Sydney or air conditioning technicians in Newcastle, or browse air conditioning services across Australia.
Simple ways to get more out of your system this summer
Once your system is ready, a few habits can help it work less hard. The energy.gov.au summer guide suggests setting the thermostat between 25 and 27°C, and says every degree higher can save between 5 and 10% on energy costs. It also recommends closing internal doors so you only cool the rooms you're using, and drawing curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day.
Ceiling fans can help too. The Energy Rating site says they're an effective way to circulate cooled air around a room, which lessens the work the air conditioner has to do.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my air conditioner filters?
Check your manual first. As a general guide, the Victorian Government's Solar Victoria buyers guide suggests about twice a year, or more often if you use the unit a lot.
Can I regas or top up my own air conditioner?
No. Work that risks releasing refrigerant, including servicing and maintaining air conditioning equipment, must be done by someone holding the right Refrigerant Handling Licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council.
When is the best time to get my air conditioner serviced?
Before peak use. energy.gov.au suggests late spring or autumn, so the system is checked before summer or winter demand.
How do I know if an air conditioning technician is licensed?
Ask to see their ARC licence and use the licence check tool on the ARC's Look for the Tick website to confirm it's current and the right type for the job.
This guide is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official sources linked above for your state.