So, you’ve just had a brand-new air conditioner installed, and honestly, it feels like a bit of a game changer, doesn’t it? Whether you went for a sleek split system or a full ducted setup, there’s nothing quite like walking into a cool home after a scorching Perth summer day. But here’s the thing, that comfort doesn’t just maintain itself.
One of the most common questions we hear from customers after a new air conditioners installation in Perth is, “What do I actually need to do to keep it running well?” And it’s a great question. With the right habits and a bit of routine TLC, your system can perform at its best for well over a decade. Neglect it, and you’ll likely see your energy bills creep up, your air quality drop, and your unit working harder than it should, potentially leading to costly repairs or premature replacement.
This guide covers everything you need to know about AC unit care, from the basics of filter cleaning right through to the professional maintenance checks that make a real difference. Let’s get into it.
Why Air Conditioner Maintenance Actually Matters
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the why, because once you understand what’s happening inside your system, it all clicks into place.
Your air conditioner works by pulling air from your home through a filter, cooling or heating it, and recirculating it. Over time, dust, pet hair, pollen, and all the other stuff floating around in a typical Perth home builds up on your filter and internal components. When that happens, your unit has to work harder to push air through. That extra strain leads to reduced cooling capacity, higher energy consumption, and accelerated wear on moving parts.
In Perth’s climate specifically, where you might be running your air conditioner heavily through summer and relying on reverse cycle heating in the cooler months, that wear and tear adds up fast. Regular maintenance isn’t just about keeping things tidy, it’s genuinely how you protect your investment and keep your energy bills in check.
How and When to Clean Your AC Filter
Let’s start with the most important and most accessible part of your maintenance routine: the filter.
How Often Should You Clean Your AC Filter?
The general recommendation is to clean your AC filter every four to six weeks during periods of regular use. However, in Perth where we often run our systems hard through the long summer months, you might find that every two to four weeks makes more sense, especially if you have pets, live near a dusty road, or have anyone in the home with allergies or asthma.
Here’s a simple way to think about it: if you’re using your system every day, check the filter monthly. If you notice reduced airflow or the unit seems to be running longer to reach your set temperature, that’s a strong hint the filter needs attention sooner.
How to Clean Your AC Filter: Step by Step
Cleaning a standard split system filter is actually quite straightforward, and you don’t need any special tools.
Step 1: Turn off the air conditioner and switch it off at the power point.
Step 2: Open the front panel of the indoor unit. Most split systems have a cover that flips up or slides out, and it should release without any tools.
Step 3: Gently slide out the filter panels. You’ll likely notice they’re either slightly grey with dust or quite clogged if it’s been a while.
Step 4: Take them outside and give them a gentle tap to dislodge loose dust. Then rinse them under cool running water, or use a soft brush and mild soapy water for anything more stubborn.
Step 5: Leave the filters to air dry completely before putting them back in. Never use heat to dry them and never reinstall damp filters.
Step 6: Slide the filters back in, close the panel, and you’re done.
For ducted systems, your filters are typically located in the return air grille, usually in the ceiling or a hallway wall. The process is similar, but because these filters are often larger, they may benefit from a vacuum first before rinsing.
AC Unit Care Tips Beyond the Filter
Cleaning the filter is the big one, but good AC unit care goes a bit further than that.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
Your outdoor condenser unit needs adequate airflow to function properly. Over time, leaves, garden debris, dust, and even spider webs can accumulate around and inside it. Make a habit of visually checking your outdoor unit every month or so and clearing any debris away from the sides and top. Keep plants trimmed back at least half a metre from the unit, and avoid covering it or storing items nearby.
A quick rinse with a garden hose (not a high-pressure cleaner) on the fins can help dislodge dust and debris, though be careful not to bend the delicate aluminium fins in the process.
Use Your System Smartly
How you operate your air conditioner has a direct impact on how hard it works and how long it lasts. A few smart habits go a long way:
Set a consistent temperature rather than cranking it to extremes. In summer, 24 to 26 degrees is generally comfortable and energy-efficient. In winter, 20 to 22 degrees is a good baseline for heating.
Use the timer function if your unit has one. Programming your system to cool the home before you get back from work, rather than leaving it running all day, can significantly reduce operating hours without sacrificing comfort.
Close windows and doors when the system is running. It sounds obvious, but in practice, particularly in homes with kids, this one gets overlooked constantly.
Check for Unusual Noises or Smells
Your air conditioner should run relatively quietly. If you start to notice rattling, grinding, or squealing sounds, don’t ignore them. Similarly, a musty smell coming from the vents can indicate mould or bacteria growth on the evaporator coil or in the drain pan, which is both an air quality concern and something that needs attention before it gets worse.
These aren’t always DIY fixes, but catching them early usually means a simpler and less costly solution.
Keep Vents Unobstructed
Make sure indoor vents and grilles aren’t blocked by furniture, curtains, or storage. Blocked vents reduce airflow and force the system to work harder, which leads directly to higher running costs and more wear over time.
How to Improve AC Efficiency and Savings
Now for something everyone wants to talk about: the energy bill. A well-maintained system is an efficient one, but there are additional steps you can take to genuinely improve AC efficiency and savings throughout the year.
Pair Your Air Conditioner with Good Insulation
Your air conditioner cools or heats the air inside your home, but if that conditioned air is leaking out through gaps around doors, windows, or a poorly insulated roof, your system is working overtime for nothing. Improving ceiling insulation and sealing draughts around doors and windows can make a noticeable difference to how hard your AC has to work.
Use Ceiling Fans to Complement Your System
Running a ceiling fan alongside your air conditioner allows you to set the thermostat a degree or two higher in summer without any reduction in comfort, because the moving air makes the room feel cooler. That small thermostat adjustment can translate to meaningful savings over a long, hot Perth summer.
Schedule an Annual Professional Service
Even with great at-home maintenance, an annual professional service makes a real difference. A qualified technician will clean internal components you can’t access at home (including the evaporator coil and drain pan), check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, test the thermostat calibration, and pick up on any early signs of wear.
Think of it like a car service. You can top up the windscreen washer fluid yourself, but you still take it to a mechanic once a year because some things genuinely need a professional eye.
When to Call in the Professionals
Most routine maintenance is something homeowners can handle themselves, but there are clear situations where you should call a licensed technician:
- The system isn’t cooling or heating effectively despite a clean filter and no obvious blockages
- You notice ice forming on the indoor unit or refrigerant lines
- There are persistent unusual noises or smells that don’t resolve after cleaning
- Your energy bills spike without any obvious change in usage patterns
- The unit is short-cycling (turning on and off rapidly)
Attempting to diagnose refrigerant issues, electrical faults, or coil problems without the right qualifications isn’t safe and can void your warranty. Always engage a licensed air conditioning contractor for these jobs.
FAQs: AC Maintenance in Perth
How often should I service my air conditioner professionally?
Once a year is generally the recommended minimum for residential systems in regular use. If you run your system heavily or have a large ducted system, a service every six to twelve months is worth considering.
Does cleaning my filter actually reduce my energy bill?
Yes, genuinely. A clogged filter makes your system work significantly harder, which increases power consumption. Regular filter cleaning is one of the simplest and most cost-effective things you can do to keep running costs down.
How long should an air conditioner last with proper maintenance?
A well-maintained split system or ducted air conditioner can typically last 15 to 20 years. Neglected systems often need major repairs or replacement well before the 10-year mark.
Can I clean the inside of my air conditioner myself?
You can clean the filters and keep the exterior and vents clean. Internal components like the evaporator coil, drain pan, and blower fan should be cleaned by a professional to avoid damage and to make sure it’s done safely and effectively.
Is it okay to run my air conditioner during a Perth dust storm?
It’s best to turn off your system during a dust storm and keep windows and doors closed. Running the system during heavy dust events accelerates filter clogging and can push debris into internal components.
Ready to Get the Most From Your Air Conditioner?
Whether you’ve recently had a new air conditioners installation in Perth or you’ve had your system for a few years and want to start looking after it properly, the good news is that great maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. A clean filter, a clear outdoor unit, smart operating habits, and an annual professional service will take you a very long way.
At Perth Home Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping Perth families get the most out of their systems for over 30 years. If you’d like to book a professional service, have questions about your current setup, or you’re thinking about a new installation, we’d love to help.
