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Keep Your Space Comfortable with Air Conditioner Maintenance

2025.05.31 | Column

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure efficient operation of air conditioners and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

Many households and workplaces especially feel the importance of this during the high usage seasons of summer and winter.

Proper air conditioner maintenance offers numerous benefits, including reducing health risks, saving on electricity bills, and extending the lifespan of the unit.

In this article, we will explain in detail the methods of air conditioner maintenance and its advantages.

From daily cleaning you can do yourself to professional cleaning services, we provide a wide range of information.

By reading this article, you will resolve your questions and concerns about air conditioner maintenance and gain concrete ways to keep your space comfortable.

Seimei Engineering Co., Ltd.

Based in Hamamatsu, we specialize in the design, installation, and maintenance of commercial air conditioning, HVAC, and pump systems.
With over 30 years of proven experience and technical expertise, we help create comfortable environments.
Trusted by many publicly listed companies, we take pride in our reliability and responsive service.
We also operate a branch in Malaysia, expanding our reach globally.
Learn more about our company

Reasons Why Air Conditioner Maintenance Is Necessary

Air conditioner maintenance is essential to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
In addition to maintaining operational efficiency and saving on electricity bills, it is also important for reducing health risks and preventing air conditioner malfunctions.

The Importance of Maintaining Operational Efficiency and Extending Lifespan

Maintaining the operational efficiency of an air conditioner not only keeps the indoor environment comfortable but also reduces power consumption, leading to savings on electricity bills.
When dirt accumulates on the air conditioner’s filters and inside components, the cooling and heating efficiency decreases, resulting in wasted energy.

By performing regular cleaning and inspections, the air conditioner can continue to perform as designed.

Furthermore, maintaining operational efficiency extends the lifespan of the air conditioner. Clean internal parts reduce the risk of wear and breakdown.

Cleaning the filters and fans is especially important as it directly affects the lifespan of the air conditioner.

For example, there are reports that airflow improves and cooling/heating performance becomes better after cleaning the filters.

This reduces the load on the air conditioner unit, allowing for longer use.

As the air conditioner is less likely to break down, repair costs are also reduced.

Reducing Health Risks

Neglecting air conditioner maintenance leads to a deterioration in indoor air quality and increases health risks.
When mold and dust accumulate in the filters and inside the unit, they are dispersed into the indoor air, causing allergies and respiratory problems.

A clean air conditioner environment is especially important for young children, elderly people, and those with respiratory illnesses.

Therefore, it is necessary to regularly clean the air conditioner and prevent mold and dust buildup.

During humid seasons, the air conditioner’s dehumidification function operates, which can cause condensation and promote mold growth.

Regular maintenance is indispensable to prevent this.

By maintaining the air conditioner, clean air is preserved and a healthy indoor environment is maintained.

Regular cleaning of the inside of the air conditioner and replacement of filters can significantly reduce health risks.

Frequency and Timing of Air Conditioner Maintenance

Air conditioner maintenance needs to be performed regularly to maintain efficient operation and a healthy indoor environment.

Recommended Frequency for Home Air Conditioners

The maintenance frequency for home air conditioners mainly depends on usage frequency and installation environment, but generally, the following recommendations apply.
First, cleaning the filters about once every two weeks is ideal.

Dust and dirt accumulated on the filters not only reduce the operational efficiency of the air conditioner but also degrade indoor air quality.

Once a year, especially before summer when air conditioner usage increases, it is important to request professional cleaning.

Mold and dirt that accumulate inside the air conditioner are difficult to remove by amateurs, so thorough cleaning by professionals is effective.

Also, as part of routine checks, regularly inspect whether there are any obstacles around the outdoor unit and whether any unusual noises are occurring.

Cleaning the outdoor unit about once every six months is also recommended. This helps prevent air conditioner malfunctions and ensures it operates in optimal condition at all times.

By regularly performing these maintenance tasks, the lifespan of the air conditioner can be extended, enabling the long-term maintenance of a comfortable indoor environment.

Cleaning and Inspection of Air Conditioners You Can Do Yourself

This section explains the cleaning and inspection of air conditioners that you can do by yourself.
Knowing simple procedures helps maintain the efficiency of the air conditioner and reduce health risks.

How to Clean the Filter

Cleaning the filter is the basic maintenance of an air conditioner. First, turn off the air conditioner power and remove the filter.
Next, gently rinse the filter with water to remove dust and dirt.

If the dirt is severe, wash the filter with lukewarm water mixed with a small amount of neutral detergent.

When using detergent, it is important to rinse thoroughly to completely remove any detergent residue.

After that, air-dry the filter in the shade until fully dry. Once dry, reinstall the filter and close the air conditioner cover to complete the process.

It is recommended to clean the filter about once a month.

How to Clean and Inspect the Outdoor Unit

Cleaning and inspecting the outdoor unit is also essential for maintaining the air conditioner’s performance. First, check that there are no obstacles around the outdoor unit.
Next, remove dust and debris from the surface of the outdoor unit using a brush or vacuum cleaner.

If the fins are dirty, carefully clean them with a fin-specific brush.

If dirt has accumulated inside the outdoor unit, washing it with water is effective.

At that time, make sure the power is off and take proper waterproofing measures.

After cleaning, ensure good ventilation around the outdoor unit and inspect it for any issues before using the air conditioner again.

Cleaning the outdoor unit about once every six months is recommended.

Why Professional Air Conditioner Cleaning Is Necessary

To maintain efficient operation of air conditioners and a healthy indoor environment, professional air conditioner cleaning is indispensable.
It is difficult to thoroughly clean all parts by yourself, so professional skills and knowledge are required.

Reliable Cleaning with Professional Skills

Professional air conditioner cleaning services have specialized skills and knowledge.
This allows them to thoroughly clean areas that are difficult to reach with general household cleaning.

For example, they carefully clean the detailed parts of the air conditioner’s internal fins and filters, completely removing mold and dust.

This results in cleaner indoor air and helps prevent allergies and asthma.

Additionally, professionals are well-versed in methods to maximize the performance of air conditioners.

Improved operational efficiency leads to reduced electricity costs and extends the lifespan of the air conditioner.

As a result, by having regular professional cleaning, you can reduce health risks and enjoy a comfortable and economical lifestyle.

Thorough Cleaning of the Air Conditioner Interior

Inside air conditioners, invisible mold and dust tend to accumulate easily.
If these contaminants are left untreated, the air released from the air conditioner becomes polluted, increasing health risks.

Professional air conditioner cleaning uses specialized equipment such as high-pressure washers to thoroughly clean the interior.

Using a high-pressure washer enables removal of fine dirt that regular cleaning cannot fully eliminate.

Furthermore, some professional cleaning services include disinfection and antibacterial coating.

This helps prevent the recurrence of bacteria and mold inside the air conditioner.

Such thorough cleaning is essential to maintain a clean condition over the long term and sustain a healthy air environment.

Costs and Benefits of Air Conditioner Cleaning

Professional air conditioner cleaning incurs a certain cost.
Generally, the cost ranges from about 10,000 to 20,000 yen, but it varies depending on the timing of the cleaning, the condition of the air conditioner, and the service provider.

However, this cost is a very economical investment in the long run.

First, improved efficiency of the air conditioner can lead to electricity bill savings.

Dirty air conditioners operate inefficiently and consume unnecessary energy.

Also, by keeping the interior clean, the lifespan of the air conditioner is extended, reducing the frequency of expensive repairs or replacements.

Moreover, there are significant health benefits.

The risk of allergies and respiratory diseases caused by mold and dust is lowered, allowing you to maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

As a result, the cost of air conditioner cleaning is beneficial both for health and for economic reasons.

How to Choose a Reliable Air Conditioner Maintenance Service

Air conditioner maintenance is important. Therefore, understanding how to choose a reliable service provider is essential.

Key Points and Check Items for Selecting a Service Provider

When choosing an air conditioner maintenance service, the first point is technical skill.
Do not overlook the provider’s experience, past performance, and certifications.

For example, check whether the technicians have certifications for cleaning skills.

Additionally, transparency in pricing is important. Make sure the estimate details are clear and there are no unclear additional charges.

It is reassuring to have a service provider that proceeds with work at the agreed-upon price.

Also, check whether there is a warranty system.

Confirming in advance if the provider will respond to any issues after cleaning can prevent future troubles.

Finally, compare the range of services offered.

Check if the provider offers optional services such as anti-mold coating and deodorizing in addition to air conditioner cleaning.

By keeping these points in mind when selecting a provider, you can confidently entrust your air conditioner maintenance.

How to Check Reviews and Reputation

One important way to judge reliability is by checking reviews and reputation.
First, check reviews on internet review sites and evaluations on social media.

Especially, reviews on specialized sites focusing on air conditioner maintenance tend to be highly reliable.

Next, referrals from acquaintances and family are also effective.

Opinions and experiences from people who have actually used the service provide valuable reference and tend to be trustworthy.

Also, visiting the service provider’s official website or blog can be helpful. Sometimes, past work examples and customer testimonials are posted there.

This helps you understand the provider’s reliability and quality of service.

Finally, consider directly contacting the provider.

If you have any questions or want detailed information, making an inquiry can give you a sense of the provider’s responsiveness and professionalism.

By combining these methods, you can make a comprehensive judgment.

Summary: The Importance of Air Conditioner Maintenance

Air conditioner maintenance is extremely important to maintain a comfortable living environment and reduce health risks.
Regular maintenance helps sustain the air conditioner’s operating efficiency, leading to electricity savings and extended lifespan.

Additionally, using professional cleaning services allows for thorough cleaning inside the air conditioner, which helps reduce the risk of allergies and respiratory diseases.

There are many tasks you can do yourself, such as cleaning the filters and inspecting the outdoor unit, but leveraging professional expertise can deliver even better results.

Furthermore, when choosing a reliable service provider, it is important to refer to reviews and reputation.

By regularly maintaining your air conditioner in this way, you can keep a comfortable indoor environment and enjoy a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Understand the importance of air conditioner maintenance and make sure to perform it at appropriate times.