As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s time to turn your attention to winter comfort. While most people think of air conditioning as a summer essential, it also plays a vital role in keeping your home warm in winter—especially if you’re using a reverse-cycle system. The key is making sure your unit is clean, efficient, and ready to handle the cooler weather.

Here are 7 practical tips to prepare your air conditioning system for winter and keep your home warm without blowing out your power bill.

Clear Debris Around Your Outdoor Unit

During autumn, it’s easy for leaves, twigs, grass, and other garden debris to build up around the outdoor component of your air conditioning system. This can block airflow, making the system work harder than it needs to—which wastes energy and wears out components faster.

What to do:

• Do a quick check around the unit every couple of weeks.
• Clear away leaves, mulch, or overgrown plants.
• Make sure there’s at least 30cm of clear space around all sides.
  Good airflow is essential for both heating and cooling, so keeping this area tidy will help your system perform better all year round.

Clean or Replace Your Air Filters

Dirty filters are one of the most common reasons for poor performance and high energy bills. When filters get clogged with dust and dirt, your system has to work overtime just to push air through. This affects both air quality and efficiency.

What to do:

• Remove and inspect your filters (usually located behind the indoor unit grille or near the return air vent).
• If they’re disposable, replace them.
• If they’re reusable, clean them with warm water and mild detergent.
• Let them dry completely before reinserting.

Manufacturers often recommend cleaning filters every 1–2 months during heavy use. It’s also a great idea to make this part of your seasonal home maintenance routine.

Dust Outlets and Return Air Vents

We often forget that the air we breathe in is flowing directly through the vents in our walls and ceilings. Over time, dust builds up on these vents, not only affecting air quality but also forcing your system to work harder.

What to do:

• Use a microfibre cloth or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust from your vents.
• Make sure furniture and curtains aren't blocking the outlets, as this restricts airflow and reduces heating efficiency.

Adding this to your regular cleaning routine will help keep air flowing freely and reduce stress on the system.

Draught-Proof Your Home

Even the best air conditioning system can’t keep your home warm if heat is leaking out through gaps and cracks. Draughts around windows, doors, and floorboards can make your home feel colder and cause your system to run longer and harder than it should.

What to do:

• Seal gaps around windows and doors using weather stripping or sealant.
• Use door snakes at the bottom of doors.
• Close off rooms you’re not using so you only heat the areas that matter.

This small effort can lead to noticeable energy savings and greater comfort through the colder months.

Check Insulation in Ceilings and Walls

Insulation acts like a thermal blanket for your home. Without it, warm air quickly escapes, and your heater has to keep switching on to maintain the temperature.

What to do:

• Check your ceiling insulation—if it looks patchy or compressed, it may need replacing or topping up.
• If your home feels cold no matter how long the heating runs, consider having your wall insulation assessed by a professional.

The better your home holds heat, the less you’ll spend trying to stay warm.

Use Smart Thermostat Settings

It’s tempting to crank the heat when it’s chilly outside, but running your air conditioner at full blast isn't necessary—and it can drive up your energy bills.

What to do:

• Set your thermostat to between 20–23°C for heating.
• Every degree above that can increase your energy usage by 10% or more.
• If your system has a timer, program it to switch off during the night or when you're not home.

A consistent, moderate temperature is much more energy efficient and comfortable over the long run.

Schedule a Professional Service

Just like your car needs a regular tune-up, so does your air conditioning system. An annual professional service can detect small issues before they become expensive problems and help extend the life of your unit.

What to do:

• Book a service with a qualified technician before winter kicks in fully.
• They’ll check refrigerant levels, test controls, inspect electrical parts, and clean internal components.

If it’s been over 12 months since your last service, it’s time to get booked in. A well-maintained system performs better, lasts longer, and gives you peace of mind all season.

Final Thought:
Winter doesn’t need to mean freezing nights and high power bills. By taking just a few simple steps, you can make sure your air conditioning system is running smoothly and keeping your home warm when it matters most. A little preparation now can save you a lot of trouble—and money—later on.

Need help or think your system might be due for a service? Contact us today and we’ll make sure your air conditioning is winter-ready.