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photo of a man replacing a filter in a air con

Few things work harder than an air‑conditioner during a sticky south‑east Queensland summer. Yet, like any piece of machinery, a split‑system or ducted unit needs regular TLC to stay safe, hygienic and cheap to run. Skipping maintenance shortens the life of the system, drives up power bills and can even void the manufacturer’s warranty. The Australian Government’s own Guide to Best‑Practice Maintenance and Operation of HVAC Systems for Energy Efficiency highlights planned maintenance as one of the simplest, lowest‑cost ways to cut building energy use without sacrificing comfort.

man doing air conditioner maintenance on the indoor unit

What Does a Professional Service Actually Cover?

At Solair Electrical we follow the inspection schedule laid out in AS/NZS3666.2:2011 – the national standard written to control microorganisms inside HVAC equipment. It calls for monthly filter inspections, quarterly coil and drain checks and yearly comprehensive cleans.

A typical annual service from our team therefore includes:

  • Cleaning or replacing return‑air filters
  • Antibacterial flush of the indoor coil and condensate tray
  • Pressure‑wash of the outdoor coil and cabinet
  • Verification of refrigerant charge, operating pressures and temperatures
  • Tightening of electrical terminals and capacitor testing
  • Air‑flow measurement across each register
  • Drain‑line vacuum and confirmation of fall
  • Thermostat and remote‑control battery check
  • A digital service report for your records (handy if warranty claims arise)
picture showing all our services for air conditioner maintenance

Health First: Mould, Allergens and Indoor Air Quality

When warm, humid air hits a dirty coil, moisture pools and mould spores flourish. NSWHealth warns that airborne mould can aggravate asthma and cause eye, skin and sinus irritation, especially in children and older Australians. An annual deep clean removes the biofilm where fungi and bacteria hide, restores the system’s ability to dehumidify and eliminates the musty odour many people mistake for “normal” air‑con smell.

family sitting under an air con blowing clean fresh air

Energy, Efficiency and Your Power Bill

Dust‑choked filters and grimy coils force the compressor to run longer to hit the set temperature point. ENERGYSTAR testing shows that airflow problems alone can slash efficiency by up to 15percent. Combine that with Queensland’s summer tariff rates and you’re literally paying for electricity that never reaches your lounge room. Routine servicing keeps heat‑exchange surfaces shiny, refrigerant at the right level and ducts leak‑free – three quick wins also flagged in the federal HVAC efficiency guide.


Vermin, Pests and Tropical Surprises

Outdoor condensers are shady, damp and irresistible to critters. Industry case studies are littered with stories of frogs and geckos shorting out circuit boards, ants clogging contactors and possums shredding insulation. Rodents, meanwhile, chew refrigerant lines and wiring, creating expensive leaks and fire hazards. During a service we clear nests, fit mesh screens where needed and suggest simple habitat‑management tips: trim vegetation back 300mm, keep leaf litter away from the slab and use natural repellents around conduits.

cleaning a filter in an air conditioner

DIY CarevsProfessional Attention Know Your Limits

Home‑owners can and should rinse washable filters every month, hose grass clippings off the outdoor coil and keep furniture clear of indoor vents. Anything involving refrigerant or fixed wiring, however, must be carried out by a technician who holds an Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick) licence. The tick logo confirms that the person handling your system is authorised under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act1989.


How Often Should You Service Your AC?

  • Residential split‑systems: comprehensive clean and test at least once a year – ideally in early spring before the humidity arrives.
  • Reverse‑cycle ducted systems: two visits a year (pre‑summer and pre‑winter) keep both the cooling and heating stages efficient.
  • Coastal or dusty semi‑rural sites: add an extra coil clean mid‑season to combat salt spray or red dust.
  • Rental properties: build the annual service into your smoke‑alarm inspection schedule to protect tenants’ health and your asset.
picture of a split system air conditioner installed and running

Red Flags That Say “Book a Service”

  • Airflow feels weak or uneven between rooms
  • Unit smells musty when it first starts
  • Unexplained spike in kWh on your Energex bill
  • Water drips down the wall or outdoor fan sprays moisture
  • Rattles, buzzes or humming from the outdoor cabinet
  • Circuit breaker trips on hot afternoons

Warranty and Compliance – The Fine Print

Most split‑system brands sold in Australia advertise a five‑year parts‑and‑labour warranty, but the small print nearly always states that the unit must be “installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.” Skip a scheduled service and you hand the supplier an easy reason to deny coverage for a burnt compressor or failed PCB. A signed digital service log from an ARC‑licensed technician is the best insurance policy you can buy for the cost of a takeaway dinner.

Routine servicing also keeps you on the right side of Queensland electrical‑safety laws, refrigerant‑handling rules and – if you’re a landlord – your obligations under theResidential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act2008.

testing the gas levels in a air conditioner

Environmental Bonus: Cutting Emissions Too

Every kilogram of R32 or legacy R410A lost through a corroded flare nut has the global‑warming impact of driving a small car from Brisbane to Sydney. Regular leak testing, mandated in the federal HVAC efficiency guidelines, ensures refrigerant stays inside the pipework, where it belongs. Clean coils and healthy airflow also mean the compressor draws fewer amps and the power station burns less coal or gas. Put simply, maintenance is climate action you can take in your own backyard.


Between Services: 5‑Minute Monthly Checklist

  1. Wipe the filters – a quick rinse in warm, soapy water keeps airflow up and dust out.
  2. Inspect the outdoor fan – leaves, mulch and kids’ toys should be at least 300mm away from the grille.
  3. Check for drips – water stains on the wall or patio slab can signal a blocked drain.
  4. Listen carefully – clicking, whistling or buzzing often precede component failure: call us before they become costly.
  5. Glance at your power app – many retailers now show near‑real‑time usage; a sudden spike may mean the unit is struggling.

Spend five minutes now and you’ll save hours (and dollars) later.


Choose a Licensed Technician

Besides the ARCtick, look for an electrical contractor who can legally disconnect and test the supply circuit and who carries public‑liability insurance. As qualified electricians, the Solair Electrical crew inspect isolators, earthing and cable insulation while the covers are off – a step many strictly “mechanical‑only” companies miss.

picture of the ARCtick logo

 


The Solair Electrical Difference & How to Book

Solair Electrical is a Redlands‑based, family‑run business servicing Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich and the bayside. Every job is done in‑house by trade‑qualified staff – no subcontractors, no surprises. We use eco-friendly coil cleaners that are safe for pets, pressure‑washers for zero run‑off and provide before‑and‑after photos with every report.

Ready to breathe easier? Call Allan on0405685441 or drop us a line through our air‑conditioning maintenance page. Planning a new system? Check out our air‑conditioning installation.


Wrap‑Up

An air‑conditioner is a major investment and a silent partner in your family’s comfort. A single service each year keeps energy waste, health risks and pest damage at bay while extending the unit’s lifespan well past the ten‑year mark. Put simply: regular maintenance costs a little – neglect costs a lot. Book your next visit with Solair Electrical today and keep your cool all year round.


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