How Often Should an Air Conditioner Be Serviced?
Quick answer
Service a home AC unit once a year, ideally in spring before the summer heat. If you use it for heating in winter too, or you live near the coast, twice a year is better.
Recommended intervals
| Situation | How often |
|---|---|
| Cooling only, light use | Every 12 months |
| Heat pump used all year | Every 6 months |
| Coastal home (salt air) | Every 6 months |
| Rental / Airbnb | Before each high season |
| Clean filters yourself | Every 2–4 weeks in summer |
What a professional service includes
- Cleaning or replacing filters
- Cleaning the indoor coil and fan with disinfectant
- Clearing the condensate drain (the main cause of dripping units)
- Checking refrigerant pressure and electrical connections
- Cleaning the outdoor unit
A typical service costs €50–€90 for one split unit, less per unit when several are done together.
Signs you need a service now
- Weak or warm airflow
- Water dripping from the indoor unit
- Musty smell when switching on
- Higher electricity bills than last year
- Ice on the pipes
What you can do yourself
Rinse the filters with lukewarm water and let them dry, keep the outdoor unit free of leaves, and run the unit on fan mode for 10 minutes after cooling to dry the coil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does skipping AC servicing void the warranty?
Some manufacturers require proof of regular servicing. Keep your invoices.
Written & Verified By
Quick Fixes Editorial Team
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