As the summer heat approaches, keeping your home cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. One of the best ways to ensure your air conditioner works efficiently when you need it most is through regular maintenance.
By taking a few simple steps, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and extend the life of your unit. Whether it's cleaning filters or scheduling a professional tune-up, a regular AC service can save you money and keep your home cool all season long.

In this guide, we'll walk you through easy ways to keep your AC running smoothly this summer.

Check and Clean Air Filters Regularly

Keeping your air filters clean is one of the easiest yet most important steps in maintaining your air conditioning unit. Dirty filters can block airflow, reduce efficiency and even lead to higher energy bills.

Here’s what you need to know:
  • Why it matters: Clean filters allow for better airflow, improving your AC’s efficiency and performance.
  • How often to check: Inspect your air filters at least once a month, especially during heavy use in the summer.
  • How to clean: If your filter is reusable, remove it and gently clean it with soap and water. For disposable filters, simply replace them with a new one.
  • Signs it’s time to replace: If the filter looks visibly dirty or clogged, it’s time for a replacement.
  • Benefits: Clean filters not only keep your AC running smoothly but also improve indoor air quality, helping you breathe easier.
Regular filter maintenance keeps your AC efficient and your home cool.

Inspect and Clean the Coils

Your air conditioner's coils play a key role in keeping your home cool, but they can easily get dirty over time. The evaporator coils inside the unit absorb heat, while the condenser coils outside release that heat.

When these coils get covered in dirt, dust, or debris, it forces your air conditioner to work harder, reducing its efficiency and cooling power.

To keep your AC running smoothly, it’s a good idea to inspect the coils regularly. If you notice any dirt buildup, gently clean the coils with a soft brush or a vacuum.

Be sure to turn off the power to the unit before doing any cleaning. If the coils are significantly dirty, or if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring a professional. A thorough cleaning will help your air conditioner cool your home more effectively, saving you energy and money throughout the summer.

Clear the Outdoor Unit Area

Your air conditioning unit’s outdoor condenser needs space and proper airflow to function efficiently. Keeping the area around it clear can make a big difference in performance.

Here’s how to maintain it:
  • Why it’s important: The outdoor unit expels heat from your home, and if it's blocked by debris or plants, the system has to work harder, reducing cooling efficiency.
  • What to clear: Remove leaves, dirt, grass clippings, and any debris that may have accumulated around the unit.
  • Maintain clearance: Ensure at least 60cm (2 feet) of clearance on all sides of the unit. Trim back any shrubs, trees or plants that may grow too close.
  • Check the top: Clear any debris from the top of the unit, such as fallen branches or twigs.
  • Inspect regularly: Make a habit of checking the outdoor unit area every few weeks, especially after storms.
Keeping the outdoor unit clear helps your AC run smoothly and efficiently all summer long.

Check for Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioner, helping it cool the air in your home. If there's a leak, your AC won't cool as efficiently, and you may notice it struggling to keep up with the heat.

Signs of a refrigerant leak include weak airflow, uneven cooling, or a hissing sound coming from the unit. If you suspect a leak, it's important to address it right away.

Unlike some DIY maintenance tasks, checking for and repairing refrigerant leaks requires a licensed professional. They can measure your system’s refrigerant levels, repair the leak and recharge the system with the correct amount. Ignoring a refrigerant leak can lead to bigger problems, like higher energy bills, increased wear on the system or even a complete breakdown.

By staying on top of this issue, you’ll ensure your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency and keeping your home cool all summer long.

Examine the Thermostat

Your thermostat is the command centre of your air conditioning system, and making sure it’s functioning properly is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable.

Start by checking that the thermostat is set to the right mode and temperature. If your AC isn’t cooling as it should, the thermostat might be to blame. Sometimes, a simple battery replacement or recalibration can fix minor issues.

For more precise control over your home’s temperature, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. These modern options allow you to schedule cooling cycles, adjust temperatures remotely, and even learn your preferences over time, saving you energy and money.

Regularly examining your thermostat ensures it's sending the correct signals to your AC unit, allowing for efficient operation. If you notice any inconsistencies or if the temperature feels off, it might be time to consult a professional to inspect or upgrade your thermostat.

Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

While regular DIY maintenance is essential, scheduling a professional tune-up is key to keeping your air conditioner in top shape. A licensed technician can spot potential issues that you might miss.

Here’s why and when to book a tune-up:
  • Why it’s important: Professionals can check things like refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and overall system performance that require specialised tools and expertise.
  • What’s included: A typical tune-up involves inspecting and cleaning coils, checking refrigerant, tightening connections, and testing thermostat accuracy.
  • When to schedule: Aim for an annual tune-up before the summer heat kicks in to ensure your unit is ready to handle the demand.
  • Extend lifespan: Regular professional maintenance can extend the life of your AC, preventing costly repairs or early replacements.
  • Energy savings: A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing energy bills and improving cooling performance.
A professional tune-up ensures your AC is ready to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.

Test Your Air Conditioner Before Summer Hits

Before the scorching summer heat arrives, it’s a good idea to test your air conditioner to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Here's how and why:
  • Why test early?: Running your AC before summer gives you time to address any issues before the peak cooling season. No one wants to deal with a breakdown on the hottest day of the year.
  • How to test: Turn on your AC and let it run for a while. Check if it’s cooling properly, listen for unusual noises, and observe if there’s weak airflow or strange smells.
  • What to look for: Uneven cooling, unusual sounds, or a lack of cool air are all signs that your system may need attention.
  • Act quickly: If you notice any problems, schedule a professional inspection and repair right away.
  • Stay ahead of repairs: Early detection can save you from costly breakdowns and keep your home cool when it matters most.
Testing your AC early helps ensure a trouble-free summer.

Simple Steps to Keeping Your Cool

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your air conditioning unit running smoothly and efficiently all summer long. By taking simple steps like cleaning air filters, inspecting coils and testing your system before the heat arrives, you can prevent costly breakdowns and improve cooling performance.

Don’t forget to clear the outdoor unit area and schedule a professional tune-up for peace of mind. With a little care and attention, your air conditioner will keep your home cool and comfortable, helping you enjoy a worry-free summer. Stay on top of maintenance and your AC will return the favour.