Air conditioning maintenance: what you can do, what a service covers

What you can do

1. Clean the filters regularly in heavy use: how to clean them.
2. Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, plants and stored junk, with space around it for air.
3. Watch the drain. Water should drip outside, not inside: a leaking unit.
4. Use the right mode for the weather: decode your remote.

What a service covers

Typically a deep clean of the indoor coil and fan, the outdoor unit's coil, checks of the drain, electrical connections and refrigerant performance. Ask the technician to list what they will check.

What only a licensed technician may do

ARC requires a refrigerant handling licence for work on fluorocarbon refrigerant or equipment components that risks releasing it. That is different from cleaning a removable filter according to its manual. NSW requires the appropriate licence or certificate for air-conditioning work, including its associated electrical work. Refrigerant-circuit repairs and fixed wiring belong with a qualified technician: check the licences.

How often

hipages recommends a professional service at least once a year. A service costs about $75 to $200: service costs.

Common questions