This guide breaks down what most reputable technicians include, what they often flag as extra, and what a homeowner or property manager should clarify before booking.
What does a “standard air conditioning service” usually mean in Sydney?
For air conditioning service sydney, a standard service usually means an on-site inspection, light cleaning, and operational testing to confirm the unit is safe, efficient, and cooling or heating as expected. They aim to prevent breakdowns, improve airflow, and catch wear before it becomes a costly failure.
It is generally not the same as a repair call-out for a known fault, nor a full chemical coil restoration.
What happens when the technician arrives and assesses the system?
They typically start by confirming the system type (split, ducted, multi-split), the symptoms (if any), and access to indoor and outdoor units. They may ask how often filters are cleaned, how long the problem has been happening, and whether power has tripped recently.
They also check the installation area for clearances, drainage issues, and signs of weather exposure or corrosion.
What basic safety and electrical checks are included?
Most standard visits include visual and basic electrical checks to spot common risks. They may inspect isolator switches, wiring condition, and any obvious heat damage or loose connections.
They usually verify the system starts, runs, and shuts down correctly through the controller, and they may check for unusual smells or sounds that suggest electrical or motor strain.
What filter cleaning and indoor airflow checks are typically done?
Filter cleaning is one of the most consistent inclusions in a standard service. They normally remove, wash, and refit reusable filters, then check that airflow feels normal at the vents or indoor head.
They may also check for dust buildup on indoor grilles and note if a deeper clean is needed due to heavy contamination, pets, renovations, or smoking indoors.
Do technicians clean the indoor unit coils and fan in a standard service?
They often do a light clean where accessible, but they do not always perform a full pull-down clean as part of a standard visit. A standard service might include wiping accessible surfaces and inspecting the indoor coil and blower for visible buildup.
If there is heavy mould, odour, or impacted airflow, they usually recommend an add-on deep clean that involves more disassembly and time.
What checks are performed on the outdoor unit?
They typically clear debris around the condenser, check the unit is level, and inspect the coil condition. They may gently clean the outdoor coil surface if it is dusty and accessible, since blocked fins can reduce heat transfer and raise running costs.
They also listen for abnormal compressor or fan noises and check for vibration or damaged mounts.
Is refrigerant (gas) checked or topped up during a standard visit?
They usually check for signs of low refrigerant through performance readings and visible inspection, not by automatically topping it up. If the system appears low, they should treat it as a leak investigation rather than a routine “regas.”
Many providers charge extra for leak detection, pressure testing, and refrigerant supply, because refrigerant loss is not considered normal operation.
What performance testing is included (temperature, pressure, and operation)?
They usually test heating and cooling operation, measure supply air temperature, and confirm the system responds correctly to controls. Some technicians also take basic pressure and electrical readings depending on access and the equipment.
They use these checks to identify early signs of restricted airflow, dirty coils, failing capacitors, sensor faults, or compressor stress.
Do they inspect condensate drains and water leaks?
Yes, many standard services include checking the drain line and tray for blockages or overflow risk. In Sydney’s humid periods, blocked drains are a common reason for water leaks, staining, and mould.
They may flush the drain if it is partially blocked, but clearing stubborn blockages or replacing damaged drain components is often treated as additional work.
Will they check the thermostat or controller settings?
They usually confirm the controller is functioning, batteries are fine (if applicable), and settings make sense for the space. They may also check that modes, fan speeds, and louvre functions operate correctly.
If the unit has zoning, timers, or Wi‑Fi controls, they may verify basics, but full app setup or network troubleshooting is often out of scope for a standard visit.
What is usually not included in a standard air conditioning service?
A standard service typically excludes major repairs, parts replacement, and labour-heavy deep cleaning. It also commonly excludes refrigerant top-ups, leak repairs, and electrical component replacement unless quoted and approved.
Duct cleaning, ceiling access work, replacing insulation, and fixing airflow design issues are also usually separate services.
How long should a standard service take in Sydney?
A typical split system service often takes around 45 to 90 minutes, depending on condition and access. Ducted systems can take longer because there are more components to check, and some items may be in tight roof spaces.
If the unit is heavily soiled or difficult to access, they may recommend booking extra time or an upgraded service.
What should they provide at the end of the visit?
They should clearly explain what they cleaned, what readings looked like, and whether anything is likely to fail soon. Many technicians also provide a short report or invoice notes listing observed issues and recommendations.
They should also leave the system running properly, tidy the area, and advise how often filters should be cleaned between services.
What questions should be asked before booking a service?
They should be asked what is included, what counts as an extra, and whether pricing is fixed or variable based on system condition. It also helps to ask whether the service includes indoor filter cleaning, outdoor coil cleaning, drain checks, and basic electrical testing.
If they mention refrigerant, they should be asked how they handle suspected leaks and whether they provide upfront quotes for leak detection and repairs.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What does a standard air conditioning service in Sydney typically include?
A standard air conditioning service in Sydney usually involves an on-site inspection, light cleaning of filters and accessible components, basic performance checks to ensure the unit is operating safely and efficiently, and identifying potential issues early. It focuses on preventing breakdowns and improving airflow rather than major repairs or deep internal cleaning. Click here to learn about emergency Aircon repairs in greater Sydney: when to call a technician.
Are refrigerant levels checked or topped up during a standard air conditioning service?
During a standard service, technicians typically check for signs of low refrigerant through performance assessments but do not automatically top up refrigerant. If low levels are suspected, they recommend leak detection and repair as these services are usually extra and not part of routine maintenance.
What safety and electrical checks are performed during a standard air conditioning service?
Technicians perform visual inspections of isolator switches, wiring condition, and look for any heat damage or loose connections. They verify that the system starts, runs, and shuts down correctly using the controller and listen for unusual sounds or smells indicating electrical or motor strain.
Does a standard service include cleaning the indoor unit coils and fan?
A standard service often includes light cleaning of accessible surfaces such as wiping the indoor coil and blower fan. However, full deep cleaning involving disassembly is generally considered an add-on service recommended if there is heavy mould, odour, or impacted airflow.
How long does a typical air conditioning service take in Sydney?
For split systems, a standard service usually takes between 45 to 90 minutes depending on system condition and accessibility. Ducted systems may require longer due to more components and tighter spaces requiring inspection.
What should I ask before booking an air conditioning service in Sydney?
Before booking, ask what the standard service includes versus extras, whether pricing is fixed or variable based on system condition, if indoor filter cleaning, outdoor coil cleaning, drain checks, and electrical testing are covered. Also inquire about how they handle suspected refrigerant leaks and if they provide upfront quotes for leak detection and repairs.