Welcome to the Living Smart Program | Welcome to the Living Smart Program

what you’ll need

soft brush and a vacuum with brush attachment
microfibre cloths and a small bucket of warm water + a drop of mild detergent
non-acidic foaming coil cleaner (for stubborn grime) – check your model’s manual first
garden hose on gentle spray (for the outdoor unit only – never a pressure washer)
fin comb (optional, to straighten squashed fins)
torch or phone light
screwdriver (for panels, if required)
gloves and eye protection.

quick clean: monthly in hot/humid months (November–March), or after dust/smoke events.
deep clean: twice a year – before summer (October) and after summer (March/April).
salt air/rainy season: lightly rinse the outdoor coil quarterly to remove salt and debris.

switch the system off at the wall/isolator before opening panels.
avoid spraying water or cleaner into electronics – cover boards with a dry cloth if needed.
don’t bend the delicate aluminium fins; never use a pressure washer.
if there’s heavy mould, water leaking inside, icing, or electrical smells – stop and book a licensed technician (ARCtick).

open the fascia. with power off, lift the front cover.
remove filters. vacuum gently, then wash in lukewarm water. no soap needed unless greasy; rinse well. dry fully in the shade (no sun or heaters).
wipe the fascia and louvres. a damp cloth with a drop of detergent; use a soft brush for crevices.
dust the coil face. use the vacuum’s soft brush to gently lift fluff from the aluminium fins (work top to bottom).
for stubborn grime/mould: lay a towel under the unit. light spray of non-acidic coil cleaner per the label. allow dwell time, then wipe — avoid soaking. don’t flood the coil.
check the drain. pour a small cup of warm water (or a mild 1:4 white-vinegar solution) into the drain tray to confirm it runs freely outside. if it backs up, call a pro.
fan barrel check. if the plastic fan looks slimy or dust-caked, a professional internal clean will restore airflow and efficiency.
refit dry filters, close the cover, power on, and run fan-only for 10 minutes to dry the coil.

clear the area. keep ~300 mm free all round (more is better) and 1 m above. remove leaves, weeds and cobwebs.
rinse the coil (gentle). with power off, lightly hose from inside-out if accessible, keeping water away from electrics. never use a pressure washer.
straighten bent fins. use a fin comb gently to improve airflow.
check the slab and vibration pads. the unit should be level and stable; fit rubber pads if it rattles.
look for warning signs. oily stains, persistent ice, or loud cycling noises usually mean a refrigerant or mechanical issue — book an ARCtick-licensed technician

cooling set-point: 24–26 °C works well in our climate – each degree higher can noticeably reduce energy use while staying comfortable.
try ‘dry’ mode on muggy days to tame humidity at lower cost than full cooling.
use ceiling or pedestal fans. moving air lets you set a higher temp and stay comfy.
close windows/curtains early. keep heat out, especially on west-facing windows.
use timers and sleep mode so the unit isn’t running flat-out while you snooze.
close doors to the cooled room to avoid conditioning the whole house.

salt air: quarterly fresh-water rinse of the outdoor coil slows corrosion.
storms: after wild weather, check for debris around the outdoor unit and for blocked drains.
bushfire smoke/dust: rinse filters and consider replacing carbon filters if fitted.
rental? ask your property manager first; keep receipts/photos of maintenance.

filters are clean but airflow is weak or the room never reaches set temperature.
water drips inside, sour/musty smells persist, or you can see heavy mould.
ice on pipes or coil, tripping breakers, or unusual compressor noises.
every 2–3 years for a full internal clean, drain flush and service by an ARCtick-licensed tech.