Annual maintenance, a few simple actions and proper outdoor protection: this is the combination that allows your air conditioner or heat pump to get through winter without unpleasant surprises.
As temperatures drop, reversible air conditioning or heat pumps become essential allies for everyday comfort. But to get through winter without excess energy consumption, breakdowns or a decline in indoor air quality, one step is essential: maintenance.
With the cold season approaching, now is the ideal time to have your system checked and to enhance its protection if necessary. We spoke with Adrien Debard, a specialised technician and founder of Asepticlim, a company dedicated to the maintenance and disinfection of air conditioning systems in south-eastern France. He shares his field observations and a few tips that can save you time, energy… and even add several years to the lifespan of your unit.
1. Why maintain your air conditioner / heat pump before winter?
To avoid excessive energy consumption: A dirty unit has to work harder to produce the same amount of heat. The result: your energy bill rises unnecessarily. As an example, Adrien Debard points out that just 8 grams of dust on the turbine can increase the unit’s electricity consumption by up to 25%. An invisible overload… but one that quickly shows up on the bill.
To preserve indoor air quality… and household health: Dusty filters, stagnant moisture, bacteria, spores, allergens… Poorly maintained air conditioning can degrade indoor air quality and cause irritation, allergies or respiratory discomfort, especially for children and sensitive individuals.
To extend the lifespan of the unit: A well-maintained reversible air conditioner or heat pump can last 15 to 20 years. Without maintenance? Much less.
To reduce breakdowns: 80% of winter breakdowns are caused by a lack of maintenance.
3 warning signs that show it’s the right time
- An unpleasant smell when switching on
- Louder-than-usual noise
- The feeling that “it doesn’t heat as well as before”
If you recognise one of these signs, it’s time to call in a professional. Most air conditioning installers offer maintenance services, but there are also companies that specialise exclusively in maintenance and disinfection, such as Asepticlim. Their dedicated expertise guarantees deep cleaning, a complete technical check-up and optimal performance, especially before winter.
2. Expert insight: Adrien Debard’s testimony
“In winter, air conditioners and heat pumps run far longer than most homeowners realise. When a unit isn’t clean, it has to work harder. And when it works harder, it consumes more, heats less and wears out much faster.
During maintenance visits, I often see the same issues: clogged filters, dusty coils, dirty fans… All of this immediately reduces performance. A well-maintained unit regains its power, consumes less energy and lasts much longer.”
— Adrien Debard, Managing Director of Asepticlim
This real-world feedback clearly shows how essential regular maintenance is for performance, energy efficiency and durability.
3. What you can do yourself… and what only a professional should handle
What any homeowner can do to maintain their air conditioner:
- Clean or rinse the indoor filters
- Dust the indoor unit (front panel and air intake)
- Clear the area around the outdoor unit
- Check that no objects, gravel, leaves or vegetation block the air vents.
What should only be carried out by a professional:
- Refrigerant level checks
- Pressure measurements
- Chemical or steam cleaning of the outdoor unit
- Electrical inspection and condensate circuit check
- Analysis of the system’s actual performance
4. Maintaining your air conditioner is good… protecting it intelligently is even better
Maintenance mainly concerns the indoor unit… but the heart of the system is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit (compressor) is constantly exposed to dust, pollen, dead leaves and even bird droppings. These deposits accumulate, get trapped around the unit and eventually get drawn into the machine, accelerating dirt build-up.
Protecting the outdoor unit with a cover may seem like a good idea… provided you choose the right solution. Poorly designed covers can actually do more harm than good. Our 100% aluminium DECOCLIM covers are specifically designed to protect while preserving the proper operation of outdoor units.
Expert advice: beware of overly “closed” covers
“We see many DIY covers or enclosures that are too tight. They protect against rain, yes… but dust, pollen and dirt then remain trapped around the fins instead of being naturally washed away.
The result: the unit gets dirty faster, overheats and loses efficiency. A good cover must allow air to circulate AND let rain help clean the motor and keep it working properly over the long term.”— Adrien Debard, Founder of Asepticlim
The outdoor unit must absolutely:
- breathe freely,
- release heat effectively,
- benefit from natural cleaning by rain,
- remain accessible for maintenance.
5. Which AC cover should you choose? Open protection, not a sealed box!
A cover is primarily an aesthetic solution, but it can also be useful — provided it meets two essential requirements: respecting airflow AND allowing rain to pass through to support natural dust removal.
This is exactly the philosophy behind DECOCLIM
Unlike fully enclosed housings, DECOCLIM is designed to support — not hinder — the operation of the outdoor unit:
- Louvred panels on all sides: natural, continuous airflow essential for efficient performance.
- Minimum 7 cm rear offset: allows the outdoor unit to breathe properly and rainwater to reach the fins.
- Smart fixing system and quick removal: easy access for technicians during maintenance.
- Robust, durable construction: resistant to UV rays, impacts and harsh weather.
- Elegant, timeless design: available in several colours to blend seamlessly with all outdoor styles.
Installing a cover: the best time is during maintenance
Are you considering installing an AC cover to enhance your outdoor space and protect the motor of your air conditioner or heat pump?
The maintenance visit is the ideal moment.
The technician you call knows your installation, its constraints and your unit’s requirements. They are therefore best placed to guide you towards a reliable AC cover brand that has been tested and approved by professionals — ensuring a suitable, safe and durable choice. This is, for example, the case with DECOCLIM wooden models, whose high level of modularity allows them to adapt to all installations without compromising airflow or technician access for maintenance.
And since they are already on site, installation can be carried out immediately, without a second visit, for a clean, quick installation that complies with technical recommendations.
Result:
- a more harmonious outdoor space,
- a unit protected from day one,
- and a secure investment for years to come.
By combining regular maintenance with appropriate protection, your system consumes less energy, ages better and remains reliable throughout the cold season. The perfect recipe for a warm, worry-free winter!
Final word from Adrien Debard:
“A well-maintained air conditioner and a well-protected outdoor unit work less, consume less and last much longer. In winter, the difference between a monitored installation and a neglected one is immediate: fewer breakdowns and greater everyday comfort.”
Air conditioner maintenance: key takeaways
How often should an air conditioner / heat pump be maintained?
Once a year, ideally before winter.
Can you clean an air conditioner yourself?
Yes, for filters and dust. No for refrigerant, electronics, pressure or deep cleaning.
Does an AC cover affect performance?
An overly closed cover can cause issues. A well-ventilated cover that allows air and rain to pass does not interfere with operation and even helps keep the outdoor unit cleaner and reduce wear.
Why protect the outdoor unit?
To limit dirt build-up, corrosion, splashes, noise and the risk of breakdowns.
How much does maintenance cost?
Between €80 and €180 depending on the region and type of system.