The Essential Guide: How Often Should Your Split System Be Serviced?

Maintaining your split system air conditioners is essential for their efficiency, performance, and longevity. Whether you’re using split systems to cool your home in summer or warm it during the colder months, regular servicing is key. It helps prevent breakdowns, reduces energy costs, and ensures that your indoor air quality remains high. Both the indoor air conditioning unit and the outdoor air conditioning unit need attention to maintain optimal performance. Whether you have split systems or ducted air conditioning, proper servicing of your heating and cooling systems is vital. So, how often should you service your air conditioner?

How Often Should a Split System Be Serviced?

To keep your split system air conditioner functioning at its best, it is recommended that you have it serviced at least once every 12 months. This annual servicing ensures that the system is running smoothly, whether it’s a cooling-only unit or a reverse cycle system. However, if you’re using your split system more frequently—such as running it 24/7 or in areas with higher levels of dust and debris—bi-annual servicing may be required to maintain peak performance.

For reverse cycle systems that provide both heating and cooling, it’s advisable to schedule servicing twice a year: once before winter to ensure the heating function works efficiently, and again before summer for cooling. Regular servicing prevents your system from working harder than it needs to, ultimately saving you money on energy bills and expensive repairs.

The Benefits of Regular Servicing

Improved Energy Efficiency

Regular maintenance helps to keep your split system air conditioner running efficiently. When components like air filters and coils are clean, your system doesn’t have to work as hard to push out cool air in summer or warm air in winter. This means lower energy consumption, reduced strain on the unit, and significant savings on your energy bills. A well-maintained unit can operate more smoothly and consume less energy, ensuring energy efficiency throughout the year.

Enhanced Air Quality

Air filters in your split system air conditioner can easily accumulate dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. If left unchecked, this build-up can affect the air quality in your home and even exacerbate allergies or respiratory issues. Regular servicing ensures that your filters are cleaned or replaced, improving the quality of the air circulating in your home and keeping it free from harmful contaminants.

Prevention of Costly Repairs

Routine maintenance catches minor issues before they escalate into significant problems. From detecting a refrigerant leak to inspecting the electrical wiring and ensuring there’s no restricted airflow, professional servicing helps identify and address potential faults early on. By fixing small issues before they worsen, you avoid emergency repairs that could be much more costly.

Basic DIY Maintenance Tips

While professional air conditioning service is critical, there are a few basic things you can do yourself to help keep your system in good condition between services:

• Clean the air filters regularly: One of the simplest ways to maintain your split system is to clean or replace the air filters regularly. This prevents dust and debris from clogging the system and allows for better airflow.
• Keep the outdoor unit clear: Ensure the outdoor unit is free from dirt, leaves, and debris that could block airflow or damage the unit. Simply removing obstructions around the unit can help it run more efficiently.
• Visual checks: Conduct simple visual checks of the outside unit to ensure everything looks in order. If you notice anything unusual, such as damaged pipes or limited airflow, it’s best to call in a professional.

Remember, while these basic maintenance tasks can help improve performance, many aspects of split system servicing—like refrigerant level checks and heat exchanger inspections—are best left to air conditioning experts for safety and efficiency.

Professional Servicing: Why It’s Essential

Professional servicing goes beyond what you can do at home. During a professional split system service, technicians perform a thorough inspection of your system, ensuring that all components are functioning properly. They check the refrigerant levels, clean the heat exchanger, and inspect both the indoor unit and outdoor unit for any potential issues. By entrusting your system to qualified professionals, you ensure that it remains in excellent condition year-round, extending the lifespan of the unit and maintaining its energy efficiency.

Additionally, professional servicing includes checking for refrigerant leaks, inspecting the power supply, and ensuring the unit is operating safely and effectively. If you’re experiencing any issues with your air conditioner, such as uneven cooling, loud noises, or unusual smells, a professional can diagnose and fix these problems before they escalate.

Frequency of Servicing Based on Usage

The frequency of servicing depends on how often you use your split system. For homes that rely on the system for year-round heating and cooling, more frequent servicing—at least twice a year—is recommended to maintain optimal performance. On the other hand, if you only use your split system sparingly, such as during the peak of summer or winter, an annual service should suffice.

For heavily used systems or those located in high-dust environments, scheduling additional services may be necessary to prevent performance issues and reduce running costs.

Keep Your Split System in Top Condition

Regular servicing of your air conditioning system is crucial for maintaining efficient operation, reducing energy costs, and improving air quality in your home. By keeping your air conditioning units in top condition, you can prevent costly repairs and ensure that your system lasts longer.

At Melbourne Heating and Cooling, we specialise in servicing air conditioning units to keep them running at peak performance. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a more comprehensive service, our experienced team is ready to assist. Contact us today to schedule your air conditioning system service and experience the benefits of a well-maintained unit all year round.