“If it’s still working and cooling the room, why should I pay someone to look at it?”
If that’s crossed your mind, you’re not alone. A lot of Aussie homeowners and business owners think the same. After all, if your aircon seems to be working, it’s easy to assume everything’s fine.
But here’s the truth, most people don’t realise:
By the time your aircon stops working, it’s usually too late to avoid a big repair bill.
At Chilko AIR, we’ve seen it all. From clogged filters that wreck airflow to unnoticed gas leaks that send energy bills soaring. And most of it? Totally preventable with a simple, routine service.
In this blog, you’ll learn why aircon servicing matters, what’s involved, how often you should do it, and what could go wrong if you skip it. All of this so you can make an informed decision about AC servicing.
If It’s Still Working, Why Bother with a Service?
We get it. If your aircon is still pumping out cool air, it’s easy to assume everything is running smoothly. But here’s the thing: aircon systems can still operate while quietly building up problems behind the scenes.
Think of it like your car. Just because it starts and drives today doesn’t mean it doesn’t need oil changes or tyre checks. Skip those, and you’ll end up on the side of the road. Same goes for your aircon. Just because it’s working now doesn’t mean it’s working well or efficiently.
Here’s what “still working” might be hiding:
- Dust and debris buildup in filters or internal coils that slowly strangle airflow.
- Minor refrigerant leaks that reduce cooling power and force the system to work harder.
- Wear and tear on parts like fan motors and electrical components that could fail suddenly.
- Higher energy use without you even realising it—until your next power bill arrives.
In many cases, customers only call when the system completely stops working. By then, what could’ve been a quick, affordable tune-up turns into a pricey repair—or worse, a full replacement.
Servicing is less about fixing and more about preventing.
It’s a small cost now that protects you from big costs later. And honestly? It saves you a lot of stress when summer heat hits hard and everyone else is scrambling to get a technician.
What Actually Happens During an Aircon Service?
One of the biggest reasons people skip servicing is because they don’t actually know what’s involved. Fair enough—if it just sounds like someone “having a look,” it’s hard to see the value.
But a proper aircon service is a lot more than a quick glance. Here’s what a licensed technician from Chilko AIR (or any quality provider) will typically do:
1. Clean or Replace Filters
Filters are the first line of defence against dust and allergens. If they’re clogged, your aircon has to work harder, which means higher power bills and less effective cooling.
2. Check and Clean the Indoor Unit
That includes the evaporator coils, which can collect dust and mould over time. A dirty coil means poor heat exchange and potential health issues from airborne contaminants.
3. Inspect the Outdoor Unit
Leaves, dirt, and grime can build up around your outdoor unit. Cleaning this out keeps the condenser coils clear, helping your system release heat efficiently.
4. Check Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant (aka gas) reduces cooling power and could point to a leak. Handling refrigerant legally and safely requires a licensed technician.
5. Test Electrical Components
Loose wires or worn-out parts can cause failures or short circuits. A service checks these before they turn into bigger issues.
6. Test the Thermostat and Controls
Your system should respond accurately to your settings and keep the temperature steady.
7. Check for Drainage Issues
Blocked condensate drains can lead to leaks and water damage. This is a simple but critical part of the check.
5 Benefits of Regular Aircon Servicing
Here’s what you actually get out of servicing:
1. Lower Energy Bills
A well-maintained system uses less electricity to cool your space.
2. Stronger, More Reliable Cooling
Clean filters, proper gas levels, and clear airflow all help your system cool quickly and evenly.
3. Longer System Life
Servicing reduces wear and tear, helping your unit last longer and perform better over time.
4. Fewer Breakdowns
Catching small issues early keeps them from turning into expensive emergencies.
5. Healthier Air
Dust, mould, and bacteria are common in neglected systems. Servicing keeps the air in your home clean and safe to breathe.
What Happens If You Skip AC Servicing?
Here’s what you’re risking by putting it off:
- Higher energy costs from reduced efficiency
- Weaker performance and longer cooling times
- Increased wear on parts, leading to breakdowns
- Sudden failures during hot weather
- Costly repairs or early replacement of your unit
Skipping a service might save money now, but it usually costs you more later.
Can You Do It Yourself or Do You Need a Professional?
It’s a fair question. If your aircon is accessible and seems to be working, why not just handle it yourself?
There are definitely some things you can and should do on your own. But there’s also a hard line where professional servicing becomes essential. Not just for performance, but for safety and compliance.
What You Can Do Yourself:
- Clean the Filters
This is the big one. Dirty filters restrict airflow, make your system work harder, and push your power bill up. Most filters can be slid out, cleaned with warm water, dried, and popped back in. Aim to do this every 2–3 months during heavy use.
- Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
Make sure the unit outside isn’t surrounded by leaves, grass, or clutter. Good airflow around the outdoor system helps it cool efficiently.
- Wipe Down the Indoor Unit
Dust around the vents or front panel can be gently cleaned using a damp cloth. Just don’t open anything up beyond the filters.
What Needs a Licensed Technician:
- Deep Internal Cleaning
Coils, drain pans, and fans inside your system can collect dust, mould, and bacteria. Cleaning these properly requires disassembly and knowledge of the unit’s internals—something best left to a trained tech.
- Refrigerant Level Checks
Low gas means poor performance and rising power bills. But handling refrigerant isn’t a DIY job—it’s illegal and dangerous without the proper licences.
- Electrical Component Testing
Servicing includes inspecting wiring, capacitors, and controls. A loose wire or faulty part might not be obvious until it causes a breakdown—or worse, a safety hazard.
- Performance and Pressure Tests
Technicians run diagnostics that help catch problems before they turn into repairs. These tools and know-how aren’t something you’ll find in a basic toolkit.
Doing your part helps keep things running day to day, but only a professional can spot deeper issues and make sure your aircon is safe, efficient, and operating as it should.
Is Aircon Servicing Worth It?
Definitely! Servicing your aircon once a year isn’t just a maintenance task. It’s for your peace of mind.
Servicing isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about keeping things running so they don’t break in the first place.
It saves you money, extends your system’s lifespan, and ensures you’re not left sweating through a summer breakdown or paying for unnecessary repairs.
Need help with a service? Chilko AIR is here to make it simple. Whether it’s a one-off check-up or regular maintenance, our friendly, qualified techs are ready to keep your system running like new.
Book your service with Chilko AIR today and enjoy cool, stress-free comfort all year round.
Call us or book online. It’s quick, easy, and totally worth it.