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Do Split Air Conditioners Really Need Servicing? Here’s What You Need to Know

27th Jan 2025 in Air Conditioning Blogs

Split system air conditioners are an efficient and reliable way to keep your home comfortable year-round, whether you’re dealing with the scorching summer heat or staying warm during the colder months. But, like any mechanical system, regular maintenance is essential to keep it running smoothly. So, the big question is: Do split air conditioners need servicing?

The short answer is yes. Regular servicing of your split system air conditioner is crucial for maintaining its efficiency, performance, and longevity. In this article, we’ll explore why regular servicing is necessary, what can go wrong without it, and how often you should schedule a service for your system.

Why Regular Servicing is Crucial

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When thinking about how often should a split system be serviced, most professionals recommend servicing at least once every 12 months. However, depending on how frequently you use the system, or if you have pets or live in a dusty environment, more frequent servicing may be needed. Here’s why regular servicing is so important:

Energy Efficiency

Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the filters, coils, and internal components of your split system air conditioner. This build-up forces the system to work harder, using more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. Regular servicing ensures that these components are cleaned, improving energy efficiency and lowering your energy bills.

Improved Air Quality

Air filters play a critical role in maintaining the quality of air in your home. Without regular servicing, the air filters in your split system can become clogged with dust, allergens, and other particles. This not only reduces airflow but also diminishes the air quality, which can pose health risks, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory conditions. Regular maintenance keeps your filters clean and helps ensure that your home enjoys healthy, clean air.

Prevention of Costly Repairs

Routine servicing helps identify minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs. Whether it’s a refrigerant leak, worn-out components, or electrical wiring issues, these problems can be detected early with regular servicing. Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding the need for expensive emergency repairs and ensuring your system runs smoothly for years to come.

Common Issues Without Regular Servicing

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Neglecting to service your split system air conditioners can lead to several issues, which not only affect the performance of the unit but also your comfort and wallet. Here are some common problems that arise when systems are not properly maintained:

  • Reduced Cooling Capacity: Without regular servicing, your split system may struggle to cool your home effectively. This can lead to uneven cooling or even hot air being blown out of the unit.
  • Higher Energy Bills: As the system becomes less efficient due to clogged filters or worn components, it consumes more energy to deliver the same level of comfort, resulting in higher energy bills.
  • Health Risks: Dirty filters and coils can lower air quality, contributing to respiratory issues and other health problems, especially for individuals sensitive to allergens.
  • Limited Air Flow: Build-up of debris can lead to limited air flow, which reduces the system’s ability to maintain consistent temperatures and comfort.

Basic Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

While professional servicing is essential for comprehensive care, there are a few basic maintenance tasks you can do yourself to keep your split system in good condition between services:

  • Clean the air filters regularly: Cleaning the air filters every couple of months can improve airflow and ensure the system operates efficiently. If you have pets or allergies, consider cleaning the filters more frequently.
  • Keep the outdoor unit clear: Check the outdoor unit for debris, leaves, or anything that could block airflow. Keeping the area around the unit clear helps it function properly.
  • Monitor performance: Keep an eye on how the system is working. If you notice reduced airflow, unusual noises, or the system not producing cool air, it may be time to call in an expert.

It’s important to note that these DIY tasks are just for basic upkeep. More complex tasks, such as checking the refrigerant levels, inspecting the heat exchanger, or cleaning the coils, should be handled by professional air conditioning experts.

Why Professional Servicing is Essential

Although there are some basic maintenance tasks you can handle, professional servicing is necessary to ensure your system runs at peak performance. During a split system service, trained technicians will perform a thorough check of both the indoor unit and outdoor air conditioning unit, ensuring all components are in working order.

Professional servicing includes:

  • Checking refrigerant levels to ensure your system is cooling efficiently.
  • Cleaning the coils and inspecting the heat exchanger for any wear and tear.
  • Ensuring that the electrical wiring is safe and properly connected.
  • Testing the power supply to make sure there are no interruptions that could affect performance.

By scheduling a professional split system service at least once a year, you ensure that your split system operates smoothly, avoids costly breakdowns, and continues to provide reliable comfort.

Customised Servicing Plans Based on Usage

The frequency of servicing can vary depending on how often you use your system. For homes that rely on their split systems year-round for both heating and cooling, bi-annual servicing may be required to keep the unit in top condition. On the other hand, if your split system air conditioning is only used seasonally, an annual service may be sufficient to maintain efficiency.

If your system is subject to heavy use or located in a dusty environment, it may benefit from additional services to prevent issues such as refrigerant leaks or build-up of debris that could impact performance. Talk to our experts to set up a customised servicing plan that suits your system’s needs.

Keep Your Split System Air Conditioner in Peak Condition

A well-maintained split system is key to ensuring efficient operation, lower energy bills, and a comfortable indoor environment. Regular servicing not only extends the life of your air conditioner but also improves air quality and reduces the risk of costly repairs. At Melbourne Heating and Cooling, we offer expert servicing for split system air conditioners to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

Ready to ensure your split system air conditioner is operating at its best? Contact us today to schedule a service with our experienced team and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained air conditioning system.

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