Melbourne is famously the city with four seasons in one day. For at-home climate control, having some split systems installed in your home is useful, convenient and a good money-saving idea. The temperature may drop ten degrees in a day, but no problem. Same unit, same control, switch from cool air to warm air at the touch of a button.

For something we use so often it is also a good idea to keep it clean and maintained, much like all the other appliances we have in our homes. However, while it may sound like a simple task, cleaning and maintaining your split system, there are some common mistakes that people make when doing so.

Maroondah Heating and Cooling have been helping Melbourne homes cope with our changeable weather for over 25 years. We have seen successful DIY maintenance, and some split systems which have been hurt by bad cleaning. We want to give you some hints and tips on how to take care of your split system so it remains in good working order for many years to come.

Why Should You Clean Your Split Systems

• Personal Health. Health and safety reasons are primary to your need to clean your split system regularly. Any system that heats or cools air, can be a potential breeding ground for dust, mould and bacteria. Then it can circulate those contaminates through your home. Cleaning your split system with antiseptic, not just warm water, can kill these nasties, ensuring you’re not breathing in spores and becoming unwell. Also, continual lack of maintenance will have these spores and dust constantly circulating through your home. If you do get sick, that illness can stay with you for weeks.

• Saving Money. A clean split system is also a well operating system. It works as energy efficiently as possible. This can help shave money from your power bills. In our hot summers when air conditioning is a life saver, your split system can sometimes be one from the moment you wake up in the morning to, sometimes, well after you’ve gone to sleep. If you can save money by having a clean split system, then that is a win for you.

• Longer Lasting. Working cleanly and efficiently also extends the lifespan of your split system. If your system doesn’t have to work hard cycling air through clogged filters, there is less strain on the motor. This is good news for more years of refreshing cool air.

• Reduced Odours. Split systems recirculate the air in your home. They drag the warm air out, refrigerate it and then blow it back in, or do the opposite to warm it. Having a clean split system can help reduce odours by filtering them as they move through the unit. A dirty filter could even add to the dirty air, so cleaning it is good for your indoor environment.

When Should You Clean Your Split System

There is generally a few weeks between the coldest months of winter and the blistering heat of summer where we generally don’t need to use our split systems. This is the perfect time to clean them.

Coming into summer you could pick a day in October or November. Heading into winter, March or April would be the perfect months to clean.

On top of this preparation clean for the season, we recommend cleaning and checking your filters every two weeks during high usage times. The more you use your split systems, the more likely dirt and mould and other contaminants will be trapped in the filter.

We also recommend a deep clean and a professional service every couple of years. This helps with your unit’s longevity and we can pick up any issues that a DIY person may not pick up.

What are Common Cleaning Mistakes

1. Not turning the power off. This is true. People have started to clean their split systems with warm water, and it has still been turned on. You need to turn the split system off, unplug as well if you can, to prevent electrical shock to you, and electrical damage to the unit itself.
   
2. Not drying filters. Washing the filters is great, but you need to give them time to fully dry. Putting damp filters back into the unit will encourage the growth of mold and bacteria. This will cause musty odours to circulate through your home, and be an ongoing health hazard.
   
3. Using water that is too hot. You need to use warm water, not hot. Generally, any water hotter than 40 degrees risks warping the plastic mesh on the filters.
   
4. Using a pressure washer on the outdoor unit. While it may seem a convenient idea to wash with your pressure washer, you risk damaging the condenser fins. This can restrict airflow and reduce your unit’s efficiency.
   
5. Using harsh chemicals. When cleaning your split system never use harsh cleaning chemicals, bleach or strong detergent. You run the risk of corroding the aluminium coils, permanently damaging your unit. Use either a mild pH-neutral cleaner, or just warm water.
   
6. Ignoring the drainage pipe. If you don’t clean out the condensation line, it can get blocked. This can cause damage and leak, and encourage the growth of mould.
   
7. Only cleaning inside. You need to clean the condenser unit that sits outside of your home. It’s the unit that drives the hot and cold air that blows in through your split system. Clean out the leaves and dirt and give it a wash.

How to Clean Your Split System

Cleaning your split system is a remarkably easy job to do.

1. Turn off the power and unplug your system from the wall. This helps prevent electrical damage to you and to your system.
   
2. Remove the filters and wash in warm soapy water. Don’t use harsh chemicals. Allow them to fully dry before reinserting them into the system.
   
3. Use a vacuum to clean the indoor coils. Do this gently to avoid any unintended damage.
   
4. Wipe down the unit with antibacterial wipes.
   
5. Clean the outdoor unit by removing leaves and other debris. Vacuum or wash the metal fins gently, avoiding any bending of them.
   
6. Clean the drain line of any blockages.
   
7. Ensure everything is dry before reassembling. This stops the growth of bacteria or mould and keeps the unit safe to use all year round.

Keeping your split system clean means it will work better and for longer, and this keeps you warm in winter or cool in summer. Or both in one day, knowing Melbourne’s weather. Remember that if there is something more urgent with your split system, other than a clean, give our team a call and we’ll be there to service, repair, or perform some regular maintenance for you.

Let Maroondah Heating & Cooling create your perfect climate.

FAQ

Q: What is a split system air conditioner?

A split system consists of two components an indoor fan coil unit and an outdoor condenser. The two work together to cool or heat a room by transferring air between the inside and outside of your home.

Q: What size split system do I need?

The right size depends on several factors including the size of the room, ceiling height, insulation, window placement, and orientation of the space. Maroondah Heating & Cooling can assess your home and recommend the correct capacity unit.

Q: How long does installation take?

A standard single split system installation is typically completed within a day. More complex multi-head installations may take longer depending on the property.

Q: Do you offer interest-free payment options?

Yes. Maroondah Heating & Cooling offers interest-free payment options through Zip Pay, Latitude, and Humm, with no deposit required.

Q: Do you service and repair split systems as well as install them?

Yes. Maroondah Heating & Cooling has a dedicated service division with qualified technicians who handle both repairs and routine maintenance for all split system brands.