Installing and Maintaining an HVAC System

Winter Air Conditioner Maintenance: A Quick Guide for Renters

7 July 2017

Aaron Kennedy

Without the ability to upgrade cooling or install solar panels, renters are set to suffer as electricity prices soar. While channelling your inner Scandinavian this winter and hibernating with a mulled wine may be tempting, maintaining your rental air-con now can save you lots of cash and headaches when the summer sun reappears.

Don't just vent about it

Dust and dirt naturally settles on the vents and coils of your air conditioner. This gradually reduces energy efficiency, as the unit needs to work harder to keep your home at an optimal temperature in the Australian summer heat. Filthy coils may even pose a fire hazard. Following the maintenance instructions for your unit, give the indoor fan vents and coils a good clean. Make sure that you chat with your landlord or rental agent before doing any major maintenance on the air conditioner in your rental property—if you're lucky, they'll do the dirty work for you!

Filters aren't just for Snapchat

The indoor air conditioning unit has air filters to catch airborne nasties such as dust, allergens and bacteria to keep the air fresh. If this is left to build up, the air conditioner will be less efficient, more expensive, less healthy and more likely to fail while labouring in the peak heat of summer. Sacrifice ten minutes in between Netflix binges this winter to give your air conditioner filter a thorough clean. To do this, simply switch the power off to the unit, remove the filter/s and give them a gentle tap outside to dislodge the majority of the gunk, before vacuuming the rest. Now set a reminder in your phone to do this regularly, and you'll save yourself dollars on your energy bill, as well as keeping the air quality high. Filters need to be replaced periodically, so let your landlord know if you think that the filter in your air conditioning unit is ready for a change.

Call in the professionals

If you notice any damage while giving your air conditioner a seasonal clean, it's important that you notify your landlord or rental agency so a trained professional can perform any repairs. Your unit should be serviced every few years by a professional, who will check the thermostat and refrigerant levels as well as giving the external coils a good clean. If your unit hasn't been serviced for a while, check your tenancy agreement for details about service regularity before contacting your landlord or rental agency—it's in their best interest to keep the unit maintained for longevity, while your interest is in keeping your energy bill as cool as your thermostat this summer.

For more information on the responsibility for repairs and maintenance in rental properties, contact the housing department in your state or territory.

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