How Often Should You Service Your Air Conditioner?

  • Australia, Americas
  • Residential
  • FAQ’s & Tips

Discover the right Air Conditioner service frequency, seasonal tips, and why regular aircon servicing saves money.

In Australia, most air conditioners should be professionally serviced every 1–2 years, or more often if used daily or in commercial spaces. Regular servicing improves efficiency, lowers power bills, and extends the life of your system.

In this guide, we’ll explain why aircon servicing matters, the right Air Con service frequency, when to book seasonal checks, the signs your unit may need attention sooner, and what to expect from a professional reverse cycle or evaporative system.

Why Regular Aircon Servicing Matters

A simple way to think about it: your air conditioner is like your car and needs regular care to run smoothly.

• Lower energy bills: A clean and efficient unit uses less power to heat or cool your home. • Healthier air: Servicing removes dust, mould, and allergens, improving indoor air quality. • Fewer breakdowns: Preventative maintenance catches small issues before they become costly repairs. • Warranty protection: Manufacturers often require regular maintenance for warranties to remain valid (see Choice Australia’s guidance on warranty conditions).

How Often to Service Your Air Conditioner

The right Air Conditioner service frequency depends on usage and system type:

  • Residential homes: Book a professional aircon servicing every 12–24 months.
  • Heavy use or commercial spaces: Service every 6–12 months to keep up with demand.
  • Ducted Evaporative and Split System service: At least once a year to ensure filters, coils, and fans are working efficiently.

Older systems or those running year-round may need more frequent checks.

Best Time of Year for Air Conditioning Maintenance

Plan ahead so your unit is ready before peak use:

  • Spring: The best time to service before summer heatwaves.
  • Autumn: Ideal for households using reverse-cycle units for heating.

Booking outside of peak demand also makes it easier to secure a technician.

Signs You May Need a Service Sooner

If your system shows these warning signs, don’t wait until your scheduled service:

• Strange noises: Rattling, buzzing, or grinding. • Poor performance: Rooms not reaching the set temperature. • Higher electricity bills: Unexpected spikes in energy use. • Unpleasant smells: Musty odours may signal mould inside the unit. These issues are best checked by a qualified technician before they escalate.

What’s Included in a Professional Air Conditioner Service?

A professional service is more than just cleaning filters. Here’s what’s typically included:

  • Cleaning or replacing filters.
  • Inspecting coils, drains, and ductwork for correct operation.
  • Testing thermostat function.
  • Tightening electrical connections.
  • Running a complete system performance and safety check.

This preventative maintenance helps your system run more efficiently and last longer.

FAQ: Air Conditioner Service Frequency

Do new air conditioners need servicing?

Yes. Even new systems benefit from routine servicing. It keeps your warranty valid and ensures peak performance from day one.

Will servicing reduce my power bill?

Absolutely. According to the Australian Government’s energy efficiency advice, regular air conditioning maintenance can reduce running costs by improving efficiency.

Can I service my air conditioner myself?

Always refer to your owner’s manual. You can clean or replace filters every few months, but a professional technician is needed for refrigerant checks, electrical safety, and deeper maintenance tasks.

Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Smoothly

Regular aircon servicing isn’t just about comfort, it’s about saving money, improving air quality, and avoiding breakdowns. For most Australian homes, an annual service is the best way to protect your investment.

Ready to give your system the care it deserves?

Book your service today and keep your home cool, efficient, and reliable year-round.