Air conditioner service requests surge amid record heat wave, Samsung Electronics Service offers maintenance tips

Samsung Electronics Service said Wednesday that air conditioner service requests have surged as record heat waves and tropical nights continue, and proposed a four-step maintenance method for proper air conditioner use. The method — dubbed "clean, tidy, check and AI diagnose" — takes its name from the first syllable of each step in Korean.

The first step is regular filter cleaning. Proper filter management is essential to maintaining optimal cooling performance, as a dust-clogged filter can obstruct air circulation. Filters should be rinsed under running water every two to three weeks and dried in the shade before being reinstalled.

The area around both the indoor and outdoor units should also be kept tidy. Keeping the outdoor unit's ventilation openings clear and removing nearby objects allows warm air generated during cooling to escape outside, preventing the unit from overloading. Placing air fresheners or diffusers near the indoor unit should be avoided, as airborne compounds can react with moisture on the filter or internal heat exchanger and cause odors.

Users should also check that the air conditioner's power cord is plugged directly into a wall outlet. Connecting the unit through a power strip rated below the air conditioner's electrical capacity, alongside other devices, risks tripping a circuit breaker or starting a fire.

Samsung Electronics Service also recommends running an AI diagnosis through SmartThings, Samsung's AI home solution. The AI analyzes refrigerant levels, motor and sensor conditions, and whether the outdoor unit is operating normally, then provides guidance on any necessary action.

Meanwhile, when indoor temperatures are high during a heat wave, switching to strong cooling mode to bring the temperature down quickly and then transitioning to windless operation can keep the room comfortable while improving energy efficiency.

After running the air conditioner in cooling mode, users can keep the internal heat exchanger clean by activating the auto-clean or wash-clean function. Running the fan or air-purification mode for an additional 30 minutes is also helpful.

Samsung Electronics Service ran a proactive pre-summer air conditioner inspection campaign in March. Since May, it has expanded its service workforce by more than 50% by deploying additional technical instructors to meet rising demand.