DIY air conditioner maintenance
Things you should know about how to service split system air conditioner
Whether you have a split system at home, in a school, motel, childcare centre, nursing home, café, restaurant, doctor’s surgery, or office, keeping it well-maintained is essential for optimal performance and energy efficiency. Incorporating DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance into your routine is a smart way to ensure your system stays in great shape year-round.
Regular servicing is important, but you don’t always need to call in expensive specialists every 12 months. The good news? DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance offers a simple, cost-effective way to keep your unit clean and running smoothly. With a few easy steps, you can extend the life of your system and enjoy better performance all year round.
>>While major repairs should be done by a qualified and experienced expert, there are a few simple ways property owners can maintain their split system unit to keep it in perfect shape year round. In this article, we explore DIY tips for maintaining your split system air conditioner so that it is energy efficient and keeps your property warm in winter and cool in summer.
How to maintain your split system air conditioner
If you have a split system air conditioner, you can do basic maintenance yourself, saving you the need to call in the experts for a simple air conditioning filter change or basic clean. Air conditioners can be temperamental if not properly maintained on a regular basis, so if you are going to install a unit it is important you put time aside to ensure you clean, maintain and change filters on a regular basis so that in between major services your air conditioning is in top working order.
Steps for DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance
Keeping your split system in great condition doesn’t always require a professional. Below are simple DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance steps you can follow at home.
1. Check the Instructions
Before starting any DIY work, read your split system’s instruction manual. It helps you identify key components and access points. Your manual will show you how to access the filters and highlight any areas you should avoid during cleaning.
2. Check and Clean the Filters
If you notice dust buildup in the intake area, your filters likely need cleaning. Dirty filters affect both air quality and efficiency.
As part of your DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance, remove the front grill to access the two mesh filters. Take them outside and clean thoroughly using a vacuum or broom to dislodge dust and grime.
If it’s been a while since your last clean—or it’s been a dusty season—this quick step will significantly improve airflow and performance.
3. Wipe Down the Unit Inside
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away visible dirt or dust from accessible areas inside and around the unit.
Be careful not to touch the foil or grill components, as these can be delicate and easily damaged. This step improves airflow and overall system efficiency.
4. Clean the Indoor Louvers
If you can reach the indoor unit’s louvers safely, use a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove dust.
This allows better air direction and improves circulation. Choose the cleaning method based on what’s easiest, especially considering the height of the unit.
5. Check the Outdoor Condenser Unit
Regularly inspect the outdoor condenser to ensure it runs without obstruction. Remove leaves, branches, and other debris nearby.
If trees or plants are growing too close, trim them back so nothing touches or blocks the unit. Leave at least two feet of clearance around it.
Gently clean the grill using an outdoor brush to improve airflow. Keeping the condenser clean boosts system efficiency and performance.
Know When to Call a Professional
While DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance can extend the life of your unit, it’s not a complete substitute for professional servicing.
Some tasks—like handling refrigerant or internal component checks—require a licensed technician. Attempting them yourself can void your warranty or cause damage.
For full servicing, hire a qualified air conditioning expert to inspect, clean, and tune your system for peak performance.
A standard service for a split system air conditioner should usually include tasks you can also handle with DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance.
If you are getting a service for your split system air conditioner, the usual inclusions for a standard service with an air conditioning professional would include the following:
– Full clean and deodorise of filters and indoor housing unit
– Checking of the supply and return of the air temperatures
– Cleaning of all indoor coils within the unit
– Checks of the evaporator drain
– Calibrate and update the remote control
– Inspection of outdoor coils and a full clean
– Inspection of the condenser fan to check for any obstructions
– Check of refrigerant levels
– Check of all the pipes and insulation
– Check of condenser levels
– Analysis for any future updates and servicing
Why you need to clean your air conditioner
Like everything else in your home, seasonal cleaning helps keep your split system air conditioner in excellent condition. Since many households run these systems throughout most of the year, it’s essential to keep them clean, dust-free, and running at peak efficiency.
One of the easiest ways to do this is through DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance. You don’t need any special tools—just basic household items like a towel or rag, vacuum, outdoor brush, cleaning wipes, and possibly a replacement air filter.
Before you begin, always prioritize safety. Turn off the unit, unplug the power cord, and ensure no electricity is running to the system. When using a damp cloth or wipe, make sure everything is completely dry before closing the front panel.
This simple DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance routine can help extend your unit’s lifespan, improve airflow, and reduce energy usage—saving you time and money in the long run.
What to be careful of in your split system unit
It’s important to understand the refrigerant in your system and avoid handling it during DIY air conditioner maintenance.
Only licensed air conditioning professionals should handle refrigerant. Never attempt this yourself as it requires special certification.
Working with refrigerant without proper certification may lead to fines and can void your split system’s warranty.
Let certified technicians manage refrigerant levels during your annual service. It’s typically included in standard yearly servicing.
Split system air conditioners work efficiently when clean and regularly serviced. Dust and grime reduce performance and efficiency over time.
Make time for regular cleaning to keep your unit running efficiently and avoid long-term damage.
Treat your split system like any other appliance—clean it regularly to keep it energy efficient and extend its lifespan.
For split system maintenance, repairs, or pricing advice, speak with your local air conditioning expert for a detailed quote today.
