It can be tempting to put off air con maintenance if nothing seems wrong with your system, but experts warn that this can be a costly mistake.
From refrigerant leaks to clogged filters, there are many things that can go wrong without any visible signs. But with Air conditioning With units starting at around £750, you’ll want to do everything you can to extend its life.
Below, we explain everything you need to know about air con maintenance, including what needs to be checked, how much it costs, and what damage can happen if you put it off.
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What maintenance does an air con unit require?
1. Filter cleaning or replacement
At least, Lucy Arnold, maintenance and service manager PRA Air ConditioningIt recommends cleaning or replacing filters regularly to ensure they are free of dust and debris. While this does not replace professional service, this basic maintenance will help keep the unit running efficiently.
2. Professional Service
In addition to regular cleaning, Lucy says you should have your air conditioning professionally serviced by an engineer. They will clean internal components, check airflow and electrical connections, and inspect the system for refrigerant leaks.
“Also, they can detect small defects before they develop into much larger and more expensive problems,” she adds.
Lucy is the Maintenance and Servicing Manager at PRA Air Conditioning, specializing in setting up rolling and one-off maintenance contracts for domestic, commercial and industrial customers. Her decades of experience also include quoting and designing, installing, breaking down and repairing air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
How do I know if my air con needs maintenance?
Ignoring these warning signs is the biggest Air conditioning errors You can create:
1. The system lasts longer than before: “If it takes an hour to cool a room when it does it in 20 minutes, something isn’t wrong,” says Martin Fowley, founder. Elite Renewables.
2. Increase in electricity bills: Suddenly noticed – And mostly random – Increase in your bill? Martin says your unit is working harder because the filter is blocked, the outdoor unit is restricted or the system is not operating efficiently.
3. Abnormal symptoms: If you notice anything out of the ordinary like strange noises, unpleasant smells, water leaks or poor cooling, it’s worth checking, says Lucy Arnold.
Martin Fowler is the founder of Elite Renewables and has over 20 years of experience in home energy systems, heating, cooling and air conditioning.
How much does air con maintenance cost?
surprise Cost of air conditioning Maintenance? Martin says to expect the following:
- Single Wall-Mounted Unit: £70 to £120
- Two wall-mounted units: £130 to £200
- A large multi-split system: £300+ (depending on number of units)
“The important thing is to check what is actually included in the price. You should check the coil, drainage, electrical connections, airflow and general operation, as well as the filter,” he says.
“I would also be wary of automatically paying for refrigerant ‘top-up’. Air conditioning is a sealed system, so if the refrigerant is low, the engineer should look for the leak rather than adding more gas.”
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What happens if I don’t service my air con unit?
No one wants to shell out £300 for air conditioning maintenance, but keeping it longer Creating inefficiencies (In other words, you will pay more for electricity every month).
Martin says you can too Reduce system life And may also void the warranty if the unit needs regular servicing.
How often should I service my air con unit?
Both Lucy and Martin recommend servicing your air conditioning unit At least once a year – Potentially more often if it is used heavily for both heating and cooling. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, as mentioned above, you should check it between services.
Can I service my air con unit myself?
No, you should not attempt to service your air conditioning unit yourself, as it can be both a safety hazard and a risk to your warranty. However, according to Martin Fowle, there are some basic maintenance tasks you can try:
Do it yourself
- Clean and replace the filters
- Clean leaves and dirt around the outdoor unit
Leave it to the pros
- Open the system
- Repair Refrigerant Leaks
- Interference with electrical parts
“Ignoring professional maintenance or attempting technical repairs yourself can leave you paying for future repairs that would otherwise have been covered,” concludes Lucy Arnold.
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