5 things you should clean on your split system every quarter

Manufacturer warranties on split systems require the owner to keep the unit clean. Most people don't. That's why splits die at 8-10 years when they should last 15+. Five minutes of quarterly maintenance doubles the life of your unit. Here's the drill.

1. Wash the indoor filter

Lift the front cover of the indoor unit, slide out the plastic filter mesh. Vacuum it, then wash it in warm soapy water. Air-dry, slide back in. This alone saves 15-20% on running cost.

2. Wipe the indoor face and louvres

Damp cloth, mild detergent. The louvres collect dust and grease from cooking. If they're gummy the unit runs harder to push air past. Two minute job.

3. Clear the outdoor unit

Weeds, leaves, dust, spider webs, clear anything within 30 cm of the outdoor unit. It needs airflow to shed heat. Vacuum the fins with a brush attachment (careful, they bend easily). No pressure washer.

4. Check the condensate drain

The little pipe that drips water when the unit runs. Should drip freely. If it's blocked, water backs up into the indoor unit and eventually stains your ceiling. Poke a wire down the outlet, run the unit for 5 minutes, confirm water flows.

5. Run it in heat for 10 minutes at the start of every season

Even in summer, kicks the reversing valve, keeps the compressor oil circulating. Same in winter for cool. Prevents seals drying out from disuse.

What we do that you can't

Every 2-3 years we recommend a professional service, deep clean of the evaporator coil, gas pressure check, thermistor calibration, drain flush. $280 + GST. Extends life another 3-5 years and keeps efficiency at spec.

Book a service any time, we bundle multiple units at the same address if you've got splits in bedrooms plus a living-room unit.