How Often Should You Service Your Air Conditioner?

Ask most air con technicians how often you should service your unit and they'll say 'every year'. That's good general advice — but it's not the full picture. The right answer depends on how hard you run your system, where you live, and what type of unit you have.

Here's the honest guide from our Wollongong-based team.

The Short Answer

Factors That Affect How Often You Should Service

How Much You Use It

A bedroom split system that runs for two months in summer accumulates far less wear than a living area unit that runs 8 hours a day year-round. More use means filters clog faster, coils get dirtier, and components wear more quickly.

Where You Live

Wollongong's coastal location means salt air. Salt accelerates corrosion on the outdoor unit's coil fins and condenser. Homes within a few kilometres of the ocean should have their outdoor unit inspected and cleaned more frequently — at least annually, ideally every 6 months for units directly exposed to sea breeze.

Whether You Have Pets

Pet hair clogs filters much faster than normal dust. If you have dogs or cats, clean your filters every 2–3 weeks during heavy use and have the coils professionally cleaned at least twice a year.

Ducted vs Split System

Ducted systems are more complex and have more components that need checking — ducts for mould, zone dampers, the main unit's coils and drains. A ducted system service takes longer and should ideally be done twice a year for heavily used systems.

What's Included in a Professional Air Con Service?

A proper service from a licensed technician should include:

• Filter removal, clean and inspection
• Indoor coil (evaporator) clean
• Outdoor coil (condenser) clean
• Drainage system check and clear
• Refrigerant pressure check
• Electrical connections and controls inspection
• Fan motor inspection
• Test run and performance check
• Written report with any issues noted

A filter clean alone is not a full service. If a company offers a '15-minute service' for $60, they're not doing a proper job.

What You Can Do Yourself Between Services

• Clean the filters every 4–6 weeks during use (slide out, rinse under tap, dry and re-insert)
• Clear any debris around the outdoor unit (leaves, garden waste)
• Check the drainage tray for standing water or slime
• Wipe down the indoor unit housing with a damp cloth

These simple tasks take 10 minutes and make a real difference to efficiency and longevity.

How Much Does an Air Con Service Cost in Wollongong?

A professional split system service in the Wollongong and Illawarra area typically costs $150–$250 depending on the system size and its condition. Ducted system services are usually $250–$450. These prices include all labour and any minor consumables.