Preparing Your Air Conditioner For The New Year: Maintenance Checklist

As Brisbane rolls into another scorching summer, the New Year is the perfect time to make sure your air conditioning system is ready to handle the heat. After the holidays, many homes go back to their normal routines, and it’s a great chance to check that everything’s running smoothly so you don’t end up sweating through January. Your AC works hard through the summer months, and regular check-ups help avoid sudden breakdowns when you need it most.

Preparing early gives your system the best shot at handling the long, hot days ahead. Brisbane’s warm and humid climate means your AC isn’t just a luxury, it’s part of daily comfort. Whether you're coming back from Christmas leave or getting the kids ready for the new school year, having a reliable cooling system makes life a lot easier. A bit of attention now can save you from dealing with bigger problems down the track.

Inspection Of The Unit

After running almost daily in spring and summer, your AC might have picked up a few issues. Give it a proper look inside and out, not as a DIY job, but just to be aware of anything that looks off so a tech can assess it properly. Systems that sit outside are exposed to sun, rain, leaves, and pests, and that build-up can wear down parts fairly quickly without you even noticing.

Here’s what typically needs to be checked:

- Ducted vents or the outdoor unit should be clear of plants or obstructions

- The outdoor unit casing should be intact, with no visible rust or animal damage

- Wiring and pipes should be secured and never hanging loose

- Indoor vents shouldn’t have any sign of mould or dust buildup

- Uneven airflow or strange smells from the unit can point to deeper problems

Having a technician look over the system at the start of the year gives you peace of mind. They can properly open the unit, check technical parts like the motor and fan blades, and spot signs of stress before they lead to a breakdown. This is especially helpful if your AC seemed to be lagging in performance over the Christmas break.

Cleaning And Replacing Filters

The start of the year is also a good time to deal with your filters, which often get blocked up faster over summer. Dust, pollen, and moisture can gather while your system is running on high, especially if you’ve had a house full of visitors over the holidays.

When filters are dirty, your AC has to work harder to keep the temperature down. That can reduce the flow of cool air and increase your energy use without you realising. It also affects your indoor air quality, which is something to stay on top of when allergies or humidity are already making things uncomfortable.

Rather than guessing when or how to clean them, it’s a good idea to have a professional assess the condition of your filters. They can:

- Remove and check the filter for wear or mould growth

- Clean reusable filters thoroughly using safe and proper methods

- Replace disposable filters with the correct new type for your unit

- Look at how often the home’s conditions may require filter changes

A clean filter helps your air conditioning system breathe better and work more efficiently. It also reduces the risk of blowing dust and debris through the home while you’re trying to keep things comfortable.

Thermostat Check

Once your AC’s more mechanical parts are sorted, it’s time to look at the thermostat. This small part often gets overlooked, but it controls how your whole system runs. If it’s out of whack, you might find the unit takes too long to cool the room or never really shuts off properly. That kind of behaviour can cost more and leave you feeling uncomfortable even when the AC’s been on for hours.

To keep things on track during Brisbane’s hottest days, a technician can test that the thermostat is reading the room temperature correctly and sending the right signals to the unit. Sometimes the thermostat itself is fine, but its placement on the wall isn’t ideal, like if it’s near a window or heat source. These are small things, but they make a big difference to how well your AC performs.

If you’re still using an older model, this might be the year to think about upgrading. Smart thermostats can give you more control, even when you’re out of the house. They help schedule run times, which saves energy and protects the system from working overtime during heatwaves. For example, you could set it to start cooling just before the kids get home from school, instead of running full blast all day.

These upgrades aren't just for tech lovers. They’re genuinely helpful for keeping the home comfortable without constant fiddling. A tech can walk you through the best settings for summer temps in Brisbane and make sure the installation’s handled safely.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Even if your system’s working alright now, skipping a proper service can lead to trouble down the line. Regular professional maintenance is what keeps the system running smoothly when it’s under stress from high temps and long hours. Whether it’s ducted, split or multi-head, all systems benefit from being checked over by someone who knows the ins and outs.

A good maintenance visit usually includes:

- Testing the refrigerant levels to make sure the system’s cooling properly

- Checking the compressor and fan motors for faults or wear

- Inspecting electrical connections and tightening if needed

- Clearing drainage lines and drip trays to prevent leaks

- Reviewing controller and remote functions for responsiveness

This kind of service picks up issues early, before they get worse. Maybe there’s a squealing noise you’ve almost tuned out, or the airflow seems less forceful than last year. These small signs can point to a bigger problem brewing inside the unit. Addressing it during scheduled maintenance is way easier and cheaper than dealing with a full breakdown in the middle of January.

The other major bonus is knowing your system is running energy-efficiently. If it’s clean, well-sealed and correctly calibrated, you’re less likely to see surprise jumps in your energy bill. That peace of mind makes it easier to enjoy summer for what it should be – relaxed, not stressful.

Get Your Cooling Sorted Before Things Heat Up

Getting your AC ready for Brisbane’s peak summer period isn’t just about comfort. It’s about preventing headaches later. From filter swaps to thermostat updates, every part plays a role in how well your system handles the heat. A bit of planning now saves you from stewing in frustration when the temperatures hit their peak.

The New Year is a natural point to reset and take stock of what needs looking after around the home. Your air conditioning system has worked hard, and giving it the care it needs at this point in the season can help it keep going strong. You’ll be ready for the hottest days and better equipped to deal with anything the Brisbane summer dishes out.

If you're looking to get ahead of the heat this summer, now’s the time to book a service with Electrical Embassy. Whether it’s updating your thermostat or giving the system a thorough clean, our team has you covered. For reliable and efficient air conditioning in Brisbane, we’re here to help keep your home cool and comfortable all season long.