Before Perth’s first serious heatwave arrives, it is worth giving your air conditioner a proper once-over.
A system can seem fine through spring, then show problems as soon as it is asked to run for hours at a time.
The best time to find those issues is before you really need the cooling.
Start Before the Heat Arrives
Do not wait until the first 35°C day to think about your air conditioner.
Use the milder weeks before summer to check how the system is performing and whether anything has changed since last season.
If you know the system has been noisy, slow to cool or overdue for maintenance, this is the time to deal with it.
Give It a Proper Test Run
Switch the system into cooling mode on a mild day and let it run long enough to see how it behaves.
Pay attention to the airflow, how quickly the room cools and whether the controller responds normally.
For ducted systems, test each zone as well.
If you notice weak airflow, unusual noises, strange smells, error codes or rooms cooling unevenly, it is better to investigate now than during the middle of a Perth heatwave.
Clean The Filters
Once you know the system is running, check the filters.
For wall-mounted split systems, these are usually behind the indoor-unit cover. For ducted systems, check the main return-air filter.
Dust and debris can restrict airflow and make the system work harder.
Clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure washable filters are completely dry before putting them back.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit also needs attention before summer.
Make sure it is not surrounded by leaves, garden growth, stored items or anything else that could restrict airflow.
Do not cover the unit while it is operating.
If it looks heavily dirty, damaged or you notice anything unusual, leave deeper cleaning and inspection to a qualified technician.
Check Your Controls and Zones
Summer is also a good time to make sure your controls still suit the way you use the home.
If you have ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning, check that each zone opens and closes properly and that airflow feels consistent.
If you use timers, Wi-Fi controls or smart zoning, review the schedules as well.
At Allfield RACS, we often find that what looks like a cooling problem is actually related to zoning, airflow or controls rather than the air conditioner itself.
Decide Whether It Needs a Service
Your air conditioner does not have to stop completely before it needs attention.
If it is taking longer to cool, running constantly, leaking water, making new noises or simply not performing the way it used to, it is worth booking a service before peak summer.
Our technicians check system performance, airflow and key components to identify problems before they turn into breakdowns.
Get Ready Before Perth Gets Hot
Preparing your air conditioner for summer does not need to be complicated.
Test it early, clean the filters, check the outdoor unit, review your zones and pay attention to anything that feels different.
If something does not seem right, deal with it while the weather is still mild.
At Allfield Residential Air Conditioning Services, we service and repair reverse-cycle ducted and wall-mounted split systems across the Perth metro area.
Want to make sure your system is ready before summer arrives?
Contact Allfield RACS to book a professional service or repair.