Before CleaningHeavy Internal Contamination
Visible mould, dust and grime can contribute to unpleasant smells, restricted airflow and reduced cooling performance.
WHAT MAY BE HIDDEN INSIDE
Why a Standard Filter Rinse Is Not Always Enough
An air conditioning system can appear clean from the outside while dust, moisture, grime and microbial growth remain deeper inside the indoor unit. Common build-up areas include the evaporator coil, blower wheel, drain tray and condensate drainage system.
Contaminated internal surfaces may contribute to unpleasant smells, reduced airflow, poor cooling performance and lower indoor comfort.
What Can Build Up Inside an Air Conditioning System
Real examples showing why cleaning only the removable filters may not be enough.
Before Cleaning
Service in ProgressProper Access and Cleaning
The indoor unit is carefully accessed so important internal areas can be cleaned properly and safely.
Basic Cleaning Compared With an Airsense Major Service
× Basic Filter-Focused Service
- Removable filters rinsed
- Visible exterior surfaces wiped
- Limited access to internal components
- Blower wheel may remain contaminated
- Drain tray may not be cleaned thoroughly
- Drainage system may not be flushed
✓ Airsense Deep Clean Major Service
- Outer covers removed where required
- Indoor evaporator coil deep cleaned
- Blower wheel cleaned where accessible
- Drain tray area cleaned
- Condensate drainage system flushed
- Outdoor condenser cleaned where accessible and included
- Basic electrical and operational checks
- System reassembled and tested
Service scope: Repairs, refrigerant leak repairs, replacement parts and detailed fault finding are separate services unless specifically included in the quotation.
Our Deep Clean Major Service Process
Each system is assessed individually because design, condition, accessibility and contamination levels differ.
Initial Inspection
We inspect unit condition, contamination, airflow and condensate drainage.
Careful Access
Covers and accessible components are opened to reach internal cleaning areas.
Internal Cleaning
Dust, grime and accessible mould growth are removed from internal surfaces.
Drainage Flush
The condensate drain is flushed to help remove slime and restrictions.
Airflow Cleaning
The blower wheel is cleaned where accessible to help restore airflow.
Reassembly and Testing
The unit is reassembled and tested to confirm normal operation.
Benefits of a Proper Air Conditioning Deep Clean
Cleaner Airflow
Removes accumulated dust and grime from airflow surfaces.
Improved Cooling
Helps reduce airflow restrictions caused by dirt build-up.
Better Efficiency
A cleaner coil and blower can help the system operate effectively.
Reduced Contamination
Removes accessible mould growth, dust and organic build-up.
Drainage Maintenance
Helps remove condensate drain slime and common restrictions.
Reduced System Strain
Routine cleaning can reduce strain caused by poor airflow.
How Often Should an Air Conditioning System Be Serviced?
Frequency depends on operating hours, occupancy and the amount of dust, grease, salt or airborne contamination.
HomesUsually once per year
Offices and SchoolsUsually every 6 months
High-Use EnvironmentsUsually every 3 months
🏠 Residential Homes
- Filters: every 1–2 months
- Professional inspection: annually
- Coil and drain cleaning: annually
🏢 Offices
- Filters: every 1–3 months
- Professional inspection: every 6 months
- Coil and drain cleaning: every 6 months
🏪 Retail & Commercial
- Filters: monthly
- Professional inspection: quarterly
- Coil and drain cleaning: quarterly
🏭 Industrial
- Filters: monthly or more often
- Professional inspection: quarterly
- Coil and drain cleaning: quarterly
🖥 Server Rooms
- Filters: monthly
- Professional inspection: quarterly
- Refrigerant assessment: quarterly
🏥 Healthcare
- Filters: monthly
- Professional inspection: quarterly
- IAQ testing: annually or as required
🏫 Educational
- Filters: every 1–2 months
- Professional inspection: every 6 months
- Coil and drain cleaning: every 6 months
🏨 Hospitality
- Filters: monthly
- Professional inspection: quarterly
- Coil and drain cleaning: quarterly
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General Maintenance Guidelines
Manufacturer requirements, operating hours and site conditions must also be considered. Coastal, dusty, greasy, smoky, high-occupancy or continuous-use environments may need more frequent attention.
Refrigerant is contained in a sealed system and should not normally require routine topping up. Low refrigerant may indicate a leak or another fault.
Professional Deep Cleaning Services Across Cape Town
Airsense assists homes, offices, shops, restaurants, guesthouses and commercial properties across the Southern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town CBD and surrounding areas.
ConstantiaClaremontSea PointTokaiPlumsteadMuizenbergFish HoekTable View
Deep Clean Major Service FAQ
How do I know whether my system needs a deep clean?
Warning signs include unpleasant smells, reduced airflow, weak cooling, visible mould or grime, drainage problems, water leaking or a long period without proper servicing.
Is a deep clean different from a normal service?
Yes. A basic service may focus on filters and visible surfaces. A Deep Clean Major Service reaches accessible areas such as the evaporator coil, blower wheel, drain tray and condensate drainage system.
Does a deep clean repair a faulty system?
Not necessarily. Cleaning may correct dirt, airflow or drainage-related problems, but it does not replace fault finding for electrical, mechanical or refrigerant faults.
Can a dirty air conditioner cause unpleasant smells?
Yes. Moisture, mould growth, dust, drainage slime and organic build-up are common causes.
Do systems need regular refrigerant top-ups?
No. Refrigerant operates in a sealed system. Low refrigerant should be investigated for a possible leak or another fault.
Does Airsense service systems across Cape Town?
Yes. We service many areas across the Southern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard, CBD and surrounding areas.