When the mercury rises, every Aussie knows the relief of stepping into a cool, air-conditioned home. But here’s the catch, if you don’t clean your air conditioner, it won’t cool properly, it will chew through electricity, and it may even give up  on you when you need it most. Regular cleaning keeps your unit efficient, improves the air quality in your home, and saves you money on power bills.

Here are seven straightforward cleaning tips every Australian homeowner should follow.

1. Turn Off the Power First

Always cut the power before you start. Switch the unit off at the wall and, if possible, flick the circuit breaker as well. Air conditioners run on electricity, and even a quick wipe-down can go wrong if the system’s still live. Once you’ve switched it off, you can clean without risking a shock or damaging the system.

2. Wash or Replace the Filters

Filters clog up fast. Dust, pet hair, pollen, and even coastal salt collect on them and block airflow. A clogged filter forces the unit to work harder, which means higher power bills. It also blows dirty air back into your home.

Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the filters every month or two during summer. Here’s how you do it:

• Open the front panel of the indoor unit.
• Slide the filter out, it’s usually a fine mesh.
• Vacuum it gently or wash it under lukewarm water.
• If it’s greasy, add a drop of mild detergent.
• Let it dry completely before sliding it back in.

Mr Emergency Air Conditioning suggests cleaning your filters every month or two, and swapping out disposable ones every three to six months. Keeping filters clean can improve efficiency by up to 15 per cent, a big difference when you’re running the aircon daily.

3. Wipe Down Louvres and Vents

Dust loves to settle on vents and louvres. When the fan kicks in, that dust blows straight into your living room. You’ll notice more sneezing, itchy eyes, or just that “stale air” feeling.

Grab a damp microfibre cloth and wipe the vents and louvres. For tricky corners, a soft brush or even a paintbrush works well. Move the louvres up and down to check they aren’t jammed. Keeping these clean ensures better airflow and fresher air.

4. Clear the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor condenser does the heavy lifting, and it can’t do its job if leaves, grass, or dirt clog it up. Many Aussie homes have condensers sitting near fences, under decks, or next to garden beds, all spots where debris builds up quickly.

Tidy it up by:

• Raking away leaves, twigs, and mulch.
• Brushing dirt off the grille and fins.
• Keeping plants trimmed at least 60 cm away.

Good airflow around the condenser keeps the compressor cool. Since the compressor is the most expensive part to replace, a little cleaning here saves a lot of money later.

5. Keep the Drain Line Clear

Air conditioners pull moisture out of the air. That water drains through a pipe, usually leading outside. If the line clogs with dirt or algae, the water backs up. You’ll end up with leaks, stains on your wall, or even mould.

Check the drain outlet outside your home. Water should drip freely when the unit runs. If it doesn’t, flush the line with warm soapy water. For stubborn blockages, a wet-dry vacuum does the trick. In humid regions like Queensland or the Top End, check this more often because drains block faster.

6. Pay Attention to Smells and Noises

Cleaning time doubles as inspection time. As you wipe and clear the unit, notice what you smell and hear.

• A musty odour points to moisture and dirt in the system.
• A burning smell may signal electrical problems.
• Grinding, rattling, or banging sounds often mean a loose or worn part.

Don’t ignore these signs. They tell you the unit needs professional attention before it fails completely.

7. Book a Professional Service

You can handle basic cleaning, but you can’t reach everything inside the system. Coils, fans, and refrigerant levels need a trained technician. A licensed aircon specialist will:

• Deep-clean internal parts.
• Check the refrigerant and top it up if required.
• Test electrical connections and controls.
• Make sure the unit complies with current Australian safety standards.

Schedule a professional service once a year, ideally in spring. That way, your system is in top condition before summer hits hard.

Bonus Tip: Watch Your Energy Rating

After cleaning, keep an eye on performance and energy use. If your aircon still struggles, runs constantly, or sends power bills soaring, it may be time for an upgrade. Newer models come with better energy star ratings and inverter technology. Even jumping from a 2-star to a 5-star system can save hundreds on annual running costs in long summers.

Why Aircon Cleaning Matters in Australia

Aircon cleaning isn’t just about comfort, it’s about health, safety, and cost savings. Here’s why it matters:

• Cleaner air: No dust, pollen, or bacteria blowing through your house.
• Cheaper bills: A clean unit uses less electricity.
• Longer lifespan: Less strain means fewer breakdowns.
• Safer operation: Regular checks prevent leaks and electrical faults.

Think of it the same way you think about servicing your car. Skipping maintenance costs more in the long run.

Prepare Your Aircon Before the Heat Hits

Air conditioners aren’t a luxury, they’re essential. By cleaning filters, vents, outdoor units, and drain lines, you keep your system running efficiently and your home comfortable. Add in an annual professional service, and you’ll enjoy cool, clean air without nasty surprises on your electricity bill.

So, before summer arrives, grab a cloth, check your filters, and give your aircon some attention. A little effort now means fewer headaches later and a much cooler home when the heatwave rolls in.