What does a yearly air conditioner service actually involve?
A service is more than a filter rinse. A technician cleans or checks the indoor coil, the outdoor coil, the fans and the condensate drain. They check the refrigerant circuit for signs of a leak, test the electrical connections, and confirm the system is heating and cooling the way it should.
The point is to catch small problems early. A blocked drain or a dirty coil is cheap to fix when it is found at a service. It is much more annoying when it shows up as water through your ceiling on the hottest day of summer.
How often should I clean the filters myself?
Every three months is a good rule for most homes. Pull the filters out, wash them gently, let them dry fully and put them back. Do not use hot water or a pressure cleaner.
If you have pets, a dusty street, a nearby building site or someone with allergies in the house, check them every month or two. A clogged filter makes the system work harder, cools less evenly and can lead to ice forming on the coil. It is the single easiest job an owner can do.
Does the Sunshine Coast climate change how often I need a service?
Yes, a little. Our systems run for long stretches in summer, and humid air keeps drains and coils damp. That is a good environment for mould and slime, which can block drains and cause odours.
Salt air is the other factor. If you live close to the beach, the outdoor unit can corrode faster, and the coil can collect salt and grit. A check every six months is sensible there, even if the indoor side is fine. Systems that run most of the day, such as in a home office or a house with someone home all day, also wear faster than a bedroom unit used a few nights a week.
Do ducted systems need servicing as well?
They do, and there is more to check. A ducted system has a return air grille and filter, a ceiling unit, ductwork, and often a zone controller such as AirTouch 5. The return air filter needs regular cleaning, just like a split system filter.
Airflow is a common problem. A return grille that is too small for the system starves it of air and makes it noisy and less efficient. As a rule of thumb, Delta Temp uses a 900 x 500 return grille for 10 to 14 kW ducted systems, and a 900 x 550 for 16 kW and above. A service is a good time to check the airflow is right.
What about warranty, and how does Delta Temp handle servicing?
Check your warranty paperwork. Some manufacturers expect regular servicing as a condition of cover, and missing services can cause trouble if you ever need to claim. Fujitsu systems carry a 5 year manufacturer warranty and Hisense a 7 year parts and labour warranty, so it pays to keep your records in order.
Delta Temp Climate Solutions is QBCC licensed and ARC authorised, and services the Sunshine Coast from Caboolture to Noosa. We offer a Comfort Club servicing plan if you would rather have regular visits sorted without having to remember. The cost of a service depends on the type of system, how many units you have and how easy they are to reach. Call 1800 335 828 or visit deltatemp.com.au and we will talk you through it.
