Most Perth homeowners know they should service their air conditioner each year. Ask what actually happens during that visit, though, and the answer usually goes something like: “they clean the filters.” A professional service covers a lot more ground than that, and knowing what to expect helps you spot when a job is thorough or when corners are being cut. Here’s exactly what should happen during a residential AC service, broken down by system type.
Key Takeaways
- A professional split system service covers 8 standard checks: indoor coil, return filter, outdoor unit, condensate drain, and compressor test
- Ducted and evaporative systems each have their own service requirements; one checklist does not cover all three
- Service tiers (Gold, Hydro, Platinum) add deeper cleaning and anti-bacterial treatment for systems that need more than a standard service
- Annual servicing in winter is the right cadence for most Perth homes before summer demand peaks
What’s Included in a Standard Split System Service?
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCTick) requires all technicians working with refrigerants to hold a Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL). That means a qualified split system service goes well beyond a filter wipe: it involves a trained refrigeration mechanic checking every major component of your unit. At WestOz Trades, our standard split system service covers eight core tasks as a minimum on every job.
- Indoor fascia removed and cleaned (not just wiped over)
- Return filter removed and cleaned
- Indoor coil deodorised to neutralise bacteria and odour
- Outdoor coil and casing cleaned and cleared of debris
- Condensate drain checked for blockages and flushed
- Full system assessment and checkover
- Compressor and unit current draw tested against operating specifications
- Condition report with photos provided at the end of the visit
Our Hydro package adds a full hygiene hydro clean of the indoor coil and fan using high-pressure water. This removes built-up mould and bacterial residue that a standard deodoriser won’t reach. It’s the right call for systems that haven’t been serviced in 12 or more months, or where musty smells appear when the unit runs.
If you’re not sure whether your system is overdue, check our post on the top signs your air conditioner needs a professional service.
Are Ducted and Evaporative Services Different?
Yes, and the differences matter. Ducted and evaporative systems are more complex than split systems, and a thorough service addresses the specific components each one relies on. Don’t assume a quote covering all system types for the same price is doing the same work.
Ducted AC service includes:
- Return air filter and casing removed and cleaned
- Indoor coil deodorised
- Internal ducting and zone damper inspection
- Outdoor coil cleaned and cleared
- Drain line flushed
A Platinum ducted service also includes a full hygiene hydro clean of the indoor coil and drain pan, SanAir purifier gel installation, and cleaning of all ceiling outlets throughout the home. Two-storey homes carry a small surcharge for the additional access required.
Evaporative cooler service includes:
- Float valve checked and water level set correctly
Cooling pads removed, inspected, and cleaned - Water basin cleaned and cleared of debris
- Dropper and duct inspection
- Fan motor tested
If your property is near the coast, your outdoor components are also exposed to salt air, which accelerates corrosion across all system types. Our post on how Perth’s coastal air affects your AC covers what extra steps apply to your area.
Gold, Hydro, or Platinum: Which Level Do You Actually Need?
WestOz Trades offers three service tiers so you’re paying for exactly what your system needs – nothing more. Based on our experience across Perth metro homes since 2016, here’s how to think about each package:
| Package | Best For | What’s Added |
| Gold | Systems serviced regularly, no odour issues | Core 8-point clean and test, written condition report |
| Hydro | Systems overdue for a deep clean or with a musty odour | Hygiene hydro clean of the indoor coil and fan |
| Platinum | Coastal homes, heavy-use systems, long gaps since last service | Fan blade removal and lubrication, anti-bacterial drain tablet, PCB protective coating |
Platinum makes the most sense for coastal suburbs like Duncraig, Scarborough, or Claremont, homes where the AC runs most of the year, or units that haven’t been serviced in two or more years. The extra steps protect internal components and can extend the life of your system significantly.
How Often Does a Service Actually Need to Happen?
For most Perth homes, annual servicing is the right cadence. Winter is the ideal window: technician availability is better, your system is in the off-season, and it’ll be ready before the summer booking rush starts. We cover this in depth in our guide on how often you should service your air conditioner, including specific guidance for ducted systems, coastal properties, and heavy-use situations. You’ll find it under our servicing and maintenance resources.
If you’re an existing WestOz Trades client, our AirCare program handles the scheduling for you. Membership is free. Every year, you receive an annual service reminder, we book you in, and take care of everything. Members get a 48-hour priority response even in peak summer, 10% off Gold and Platinum service packages, 10% off repairs and system replacements outside warranty, and a $100 referral bonus for any successful install or replacement you refer to us.
Ready to Book Your Service?
WestOz Trades are fully qualified air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics, with licensed electricians in-house handling all electrical work as part of the job. Every service comes with a written condition report and photos so you can see exactly what was found and what was done. Perth-owned, covering the full metro area.
Book your AC service today or view our full range of servicing packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
A professional split system service covers the indoor fascia and coil, return filter, outdoor unit, condensate drain flush, and a compressor current draw test. You’ll receive a detailed condition report with photos at the end of the visit. At WestOz Trades, all eight of these checks are included as standard across every service package.
Most single split system services take between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the system’s condition and the package chosen. Ducted systems and homes with multiple indoor units take longer. Our technicians give you a realistic time estimate when you book, so there are no surprises.
Gold covers all essential service tasks and suits systems that are regularly maintained and in good condition. Platinum is worth considering for coastal properties, systems with odour issues, or units not serviced in over 12 months. If you’re not sure, our team can advise based on your system’s history and location.
