After the Christmas holidays, many homes and businesses in Torrevieja return to their normal routine: fewer family gatherings, less heavy cooking, and less use of heating or air conditioning… but there’s one thing that often gets forgotten: air conditioner maintenance.
Even though air conditioners are used less for cooling during winter, many systems still work in heating mode, and they also collect dust, grease, and moisture over time. That’s why cleaning your air conditioner after Christmas is a great way to start the year, improve performance, and prevent issues before spring and summer.
🎄 Why should you clean your air conditioner after the holidays?
During Christmas, your unit is usually exposed to more indoor pollution than usual:
✅ more people at home → more dust in the air
✅ more cooking → more grease and particles in the air
✅ doors and windows opening more often → more moisture and dirt enters
✅ heating mode use → condensation builds up inside
In a coastal city like Torrevieja, the humid environment and salty air can also speed up residue build-up inside the system.
📌 The result: lower efficiency, higher energy consumption, and a higher risk of bad smells.
🚨 Signs your air conditioner needs urgent cleaning
After Christmas, watch out for these common signs:
❌ unpleasant smell when you turn it on
❌ weaker airflow or less heating/cooling power
❌ strange noises or vibrations
❌ water dripping or damp stains on the wall
❌ the room takes longer to reach the desired temperature
If you notice any of these, it’s best to act quickly to prevent bigger problems.
🧼 What parts of the air conditioner should be cleaned after Christmas?
✅ 1. Filters (essential)
This is the easiest part to clean and it has the biggest impact on indoor air quality.
📌 Recommendation: clean the filters every 3–4 weeks if the system has been used often in heating mode.
✅ 2. Front cover and air vents
Visible dust can build up on the unit and eventually spread back into the air.
➡️ You can clean it with a soft damp cloth and dry it properly.
✅ 3. Condensate tray and drainage line
When moisture builds up (common in winter), bacteria can develop and cause unpleasant smells.
⚠️ If water is dripping, the drain may be partially blocked.
✅ 4. Outdoor unit (very important in Torrevieja)
In coastal areas, the outdoor unit is affected more by:
🌊 salty air
💨 fine dust and sand
💧 constant humidity
📌 A post-Christmas inspection helps keep the system stable before temperatures rise again.
✅ How to clean air conditioner filters at home (step by step)
- Turn off the unit and wait a few minutes.
- Open the front cover of the indoor unit.
- Carefully remove the filters.
- Wash them with warm water and mild soap.
- Let them dry completely (always in the shade).
- Put them back in only when fully dry.
⚠️ Important: do not reinstall them while damp, as this can cause mold and bad smells.
👨🔧 When should you call a technician?
Cleaning filters is something you can do yourself, but professional maintenance is recommended in many cases—especially if you’re looking for air conditioning services in Torrevieja:
✅ if the system hasn’t been checked in over a year
✅ if bad smells remain even after cleaning the filters
✅ if the indoor unit drips water or makes noise
✅ if the unit takes longer to heat or cool
✅ if you want to prevent breakdowns before summer
A full professional service usually includes deep internal cleaning and a full system check, including pressure levels, energy consumption, and overall condition.
✅ Conclusion: start the year with your air conditioner ready
Cleaning your air conditioner after Christmas is one of the best ways to:
✔ improve efficiency
✔ prevent bad smells
✔ reduce energy consumption
✔ extend the system’s lifespan
✔ avoid breakdowns during peak season
📍 Air conditioner maintenance in Torrevieja
If you want your system to be ready for the new year, AC Torrevieja can help you with professional cleaning and maintenance so your air conditioning works perfectly all winter and is ready for summer.
📞 Book your inspection today and avoid problems when you need it most.