Table of Contents
Quick Overview
Here is the quick overview on signs your air conditioner needs a deep cleaning:
- Signs it needs deep cleaning: Blowing weak or warm air, strange smells, frequent sickness or allergy flare-ups, weird noises and rising power bills
- A professional deep cleaning covers filters, coils, fans, drainage, sanitising, mould or pest checks, and airflow tests.
- Tips: clean the filters monthly, keep outdoor unit clear, schedule yearly professional cleans, watch for early warning signs.
- Regular cleaning boosts comfort, efficiency, and air quality while preventing costly repairs.
Everyone knows how brutal the summers can get, the kind that has people sweating before a brekkie. That’s why having an air conditioner running sweet is more important than ever. The reality is, just like a Ute or a BBQ, an aircon needs regular TLC to keep performing at its best.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs a Cleaning
If that dusty old unit on the wall has been ignored for too long, it’s time to take notice. A proper air conditioner cleaning can prevent a world of discomfort and stop power bills from skyrocketing. So, when is it time for a deep clean? Here’s which signs your air conditioner needs deep cleaning.
1. It’s Blowing Warm or Weak Air
When an air conditioner starts blowing lukewarm air or feels like it is barely working, it is a clear sign that something is wrong.
Why This Happens:
- Filters are clogged and restricting airflow
- Accumulated dust and dirt on the coils
- General lack of maintenance over time
The Fix: A proper deep clean clear out the filters, coils, and vents, restoring strong, cool airflow. This small action greatly improves its cooling power.
2. Strange Smells Coming from the Unit
If there is a musty, stale, or unpleasant odour when the air conditioner switches on, it needs attention.
What it Could Mean:
- Mould or mildew growing inside the system
- Dust build‑up mixed with trapped moisture
- There may even be critters or bugs nesting in there (yep, it happens more than you’d think in Brisbane homes)
The Fix: A thorough clean involves sanitising the internal parts, removing mould spores, and deodorising the system. Once completed, the air inside feels noticeably cleaner and more refreshing.
3. You’re Getting Sick More Often
Frequent headaches, sneezing, or throat irritation can sometimes be linked to the air conditioner circulating allergens and bacteria.
Signs to Look for:
- A sore throat or dry eyes indoors
- Sinus problems or worsening allergy symptoms
- A persistent dusty smell that does not go away
Why it matters: Poor indoor air quality can impact everyone in the home, particularly children, older adults, and people with asthma. A clean system helps create a healthier and safer indoor environment.
4. The Unit’s Making Weird Noises
An air conditioner should run smoothly and quietly. If it starts rattling, buzzing, or grinding, it is a sign that something is off.
Possible Causes:
- Loose or damaged components inside the unit
- Debris stuck in the fan or vents
- Your air conditioner has to work harder when there is a lot of dirt.
What to do: Booking a maintenance service along with a deep clean removes obstruction and helps spot early signs of wear, potentially saving on costly repairs later.
5. Your Power Bills are Skyrocketing
A sudden rise in energy bills, even without using the aircon more than usual, often means the system is overworking.
Why Cleaning Helps:
- Dirty units need more energy to cool the home
- Blocked filters and coils reduce efficiency
- A properly cleaned system can improve performance and lower energy consumption by up to 30 percent
Tip: Regular air conditioner cleaning in Brisbane Northside isn’t just good for the machine – it’s good for the wallet too.
Don’t Wait. Clean it Before it Carks It
Many homeowners delay AC cleaning until there is a major fault, turning a simple job into an expensive repair or even a replacement. A warm and humid conditions create an ongoing challenge, with mold, dust, and moisture often building up in air conditioning systems. Having a professional clean at least once a year, ideally before summer, keeps the unit reliable when it is needed most.
What’s Involved in a Deep Clean?
A professional deep clean should include:
- Removing and washing filters
- Cleaning coils and fan blades
- Flushing the drainage system
- Sanitising all internal components
- Checking for mould, pests, and water build‑up
- Testing overall performance and airflow
This is much more than a surface wipe; it is a full refresh for the entire system.
Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Aircon in Top Shape
- Clean filters monthly when using the system often
- Make sure the outdoor unit stays clear of leaves, dirt, and any other obstructions.
- Schedule a deep professional cleans every year
- Pay attention to unusual noises or smells, as they are early signs of trouble
Let the Pros Handle It
Staying on top of air conditioner maintenance is essential for comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. Scheduling regular deep cleaning ensures the system stays reliable throughout seasons and continues to provide clean, cool air when it is needed most.
Also Read: The Importance of Air Duct Cleaning for AC Repairs!
FAQs on Air Conditioner Deep Cleaning
1. What is the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning of AC?
A regular clean usually means wiping accessible parts and washing filters. A deep clean means cleaning coils, fans, drainage pipes, and hidden internal components, as well as sanitising the system to improve airflow and air quality.
2. How Long Does a Professional Deep Clean Take?
A thorough deep cleaning can approximately take between 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size and condition of the unit.
3. Is it More Cost-Effective to Clean or Replace an Old AC Unit?
If your AC is relatively new and still cooling, a deep cleaning is much cheaper than replacing it. However, if the system is very old and constantly breaking down, replacement might be the smarter long-term option.