Air conditioning maintenance: what should you monitor?
Regular maintenance keeps an air conditioning system running efficiently and helps avoid certain avoidable breakdowns. Several points deserve particular attention.
The filters
The filters trap dust and particles before the air is blown into the room. When clogged, they reduce airflow and can lower the unit's performance. Regular cleaning is part of basic maintenance.
The heat exchangers
The heat exchanger in the indoor unit, as well as the one in the outdoor unit, can become dirty over time (dust, pollen, outdoor deposits). A dirty exchanger reduces the efficiency of heat transfer.
The condensate
An air conditioning system produces condensation that must be drained away properly. A blocked drain can cause problems (overflow, water damage) and points to a maintenance or installation fault.
Unusual noises
A new noise, a clicking sound or a whistling can indicate a mechanical problem, an imbalance or a loose fixing. This kind of sign generally warrants a check-up.
A drop in performance
A unit that takes longer to reach the requested temperature, or can no longer reach it at all, may be linked to dirt build-up, insufficient refrigerant charge or a faulty component.
Odours
An unusual smell on start-up can come from dirt in the indoor unit, humidity, or a problem with condensate drainage. If it persists despite the routine maintenance recommended by the manufacturer, a check-up is preferable.
Outdoor unit
It should remain suitably clear and accessible. Obstructions (vegetation, items stored nearby) or a very dirty surrounding environment can interfere with its operation.
When should a professional check the system?
Examples include:
- fault codes;
- persistent water leakage;
- clear loss of performance;
- ongoing unusual noise;
- complete breakdown;
- technical work not intended for the user.
Cleaning accessible filters can be done by the user, depending on the model. Work involving the heat exchanger, the refrigerant circuit or a functional fault should be left to a professional. Certain interventions on the refrigerant circuit are also subject to specific regulatory requirements depending on the type of equipment, separate from routine maintenance. This maintenance cost adds to the factors covered in our guide on air conditioning cost.
Routine maintenance versus technical servicing
Cleaning an accessible filter is not the same as working on the refrigerant circuit or dismantling technical components. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not handle parts that require specific skills.