What happens during aircon servicing? A first visit, step by step

What happens during aircon servicing?

During a premium aircon service, the technician checks the unit, fits a wash bag, takes out the filters, blower fan and drain pan, and PowerJet-washes the coil, fan and pan. The drain is flushed, everything goes back, and the unit is tested with you. On a first service, the wash water often comes out black.

Key takeaways

• The unit stays on the wall: a wash bag catches the dirty water, so nothing drips on your floor.
• The parts come out: the blower fan and drain pan are taken out and washed with the PowerJet, which a spray in place cannot do.
• Black water is normal on a first service: it is the slime washed out from between the coil fins.
• You see the result: every unit is refitted and tested before we leave, with a 90-day warranty.

The video above is Joan's home. It was her first service with us, so we gave every unit the full PowerJet deep clean. Thank you, Joan. Watch the wash bag fill with jet-black water from the coil.

What does the technician do, step by step?

This is how our premium servicing runs on every unit:

1. Check it first. We switch the aircon on and check cooling, airflow and any noise, and ask you about problems you have noticed.
2. Fit the wash bag. A clear waterproof bag goes around the indoor unit to catch all the wash water.
3. Take out the removable parts. The front panel, filters, blower fan and drain pan come out.
4. PowerJet the coil. A high-pressure jet washes the evaporator coil from side to side. This is where the black water in the video comes from. You can read why we use it in what a PowerJet wash is.
5. Wash the fan and drain pan. We take them to your bathroom or yard and jet-wash every blade, channel and corner.
6. Flush the drain. Water goes into the pan to check it runs freely down the pipe.
7. Refit and test. The parts go back, the wash bag comes off, and we run the unit with you to confirm cooling, airflow and no drips.

Why does the wash water come out black?

When the aircon cools, the coil is wet. Dust that slips past the filter sticks to it and grows into a dark slime between the fins. A wipe or a low-pressure spray cannot reach it, so it builds up until a jet washes it out.

Very black water on every visit, or a coil that still looks clogged after the wash, can mean the dirt needs a coil chemical. Our guide to chemical wash vs chemical overhaul explains when that is worth it.

How do I get my home ready?

• Clear the floor below each indoor unit, about one metre, and move anything you do not want near water.
• Clear the toilet or shower area. Move bottles, mats and laundry out of the way, so we can wash the blower fan and drain pan there properly.
• Keep pets and children out of the room while the unit is open.
• Make a short list of problems: weak cooling, drips, smells or noises, and which room.

Ready to book your first service? Book online in under a minute, or ask Luna on WhatsApp.

What does it cost?

Prices drop per unit when more units are done on the same visit. If the coil needs more than water, we may advise a heavy-duty coil cleaner on site, and we tell you before we use it.

How often after the first service?

After the first deep clean, regular servicing keeps the water from going black again. For units that run every night, every three to four months is a good guide. Our guide to how often to service your aircon helps you set the right schedule, and a quarterly servicing package can make it easier to keep to.