Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Your Air Conditioning System

Posted on September 21, 2025September 21, 2025 by Paradigm Cooling

2 min read

Introduction

Cape Town’s weather can be unpredictable—sweltering summers in Claremont, windy, sandy conditions in Muizenberg, and chilly winters in Constantia. Your air conditioning system works hard all year, but without seasonal maintenance, its performance and efficiency can suffer.

At Paradigm Cooling, we recommend seasonal air conditioning check-ups to prevent costly breakdowns, lower energy bills, and extend system lifespan. Here’s a complete guide to maintaining your AC throughout the year.

1. Why Seasonal Maintenance Matters

Prevents breakdowns during peak use
Reduces Eskom electricity bills
Improves indoor air quality
Extends system lifespan
Keeps warranties valid

2. Pre-Summer Checklist (October – November)

Clean or replace filters
Inspect and wash condenser coils
Check refrigerant levels
Test thermostat calibration
Clear vegetation around outdoor units

Tip: Schedule a professional service before the summer heat arrives.

3. Mid-Summer Care (December – February)

Rinse outdoor units regularly (Cape Town dust and sea salt can clog fins)
Keep doors and windows closed when AC is running
Watch for signs of short cycling or weak airflow

4. Pre-Winter Maintenance (April – May)

Switch AC to heating mode to test performance
Inspect insulation on refrigerant lines
Service electrical connections
Ensure drainage system is clear

5. Winter Care (June – August)

Run the AC in heating mode at least once a week
Prevent dust build-up by running the fan mode periodically
Watch for frost build-up on outdoor units during cold nights

6. DIY vs Professional Maintenance

✅ Homeowner Tasks: Replace filters, clean vents, rinse outdoor units.
✅ Professional Tasks: Refrigerant top-ups, electrical tests, compressor checks, deep coil cleaning.

Local Case Study

A Tokai homeowner complained that their AC blew warm air during the first hot week of summer. We discovered dirty coils and low refrigerant. After servicing, the system worked perfectly, and their electricity bill dropped by 18%.