How often should I clean the filters?
In normal use, once or twice a year. In dusty environments or homes with pets, more frequently.
Air conditioning maintenance before summer
Checking your unit in spring avoids problems at the worst time: when it is hottest and hardest to get a technician quickly.
Guide
Air conditioning maintenance before summer
Air conditioning units sit idle or barely used through winter. When the heat arrives, demand surges. A unit that has not been checked may start the season with a clogged filter, a blocked drain or reduced performance. Checking in April or May is a practical decision that saves problems and waiting time.
Filter cleaning: what you can do yourself
The indoor unit's filter catches dust, pet hair and airborne particles. A dirty filter reduces airflow, lowers efficiency and can circulate odours and contaminants into the room.
Filter cleaning is the simplest maintenance task any user can do: with the unit off and unplugged, remove the filter from the front panel, shake or vacuum off the dust, and wash it with lukewarm water if it is washable. Make sure it is completely dry before replacing it.
Important: users should only handle the filter accessible from the front panel. Do not open the indoor unit casing or touch any electrical components or refrigerant circuit parts.
Checking the drain and condensate tray
The indoor unit generates water as it cools the air. This water collects in a tray and drains out through a pipe. If that pipe is blocked — by dirt, algae or insects — water accumulates and can overflow, dripping down the wall or ceiling.
Before summer, check that the drain is clear. Damp patches, limescale deposits or small puddles below the indoor unit are signs that the drain needs attention.
The outdoor unit: clear and well-ventilated
The outdoor unit expels heat to the outside. If it is partly blocked by vegetation or has dirty coil fins, it cannot work properly and efficiency drops.
- Check that no vegetation is touching the unit or blocking the air intake or outlet grilles.
- Make sure nothing is stored on top of or in front of the unit.
- If the coil fins look dirty, professional cleaning is recommended — do not pressure-wash without knowing the correct procedure.
Warning signs that something is wrong
There are signs users can spot before a unit fails or underperforms:
- New noises: clicking, excessive vibration or humming that was not there before.
- Smell on start-up: musty or burning smell when turning it on for the first time each season.
- Water dripping from the front of the indoor unit.
- Loss of performance: takes a long time to reach the set temperature, or never does.
- Higher electricity consumption: the unit runs longer to achieve the same result as before.
Any of these signs justifies a technical check before the hot weather sets in.
Holiday apartments and communities: higher standards
In holiday rental properties, maintenance is not optional: thermal comfort is one of the first things guests notice and review. A unit that fails in August can generate negative reviews and complaints. A pre-season check is a clear investment.
In residential communities or commercial premises with several units, an annual coordinated review allows problems to be caught before they escalate, and replacements to be planned without urgency.
What you can do and when to call a technician
Users can: clean the front-panel filter, check that the outdoor unit is clear and unobstructed, and verify that the remote control and programmes work correctly.
Call a technician when: water is dripping from the indoor unit, the unit makes unusual noises, it is not cooling or heating adequately, frost appears on the indoor unit, an error code is displayed, or no service has been carried out in more than two years.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash the filter with water?
If the filter is washable (most are), yes. Make sure it is completely dry before replacing it — a damp filter can cause odours and damage the evaporator.
What if the unit smells musty when I turn it on?
It may be the evaporator or the condensate tray. If the smell persists after a few minutes of running, it is advisable to have a technician inspect the unit.
How often does a unit need a refrigerant top-up?
A correctly installed unit with no leaks does not need periodic refills. If it is losing refrigerant, there is a leak that needs to be found and repaired, not just topped up.
Should I switch the unit off in winter?
Not necessarily, especially if you use it for heating. If it sits unused for months, keep it clean and make sure the outdoor unit does not accumulate leaves or debris.
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