On the Costa del Sol the air conditioning runs for months, often in salty air. Spring is the best moment to check it, before the first heatwave and before every technician is busy.
What you can do yourself
- Read the manual. The manufacturer's instructions say how often to clean each part and what you may open.
- Clean the filters. Dust-clogged filters reduce airflow and make the unit work harder. Most indoor units have filters you can remove, rinse and dry.
- Keep the surroundings clear. Leave space around the indoor and outdoor units and remove leaves, dust and debris.
- Test it. Run cooling (and heating if you use it) for a few minutes and check for odd noises, smells or water leaks.
Why sea air matters
Near the coast, salt in the air can build up on outdoor units and on metal supports, which speeds up corrosion. A visual check of the outdoor unit and its bracket each year, and rinsing off deposits as the manufacturer allows, helps the unit last.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if the unit cools poorly, forms ice, leaks water inside, trips the electrical protection or makes loud noises. Work on refrigerant, the electrical connections or the outdoor unit is a job for a qualified technician. You can look at air conditioning in Marbella, in Fuengirola or in Estepona.
Related jobs
A tripping protection can be an electrical problem rather than the unit itself, and a handyman can help with brackets and covers. If your home is closed part of the year, our second-home checklist has more tips.
A simple routine
Clean the filters at the start of the season and again during it if the unit runs daily, have it checked once a year, and describe the problem clearly when you request help (brand, model, symptoms).