An aircon pulls dust and pollen out of the air all day, and most of it ends up on the filters and the indoor coil. Pretoria's dry, dusty winters add to it. Over a season, that layer cuts airflow, makes the unit work harder for less cooling and blocks the drain that carries water away. Regular maintenance keeps the unit cooling properly and shows up problems while they're still small.
What a professional service usually covers
- Filters removed, washed and refitted
- Indoor coil and fan cleaned to remove dust and mould
- Condensate drain and tray cleared and tested, which prevents most indoor leaks
- Outdoor coil cleaned of dust, leaves and grass cuttings
- Gas pressures and air temperatures checked to confirm the unit is cooling as it should
- Electrical connections and the outdoor unit's mounting checked
- The remote and all modes tested, and anything worn or failing pointed out
How often
| Use | Typical interval |
|---|---|
| Home units used in summer and winter | Once a year |
| Units running most of the day, or in dusty spots | Every six months |
| Offices and shops | Every six months |
| Server and comms rooms | Every three to six months |
Book the annual service in late winter or early spring, before the first hot spell, when most people discover their unit isn't cooling.
Filter cleaning and other things you can do yourself
- Switch the unit off at the remote and, if you can, at the isolator.
- Lift the front panel and slide out the mesh filters.
- Vacuum off loose dust, then rinse the filters in lukewarm water from the clean side. Don't use hot water or harsh cleaners.
- Let them dry completely in the shade, then slide them back in.
- Clean the filters every few weeks when the unit is in daily use
- Keep at least 30 cm clear around the outdoor unit, and clear leaves after storms
- Don't block the indoor unit with curtains or tall furniture
- Check that water drips from the drain pipe outside while the unit is cooling
When professional servicing is needed
Filters are the only part most people should clean themselves. Book a professional service when:
- It's been more than a year since the last service, or you don't know when it was
- The unit drips water indoors, smells musty or has ice on the pipes
- It runs longer than it used to, or no longer cools or heats the room properly
- It has become noisier, or the outdoor coil is visibly dirty
- You've moved into a home with units already installed
Coils, drains, gas pressures and electrical connections need the right tools and training. If the unit has a fault rather than just dirt, see aircon repairs.
Offices and several units
If you manage a building or an office with several units, ask about a regular service schedule. Having all units done in one visit keeps the disruption short, and a simple record of service dates and findings helps plan replacements before they're urgent.
When a service finds a fault
If the technician finds a part on its way out, low gas or damage, you'll be told what they found and what it would cost to fix. Nothing extra is done without your approval.