We all know how Melbourne’s weather is. You can wake up and it’s cold and dreary, and by lunchtime we’re in the mid 20s. You’re sleeping with a heater at night and running your air conditioning all day every day for the next week. This constant switching up of your comfort zone and use of the air conditioner can put a real strain on your unit. A set-and-forget approach just won’t do.
Regular seasonal maintenance can be the difference between a system that sets the perfect temperature and climate in your home, and one that fails on the hottest day of the week. We’ve put together this checklist for Melbourne homeowners so you know what to look for each season of use, what small issues to be aware of, and some DIY tips to help keep your air conditioning functioning all year long.
Spring Checklist (Pre-Summer Prep)
It’s best to prepare and check your air conditioner before summer hits. There can be some warm days in spring, and if you haven’t used it for all of winter, it will need a little bit of attention to make sure everything is fine to work.
Indoor DIY Checklist
- > Clean or replace filters. Wash reusable mesh filters if you can or swap old ones out. This helps keep airflow strong and provide clean air inside your home.
- > Wipe down indoor vents. Clear dust and winter grime off the return air grilles and louvers.
- > Test the thermostat. Switch the unit to cool mode to verify it responds and holds the target temperature. If it doesn’t you, will need to call a professional to investigate further.
Outdoor Unit Checklist
- > Clear garden debris. Remove leaves, twigs, and dirt piled up around the compressor fan and condenser coils.
- > Trim surrounding plants. Cut back shrubs and branches to leave at least 60cm of open space for airflow. This also helps stop more sticks and leaves getting into your unit.
- > Check the drainage line. Ensure the condensate pipe is clear so water flows freely outside without pooling.
Summer Checklist (Peak Use)
This is the season where your air conditioner does the heavy lifting. It is not unusual to have it running all night when the temperature stays in the high 20s. There are three main tasks to keep on top of to ensure your air conditioner functions all summer long.
Monthly Filter Care
- > Check and wash filters. Do this every 4 weeks. It helps clean pollen, dust, even smoke from bushfires. Vacuum loose dust, rinse and clean with warm soapy water, and dry completely before re-installation.
- > Clean indoor return grilles. Prevent strain on the system by ensuring indoor return air grilles are free of accumulated dust.
Outdoor Unit Inspection
- > Clear garden debris. Pick up grass clippings, leaves, and twigs, maintaining a 60cm to 1-metre clear space around the condenser.
- > Hose down fins. With a standard garden hose, gently wash the condenser fins, with the power turned OFF. Never use a high-pressure washer.
Operation and Efficiency
- > Set the thermostat. The perfect temperature is between 24°C and 26°C. This balances home comfort with manageable electricity bills during heatwaves.
- > Listen for odd noises. If you hear rattling or buzzing, which indicate mechanical or fan obstruction issues, you’ll need the help of a professional.
Autumn Checklist (Pre-Winter Prep, if reverse-cycle)
If you have a split system, then you will need to prepare it for the upcoming colder months. The focus is on cleaning debris, as some trees drop their leaves during autumn, increasing the detritus on the ground.
Pre-Winter Autumn Checklist
- > Clean or Replace Filters. Remove trapped summer dust and pollen so airflow remains unhindered when you switch the unit over to the heating cycle. If you need to, replace old filters for new, and clean, air filters.
- > Clear Outdoor Debris. Sweep away autumn leaves, twigs, and dirt sitting within 60 cm of your outdoor condenser unit to prevent system strain.
- > Test the Heating Mode. Run a quick test cycle on “heat” before freezing temperatures arrive to verify that the system transitions smoothly and blows warm air without strange noises.
Winter Checklist (Off-Season / Heating Use)
If you only have an air conditioner, checking for debris and keeping things clean and tidy is handy. The tannins in leaves can begin to stain outdoor units, for example. If you run a split system, and you’re using it as a heater, then more regular checks need to be undertaken.
Filter and Indoor Unit Care
- > Clean filters monthly. Wash dust and pet hair from return air filters to maintain warm airflow.
- > Wipe indoor vents. Clear surface dust from louvres and grilles so heated air circulates freely. This also helps remove irritants from coming back into your home.
- > Monitor initial odours. Expect a faint, brief dust smell during the first few heating cycles of the season. If you continue to smell dust, or burning dust, you may need a more thorough clean.
Outdoor Unit and Area Checks
- > Clear garden debris. Remove fallen winter leaves, twigs, and dirt maintaining a 60 cm clearance around the condenser.
- > Check for blockages. Ensure surrounding shrubs or mulch do not obstruct coil airflow.
- > Check for pooling water. Rain and water can shift the ground stability. If there is pooling water near your condenser, create a drainage channel to take the water away.
Thermostat and System Settings
- > Set optimal temperatures. Program thermostats between 18°C and 20°C for efficient winter heating performance.
- > Test operation modes. Switch correctly to the heating cycle and listen for normal compressor hums. If there are any strange noises, consider an inspection from a professional.
Why Professional Servicing Still Matters
DIY servicing is great as it can save you the time and cost of a professional call-out. However, a professional maintenance check from Templestowe Heating & Cooling can check for more significant problems, diagnose them correctly and install the parts so you can still get cool air in summer. It can protect the manufacturer’s warranty as well, giving you peace of mind.
If you hear a strange sound coming from your unit, a professional technician can diagnose problems early, before they become disasters. Professionals can also calibrate your thermostats so you have the most efficient air conditioning and the lowest power bills possible.
Keeping on top of simple, seasonal maintenance is one of the easiest ways to keep your air conditioner doing its job for longer. A few checks each season, a clean-up outside now and then, and you’ll be cool inside while the outside sits in the high 30s.
For the more complicated checks, or for regular maintenance, Templestowe Heating & Cooling has been servicing homes across Bulleen, Doncaster, Templestowe and other Melbourne suburbs for over 60 years. As Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Dealers and a preferred Daikin dealer, our team knows these systems inside and out, and we handle sales, installation, service and repairs all in-house, with no sub-contractors involved. Get in touch to book a seasonal service and keep your air conditioner running at its best.
FAQ
How often should I get my air conditioner serviced?
Most manufacturers and technicians recommend a professional service at least once a year, ideally before the peak of summer, to keep the system running efficiently and catch small issues early.
What’s included in a general air conditioner maintenance service?
A typical service covers filter cleaning, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting the condensate drain, testing airflow and thermostat function, and looking over the outdoor unit for any wear or blockages.
Do you offer scheduled servicing plans?
Yes, Templestowe Heating & Cooling offers scheduled servicing as well as fixed repairs and maintenance, so you can keep your system in top condition without having to remember to book it in yourself.
What brands do you work with?
Templestowe Heating & Cooling works with leading brands including Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Samsung, Fujitsu, LG, Panasonic, Toshiba, Haier, Brivis, Braemar and Lennox. The team are Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Dealers and a preferred Daikin dealer.
Do you use sub-contractors?
No. Sales, installation, service and repairs are all handled in-house, with no sub-contractors involved.
Can I get help with government rebates for a new system?
Yes, the team can advise on eligibility for the Victorian Government Rebate (VEU) program when you’re looking at a new heating or cooling installation.
Mitsubishi Electric Diamond dealers