Home Maintenance for Busy Owners: Your No-Fuss Aircon Cleaning Checklist
Maintenance is important to ensure that first blast of cool air on a sweltering day is pure relief. But what happens when your trusty aircon starts to smell musty or just isn’t pushing out air like it used to? A professionally cleaned aircon is key to avoiding that summer frustration and ensuring you have peace of mind when you need it most.
As busy homeowners, we know your to-do list is a mile long. That’s why we at Zamp have created a quick, no-fuss guide to help you know what to tackle yourself and when it’s time to call in a cleaning professional.
The Before-Summer Blitz (Do This Now!)
Get your system ready for the workout ahead.
Your 5-Minute DIY Check:
- Clean the Filters: This is the single most important job you can do for air quality and efficiency. Pop open the indoor unit’s front panel, slide out the filters, and give them a good wash in the sink with gentle soap. Let them dry completely before putting them back.
- Clear the Outdoor Unit: Your outdoor unit needs to breathe. Trim back any encroaching bushes, grass, or weeds (aim for at least 60cm of clear space all around). Remove any built-up leaves or debris from the top and sides.
- Give it a Test Run: Don’t wait for the first 35°C day. Turn your aircon on now for an hour. Do you notice any musty smells or see any dust coming from the vents? It’s better to identify a cleaning issue now than in the middle of a heatwave.
When to Call a Cleaning Pro Like Zamp:
- You notice a persistent musty or “off” smell that a simple filter clean doesn’t fix. This often points to mold or bacteria buildup deep inside the unit.
- You can see dust or mold on the internal fan blades or grilles that you can’t reach.
- The airflow seems weak or uneven, even with clean filters.
- It’s been over a year since your last professional deep clean.
A professional deep cleaning from Zamp flushes out the hidden grime, sanitizes the system, and means you’re breathing cleaner, healthier air.
The After-Summer Wind-Down (Do This When It Cools Off)
Show your aircon some love after a long, hot season of service.
Your 5-Minute DIY Check:
- One More Filter Clean: Give the filters one last clean to remove the season’s worth of dust and pollen before the unit sits idle over the cooler months.
- Wipe Down the Unit: Give the external casing of the indoor and outdoor units a quick wipe-down.
When to Call a Cleaning Pro Like Zamp:
- If you noticed any stale smells or reduced airflow during summer. A post-season deep clean is the perfect way to reset your unit, preventing mold from growing while it’s not in use.
- To ensure it’s spotless and ready for immediate action the moment you need it next season.
What NOT to Do Yourself (Seriously!)
While cleaning is our specialty, your safety is paramount. For mechanical or electrical issues, you must hire a different licensed professional. Never attempt the following yourself:
- Handle refrigerant. This is a hazardous chemical that requires a licensed refrigeration mechanic.
- Open up the electrical panels or mess with the wiring. This is a job for a licensed electrician only.
- Use a high-pressure washer on the outdoor unit’s fins. They are extremely delicate and easily damaged, which will choke your system’s airflow and could require a costly repair.
Simple DIY filter cleaning and professional deep cleans from Zamp can save you hassle and give you the peace of mind that your home will be a cool, clean, and comfortable sanctuary all summer long