How to properly maintain your air conditioner for summer

Why maintain your air conditioner? 

Regular maintenance is essential to: 

• Optimize the performance of your central air-conditioning system. 

• Reduce energy consumption and save on costs. 

• Extend the lifespan of your central or mobile air conditioner. 

• Improve air circulation and ambient air quality by eliminating bacteria, mould, and allergens. 

Proper maintenance also helps avoid many air-conditioning breakdowns that require a specialist! 

ALT: A woman peers inside her air-conditioning unit. 

What to do before maintainingyour air-conditioning unit?

Regardless of your type of air conditioner, two steps are necessary before starting: 

• Read the user manual received at purchase to know the specific instructions for your device. 

• Unplug the device. For central air conditioners, generally cut the power at the electrical box near the device or deactivate the circuit breaker. 

Why check your air conditioner filters?

The air filter of an air conditioner is as important as oil for an engine. A clogged filter reduces the air flow of the device and can cause major damage to the compressor. Regular maintenance ensures optimal efficiency.

Tips for effective summer maintenance

• Clean reusable filters with warm water. Ensure they are completely dry before reinstalling. 

• Replace disposable filters a few times during the summer. 

• Clean the grille covering the filters if you have a wall-mounted, window, or mobile air conditioner. 

• Ensure no obstacles (curtains, furniture) block air diffusion. 

• Consider dust exposure (pets, construction, etc.) to adjust cleaning frequency. 

• Consult the manufacturer’s instructions. 

What to do in case of musty odour?

If you smell a musty odour when you turn on your air conditioner, contact a specialist. You can reach out to a CAA-Quebec Approved Residential Supplier. They can thoroughly clean the condenser coil and evaporator. Do not neglect this for your comfort and health.   

How to maintain your individual air conditioner?

Installed in a window, part of the device is outside your home. 

• Clean the condenser once a year. 

• Remove dead leaves and debris. Use the air jet of a compressor set to low flow or a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. 

• Check the condensate drain line to avoid blockages.

Split air conditioners and heat pumps: Additional precautions

Wall-mounted or central air conditioners and heat pumps require particular and regular vigilance: 

• Vacuum debris stuck in the outer casing using a vacuum cleaner. No plant debris or other materials, such as paper, should block the air inside and around the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. 

• Clean the outdoor coil in spring and fall with a low-pressure garden hose. 

Have your ventilation and air-conditioning systems inspected and cleaned by a specialized company every three years. If you live near a dirt road or dusty area, you may need to do this more often. Do you have a large central heat pump that also serves for heating? Annual cleaning and performance tests are essential to keep it efficient all year round. 

Practical video on air conditioner maintenance

Do you have a central air-conditioning system? Watch the video “Maintaining Your Air Conditioner” published by Natural Resources Canada to see what maintenance you can do yourself. 

How to improve your air conditioner efficiency this summer?

Higher temperatures often lead to intensive use of your air conditioner. This could cause ice buildup. Here are some tips to optimize its operation during the hot season: 

• Close curtains or blinds during the hottest hours of the day to limit heat in the house. 

• Use fans in addition to better diffuse cool air. 

• Place the device in a ventilated area to prevent overheating. 

• Reduce your carbon footprint by setting your air conditioner to a moderate temperature (ideally around 25°C) to avoid excessive energy consumption. 

• Opt for eco-friendly refrigerants if you need to replace or maintain your device components, which reduces environmental impact. 

What to do to protect your air conditioner in winter?

• Cover your fixed outdoor unit with a protective cover or casing. 

• Store your window or mobile air conditioner indoors (garage, basement, shed). 

Did you know? 

A well-maintained air conditioner lasts longer! 

• Individual air conditioner: lifespan of 10 years or more. 

• Central system: can operate for 15 years or more. 

Need more tips for home maintenance?

Read our Seasonal Home Maintenance guide. Find other advice related to home: 

• Moving 

• Renovating 

• Buying a property