There’s nothing worse than your air conditioner failing on the first 40-degree day of the year. After a quiet winter, your AC system needs attention to handle the brutal Australian summer. Proper maintenance isn’t just about comfort—it’s about saving money on energy bills, extending the life of your unit, and avoiding the stress of a breakdown during a heatwave.
As your local HVAC experts, our team has put together this essential checklist to help you prepare. We’ll cover the simple tasks you can safely do yourself and explain the critical reasons why a professional service is your best investment for a cool, worry-free summer.
Part 1: Your DIY Pre-Summer AC Checklist (The Safe & Simple Tasks)
Safety First! Always turn off the power to your unit at the electrical circuit breaker before performing any maintenance.
1. Clean or Replace the Air Filters
This is the most impactful task you can do for your AC’s efficiency and your home’s air quality. In our dusty Australian environment, this should be done every 3 months.
- How to do it: Locate the filter behind the return air grille on your indoor unit. Slide it out.
- Disposable Filter: Replace it with an identical new one, ensuring the airflow arrow is pointing in the correct direction.
- Reusable Filter: Vacuum loose dust, then wash with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before reinstalling to prevent mould.
You’ll Know It’s Working When: You feel improved airflow and notice fresher air immediately.
2. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit needs ample space to exhale hot air. Blocked airflow forces it to work harder, increasing wear and tear.
- How to do it: Ensure there is at least 1 metre of clearance on all sides. Trim back any plants, shrubs, or vines. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the surrounding area.
3. Give Your Outdoor Unit a Gentle Clean
- How to do it: With the power OFF, use a garden hose on a gentle spray setting to clean the fins from the inside out. Crucial: Never use a high-pressure washer, as it will permanently damage the delicate fins.
4. Do a Preliminary System Test
Once everything is clean and the power is back on, set your thermostat to “Cool” and listen for unusual noises. Ensure cold air is blowing from the vents and that the outdoor fan is spinning.
Part 2: Why DIY Isn’t Enough: The Critical Need for a Professional Service
While the steps above are excellent for basic upkeep, they only scratch the surface. Just like a car needs a qualified mechanic for a logbook service, your air conditioner requires a licensed technician for a comprehensive check-up.
A professional service from Maxim Air addresses the internal components that DIY can’t safely reach. Here’s what our certified technicians do during our comprehensive pre-summer service:
What’s Included in a Professional Service from Maxim Air:
- Comprehensive System Inspection: We check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, thermostat calibration, and all moving parts to catch small issues before they become major, costly repairs.
- Deep Coil Cleaning: We professionally clean both the indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser coils. Clean coils are essential for maximum efficiency and cooling power.
- Condensate Drain Line Flush: We clear the drain line with a specialised vacuum to prevent algae blockages that can lead to water leaks and ceiling damage inside your home.
- Electrical Safety Check: We tighten connections and inspect components to ensure your system is operating safely, protecting your home from potential electrical hazards.
- Performance Optimisation: We measure airflow and refrigerant pressure to ensure your system is performing at its peak, saving you money on every power bill.
Don’t Wait for the Heatwave! Book Your Pre-Summer Service Today
The busiest time for HVAC technicians is the first heatwave of the season. Don’t get stuck on a waiting list while the temperature soars.
By scheduling your pre-summer service with Maxim Air today, you can rest easy knowing your system is ready to deliver reliable, efficient cooling all summer long.
Ready for peace of mind? Contact us today for a transparent, upfront quote. Let us help you stay cool and save money.