When your air conditioning stops working correctly, it could just be a simple repair, or it could require replacement of the entire heat pump itself. Before bringing in the professionals, have you done these few simple steps first?

Check the outdoor unit< p>

Go outside and check the outdoor unit. Firstly, check that the electrical isolating switch is turned on. In many cases, service engineers find the air conditioning units switched off, usually as the result of a prank by the kids next door.

Are there any weeds growing through into your air conditioner, or other blockages to the airflow? If so, remove them as lack of airflow can prevent your air conditioner from functioning correctly.

Check that the coil is not full of dirt and debris. If it is, spray it with a mild detergent and gently rinse with a spray bottle full of water. Ensure you turn the power off before doing this, and allow 30 minutes for the water to exit through the base of the air conditioner before turning it back on. The cleaner you keep the coils, the more efficient your air conditioner will work.

Check the pipework connections with a concentrated mix of soapy water. If you see bubbles, it is a sure sign of a refrigerant leak and will require professional service to repair. Remember, leaks must be fixed to prevent refrigerants leaking and causing environmental damage.

Check the indoor unit

Remove and clean the filters on the indoor part of your heat pump. If the coil itself looks dirty, turn off your air conditioner and spray the coil with a mild detergent to break down the dirt, then rinse down gently with a spray bottle of water.

Replace the batteries if you have a wireless controller for you air conditioning. In many cases, a low charge on the batteries can mean your air conditioner not receiving the correct signal, preventing it from working correctly.

Ensure that you have your air conditioner set to the correct mode. 25% of all service calls are down to operator error. Google your air conditioner model and check the user manual. You don't want to be paying top dollar rates for a technician to show you how to turn your air conditioning on and off.

If all else fails...

If you have tried out all the steps above and you air conditioning is still not working correctly, call in your local air conditioning experts and have your air conditioning serviced.

Please do not open your heat pump. There are high voltage live terminals inside as well as moving parts and machinery. By attempting repairs yourself, you risk life and limb. Call in the professionals and get the extra 'peace of mind' knowing that your air conditioning system is being serviced correctly.