When the storm season rolls in or the mercury swings wildly from hot to cold, your air conditioner Sunshine Coast homeowners rely on is one of the first systems to suffer. Sunshine Coast conditions — with our mix of coastal humidity, salt-laden breezes, and sudden downpours — can be brutal on outdoor units.
Aircon is great. It doesn’t matter if you’re cooling in summer or heating in winter, a little maintenance goes a long way. Here’s how to protect your system, extend its lifespan, and avoid those mid-season breakdowns.
Book Seasonal Servicing (Before You Need It)
Regular servicing isn’t just about peace of mind, it’s about performance and prevention.
Have your unit checked and cleaned before the extremes of summer or winter hit. A qualified technician will inspect refrigerant levels, clean coils, check filters, and make sure drainage is clear. This helps avoid expensive issues down the track, and keeps the system running at its most efficient when you need it most.
If your system hasn’t been looked at in over a year, it’s probably due.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
Leaves, dust, salt spray and garden overgrowth can all block airflow and corrode components. It’s easy to overlook, but the area around your outdoor condenser unit needs space to breathe.
Keep at least 30–50cm of clearance around the unit. Trim back shrubs, sweep away debris, and make sure no garden mulch is sitting against the housing.
Blocked vents and coils can force your system to work harder. And that shortens its lifespan and spikes your energy use.
Consider a Weather-Resistant Cover (When Not in Use)
If your unit is fully exposed to the elements, and that goes doubly for you if you’re near the coast, it would be really wise to invest in a breathable, weather-resistant cover.
These help protect against rain, hail, and UV degradation when the unit isn’t running. Just make sure it’s removed before operation, and that the cover allows airflow.
Bonus tip: It’s actually a warning. Don’t ever use plastic tarps because they trap moisture.
Even a simple shade structure or awning can provide long-term protection in high-exposure areas.
Anchor and Shield Before a Storm
In areas prone to cyclones or strong wind gusts, it’s worth checking how securely your outdoor unit is mounted. Are the bolts still tight? Is the unit sitting on a solid, level base?
For homes in salt-prone zones, ask your technician about corrosion-resistant coatings or anti-rust treatments. Especially if your system is new or nearing the end of warranty.
Choose the Right Air Conditioner Sunshine Coast
Your air conditioner isn’t just a seasonal appliance. It really is year-round comfort tool. Taking care of it means fewer breakdowns, lower power bills, and better performance when you need it most.
Confession: SWIFT Solar can help you with this, but our main business is solar, battery and air conditioning installation. If we’re coming out for a quote or install, we can take a look at your air con but for anything more complex than diagnosis, it’s best to contact people who do servicing day-in, day-out because they have all the replacement parts on hand. So, if you’re looking to install or upgrade your own system before the next heatwave or cold snap, please call us at SWIFT Solar & Electrical on 0422 251 734. Give us a shout — we’ll help you keep your cool (or warmth).
