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  • maroondah heating & cooling Blog When to Schedule an Air Conditioning Service – Advice from Industry Experts

When to Schedule an Air Conditioning Service – Advice from Industry Experts

Mar 25th, 2024
Air Conditioning Service

Your air conditioner won’t always last forever, but regular servicing sure helps to extend its lifespan. If you’re using the unit on a regular basis, this places a strain on all of its components, which can quickly lead to costly repairs.

While conducting a service, well-trained heating and cooling professionals know how to both identify and address a wide range of issues. Amongst other things, this process involves a thorough check of mechanical and electrical components to ensure that everything is safe and working properly. 

Neglecting regular servicing can lead to increased energy bills, discomfort, and potentially expensive repairs. In this guide, we’re going to share valuable advice on how and when to schedule an air conditioning service. We’ll also cover different types of systems, including split systems, ducted air conditioning, and evaporative coolers.

The Importance of a Regular Air Conditioning Service

Before diving into specific recommendations for each type of system, let’s emphasise the overall importance of regular air conditioning service. Your cooling system works hard (especially during the warmer months) and over time, wear and tear take a toll on its performance. 

Even for newer makes and models, regular servicing helps to identify and address issues early, preventing breakdowns and ensuring your system operates efficiently. The other benefit of some newer models is the in-built features that let you know when an issue is detected and it’s time to call in the pros. 

The other byproduct of a service, of course, is that it saves you from having to buy a brand-new unit. However, even if the system has served you well for many years, this doesn’t mean that buying a new system should be out of the question. 

Benefits of Regular Servicing

Greater Efficiency: Cleaning and maintenance tasks conducted during servicing improve system efficiency, reducing energy consumption.

Extending the Lifespan: Regular maintenance addresses wear and tear, helping to prolong the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

Cost Savings: Preventive measures taken during servicing can save you money in the long run by avoiding major repairs or premature replacements.

Better Indoor Air Quality: Cleaning components like filters and coils contributes to better indoor air quality by reducing dust and allergens.

Now, let’s explore specific recommendations for each different type of air conditioning system.

Split System Air Conditioning

When to Schedule Service

For split system air conditioners, scheduling an annual service is generally the standard recommendation. However, there are instances where more frequent servicing may be necessary. If you’ve noticed any of the following, we recommend scheduling a service as soon as possible.

Unusual Noises: If you notice unusual noises, such as rattling or squealing, get on the front foot and schedule a service. Just like a car, these sounds are often an indication that there are larger issues with internal components.

Reduced Cooling Performance: If your split system isn’t cooling as effectively as before, it’s a clear sign that something needs attention. Regular servicing can identify and address the underlying cause, then get the unit back to its best. You’ll definitely be thanking the technicians when the warm weather hits and the air con is running smoothly once again.

Visible Leaks: Any visible leaks around the indoor or outdoor unit should be addressed immediately. It could be a refrigerant leak, and prompt action is essential to prevent further damage that could lead to hefty repair costs.

What’s Included in a Split System Service?

A comprehensive split system service normally covers the following areas:

Cleaning of Filters and Coils: Dust and debris can accumulate over time, affecting performance. Cleaning filters and coils helps to get the unit back to its optimal efficiency.

Check for Refrigerant Leaks: Making sure that there are no refrigerant leaks is another check that should be done during every service.

Inspecting and Cleaning the Condenser Unit: The outdoor condenser unit plays a vital role. Regular inspection and cleaning of this section, therefore, helps to prevent any issues related to overheating.

Testing Thermostat and Controls: Using cutting-edge equipment, the servicing technicians can check that the unit is still operating with accurate temperature control.

Maroondah Air is your home for all things heating and cooling in Melbourne. From installation and repairs to regular air conditioning servicing, we’ve got you well and truly covered! Book your next split systems service today!

Ducted Air Conditioning

When to Schedule a Service

Because they are more complex and difficult to access, ducted air conditioning systems may require servicing on a semi-annual basis, especially if you notice any of the following signs:

Uneven Cooling: Whole-house coverage is a hallmark of a ducted system, and there’s no need to settle for anything less! If certain rooms or zones in your home are experiencing uneven cooling, it’s a sign that the ducted system may need attention.

Musty Odours: Unpleasant odours could be an indication that there are issues within the ductwork or filters. Regular servicing can usually determine the cause and address any odour related concerns. 

Increased Energy Bills: A sudden spike in energy bills without a corresponding change in usage patterns may indicate an efficiency issue that servicing can resolve.

What’s Included in a Ducted Air Conditioning Service?

So, how does this process differ from a split systems service? For starters, a ducted air conditioning service is generally a more comprehensive process that involves:

Duct Inspection and Cleaning: Alongside the central unit, the ductwork is the backbone of this type of HVAC system. Therefore, a service will involve checks to see that the ductwork is free from dust and debris is essential for maintaining good air quality. This will require the technicians to get into hard-to-reach areas of the property. 

Checking Zoning and Airflow: Technicians will perform diagnostic checks to assess the zoning and airflow settings. Here, they’ll check to see if they are properly configured and able to deliver consistent cooling throughout your home.

Inspecting and Cleaning Evaporator and Condenser Coils: Cleaner coils contribute to better heat exchange and overall system efficiency. This is why these checks are another vital aspect of the overall process

Testing and Calibrating Thermostats: Accurate thermostat calibration is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. At this point, the technicians will utilise state-of-the-art technology to conduct various tests.

Evaporative Coolers

When to Schedule Service:

Evaporative coolers are a popular option for the warmer months, and they too require specialist attention. Here are the general recommendations and options at your disposal.

Pre-Summer Service: Scheduling a service before the summer season is a great way to ensure that your evaporative cooler is in top condition when you need it most.

Post-Summer Service: After the summer season, it’s important to decommission the evaporative cooler properly and prepare it for winter storage.

Bi-Annual Servicing: Due to the nature of evaporative coolers, servicing twice a year is generally recommended for optimal performance. However, this may depend on how much you use the system.

What’s Included in an Evaporative Cooler Service?

The nature of an evaporative cooler service will depend on whether you own a stand-alone cooler or a ducted system.

Pre-Summer Inspection: Here, HVAC technicians arrive to check water levels, water distribution, and inspect the various pumps and pads. If the system involves ductwork, technicians will need to access these areas and perform the relevant tests and checks.

Post-Summer Decommissioning: Draining water, cleaning components, and preparing the system for winter storage.

Checking Motor and Belt: Inspecting the motor and belt for wear and tear to prevent potential issues.

Testing Controls: Verifying that controls are functioning correctly for user-friendly operation.

What Happens If You Don’t Organise a Service? 

Although everyone’s individual situation is different, the vast majority of air conditioners tend to showcase the same problems over time. Issues with general performance, temperature control and leaks all need to be addressed, especially if you both use and rely on the unit a lot.

Remember, even minor issues can quickly take a turn for the worse and leave you with a hefty repair bill. As well as damage to the unit itself, air con leaks can also cause serious property damage, which is all the more reason to play it safe.

Essentially, anyone that owns a split system, ducted system or evaporative cooler and uses it regularly needs to get it checked out during the recommended window. If it’s beyond repair, the servicing team may also be able to supply and install a state-of-the-art system that’s far more efficient, eco-friendly and convenient. 

Schedule Your Next Air Conditioning Service Today!

Don’t wait until your system breaks down or shows signs of inefficiency. Schedule your air conditioning service today and enjoy the benefits of a cool and comfortable indoor environment throughout the year.

For expert air conditioning service tailored to your specific needs, contact Maroondah Air – your trusted partner in climate control. Our friendly and down-to-earth HVAC team is here to keep your cooling system operating at its best.

Think it might be time to get our unit serviced? Get in touch with our air conditioning experts in Melbourne now!

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