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A regular air conditioning service keeps your system efficient, reliable and clean. Dust, pollen and mould build up on filters and coils, drains block, and small refrigerant or electrical faults get worse if they’re not picked up. In Adelaide, the most common time to book is spring, so the system is ready before the first run of hot days.
SuperFox is an enquiry service. We pass your enquiry to one local air-conditioning technician, who calls you back and quotes. For more on air-con in Adelaide, see our air conditioning Adelaide hub.
Signs your air-con needs a service
- It’s been more than a year since the last service
- Airflow is weaker than it used to be
- It takes longer to cool or heat the room
- A musty or mouldy smell when it starts
- Water dripping from the indoor unit
- Unusual noises, rattles or vibration
- Higher power bills without a change in use
If the system isn’t cooling at all, is leaking water or shows an error code, it may need a repair rather than a service. Our guide on an aircon leaking or not cooling covers the common causes, and our air conditioner repair page explains how repairs work.
What’s included in an air conditioning service?
Every technician has their own checklist, but a typical service covers:
| Component | What’s checked or done |
|---|---|
| Filters | Removed, cleaned or replaced |
| Indoor coil | Inspected and cleaned (aircon cleaning) |
| Fan | Checked and cleaned; mould and dust removed |
| Condensate drain | Flushed and checked for blockages |
| Outdoor unit | Coil cleaned, debris cleared, fan checked |
| Electrical | Connections and controls checked |
| Performance | Temperatures, pressures and operation measured |
| Refrigerant | Signs of leaks checked |
A deeper aircon cleaning may involve removing more of the indoor unit, cleaning the fan barrel and coil thoroughly, and treating it to reduce mould. This is worth considering if the unit smells or hasn’t been cleaned in years.
Ducted air conditioning service
A ducted air conditioning service includes the return air filter, indoor unit in the roof space, outdoor unit, zone dampers and controller. The technician may also inspect accessible ductwork for damage or disconnection. Ducted systems in hot Adelaide roof spaces work hard, so checking duct connections and insulation matters. See our ducted air conditioning page for more on these systems.
Evaporative cooler service
Evaporative coolers are common on older Adelaide homes. An evaporative cooler service usually includes:
- cleaning or replacing the cooling pads
- draining and cleaning the water reservoir
- checking the pump, float valve and water supply
- checking the fan, motor and belt (if fitted)
- checking the bleed-off or drain valve
- looking for leaks and corrosion
Adelaide’s hard water leaves scale on pads and components over time, reducing cooling and airflow, so regular pad replacement and cleaning make a noticeable difference.
Air-con servicing in Adelaide
Adelaide summers put air-conditioners under heavy load, often for days in a row. A clogged filter or dirty coil makes the system work harder, uses more power and increases the chance of a breakdown during a heatwave, when technicians are busiest. Coastal homes see corrosion on outdoor units from salt air; homes near busy roads or in dusty areas clog filters faster. In the Hills, systems used mostly for heating benefit from a service before winter too.
What affects the price of an air conditioning service?
We don’t publish prices; the technician quotes before starting. Factors include:
- System type: split, multi head, ducted or evaporative
- Number of units
- Access: high walls, roof-mounted units or tight roof spaces
- Level of cleaning: a standard service or a deep clean
- Condition: heavy mould, blocked drains or neglected units take longer
- Parts: filters, pads or components needing replacement
Licences and what to ask the technician
Any work on the refrigerant circuit must be done by a technician holding a refrigerant handling licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), known as ARCtick. The ARC notes that a restricted split-system installation licence doesn’t cover servicing or repairs; those need a full refrigeration and air-conditioning licence. You can check a licence at lookforthetick.com.au. Electrical repairs need a licensed electrician.
Ask the technician:
- What does your service include, and is a deep clean extra?
- What ARC licence do you hold?
- Will you check refrigerant performance and for leaks?
- Will you give me a written service record for the manufacturer’s warranty?
- Did you find anything that needs repair, and can you quote separately?
Safe maintenance you can do yourself
Clean split system filters every few months during heavy use, following the manual. Keep leaves and plants clear of the outdoor unit. Vacuum the return air grille in ducted systems. If the system keeps tripping its circuit, see our page on safety switches and get an electrician to check it.
When to book
Spring is the busiest time to book a pre-summer service, so it pays to get in early, before the first heatwave. If the system is mostly used for heating, autumn is a good time for a check. Booking outside the peak season usually means more flexibility on appointment times.
Getting your air-con serviced
Send one enquiry through the contact form or call 08 6800 6079. Tell us the type of system and how many units. We pass the details to one local air-conditioning technician, who calls you back within 24–48 hours to quote.