Air conditioning is low-maintenance, but not no-maintenance. The short answer: have it serviced once a year at home, and every three to six months in busy commercial spaces. Regular servicing keeps it efficient, quiet, healthy to breathe and under warranty.
Recommended service intervals
| Where the system is | How often to service it |
|---|---|
| Homes | Once a year |
| Offices and shops | Every 6 months |
| Restaurants, commercial kitchens, salons and gyms | Every 3 months |
| Server and comms rooms | Every 3 to 6 months |
| Holiday lets and rarely used systems | Once a year, before summer |
Systems that run all year, or in dusty or greasy air, need more frequent visits. If you are unsure, ask us and we’ll suggest a schedule for your building.
Is air conditioning servicing a legal requirement?
For most homes, no. Under the F-Gas rules, a system must be leak checked by an F-Gas certified engineer at least every 12 months, with records kept, once it holds refrigerant equal to 5 tonnes of CO₂ or more. That is about 2.4 kg of R410A or 7.4 kg of R32. Larger systems need checks every 6 or even 3 months. Most single-room home systems hold less than that, but many office and shop systems do not.
Even when the law does not require it, most manufacturers require an annual service by a qualified engineer to keep the warranty valid, so it pays to keep up.
What happens during an air conditioning service
- Clean and check the filters
- Inspect and clean the indoor coil and fan
- Clear and test the condensate drain and pump
- Check refrigerant pressures and look for leaks
- Check electrical connections, controls and the remote
- Measure air temperatures to confirm the system performs as it should
- Give you a written service report for your records and warranty
A service takes about 45 to 60 minutes for each indoor unit. See air conditioning servicing for what we check and our prices.
Service or deep clean?
A standard service includes a filter clean and a check of the coil. A deep clean goes further: the engineer takes the indoor unit apart and cleans the coil, fan barrel and drain tray, then applies an antibacterial treatment. Choose a deep clean if the system smells musty, the airflow is weak or it has not been serviced for a few years.
Signs your system needs attention
Bad smells or dripping water
A musty smell usually means mould on the coil; dripping water points to a blocked drain line. A deep clean fixes both.
Weak airflow or higher bills
Dirty filters and coils make the system work harder. A service usually fixes it. If the air is warm or the pipes ice up, the system may be low on gas and need a leak repair and regas.
Strange noises or error codes
Rattling, clicking or a code on the display often points to a fan, sensor or drain pump problem. Note the code and send us a photo: it helps the engineer bring the right parts.
What you can do between services
- Vacuum or rinse the filters every two to four weeks while the system is in use
- Keep leaves, plants and furniture away from the outdoor unit
- Do not block the airflow from the indoor unit with curtains or furniture
- Check that water still drains away outside when the system cools
- Book a service in spring, before the summer rush
How much does an air conditioning service cost?
Our annual service starts from £95 for the first indoor unit and £45 for each extra unit. A service with a deep clean costs £145 per wall-mounted unit. Commercial maintenance is quoted per site, with planned visits and F-Gas records included.
Servicing: common questions
Does servicing keep my warranty valid?
For most brands, yes: an annual service by an F-Gas certified engineer is a condition of the manufacturer warranty. Keep the service reports.
Do you service systems you didn’t install?
Yes. We service all major brands, whoever installed them.
When is the best time to book a service?
Spring is ideal: the system is ready for the first hot days and engineers are easier to book than in July.
Book a service online or send us a WhatsApp message with your system’s brand and number of units.