What Happens During an Air Conditioning Servicing?

If you haven’t had your system checked before and want to know what happens during an air conditioning servicing, we’ve put together a checklist on what to expect.  Having your air conditioning system serviced allows you to get more from it throughout the year by giving you much more temperature control.

Whether you have an AC system installed in your home or business, it’s important to book a qualified engineer who can carry out the relevant checks to reduce the chances of it breaking down. Here we explain what an engineer needs to look at during a servicing visit to keep your system in tip-top condition and why the maintenance is so important to the longevity of the system.

How often should an air conditioning system be serviced?

In most cases, an air conditioning system should be serviced at least once a year to ensure there are no issues preventing it from giving you maximum performance. However, whilst this is true of most systems, some may require more frequent checks if they are used on a more regular basis, which can lead to increased levels of wear and tear. It is generally recognised that the best time to service the system is in early summer, as this significantly reduces the risk during the hottest period of the year.

How long does it take to service an air conditioning system?

The length of time it takes to service an air conditioning system depends on how many units there are to be checked and the overall size of the system. In domestic settings, it usually takes around 1-2 hours to finish servicing. For larger commercial systems it will take longer as there are often more units installed that will need to be checked, tested and maintained.

How much does it cost to service an air conditioning system?

The cost for servicing an air conditioning system varies depending on how many units need to be checked and if any specific repairs or replacements are required. At AAC, we can provide a fixed quote based on the number of units in your home or business and a quote based on any additional requirements for the system.

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What happens during air conditioning servicing?

A thorough air conditioning servicing should include the following:

Air conditioning checkup and cleaning

The engineer will first need to check for any water leaks that may have appeared in the AC system. These can occur from time to time in the pipes or tubes inside a unit. As part of this process, dirt and debris build up is removed and the unit is cleaned to enhance its overall performance.

Cleaning of the compressor fin and air filter

Due to the amount of air passing through an AC system when it is in operation, it will naturally collect a large amount of dust and debris over time. The engineer will remove and clean the air filter to prevent the build-up of ice or the unit not producing enough cool air. Filters typically last between 3-6 months, depending on usage and will need to be replaced, although reusable filters can be used. The compressor fin will also be cleaned, and any dust or mould build up washed off.

AC evaporator and condenser fan clean up

The AC fan can sometimes be in different parts of the unit, depending on the model version and manufacturer. This will need to be accessed and cleaned during the servicing, as will the AC condenser to remove any dust and mould that may have built up since the last servicing.

Checking the coolant level

Another key part of the servicing is to check the coolant level in the AC. If the level is too low it can prevent the system from working, as the cooling coil temperature would have dropped below its required level.

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Condenser coil and AC evaporator cleaning

When there is too much dust and dirt in the AC it will eventually cause the system to overheat. So, it’s important that both the condenser and evaporator coil are cleaned to reduce the threat of overheating, allowing it to produce the cold air needed, especially during the summer.

Overall inspection of the unit

There are several other components of the unit that need to be checked by the engineer after all the initial checks have been completed. This includes the fan motor, compressor, thermostat, evaporator unit and condenser unit, to identify any existing faults or potential issues that could develop.

Final thoughts

We’re confident this should give you a clearer indication as to why your air conditioning system needs to be serviced at least once a year. The most common reason an air conditioning system breaks down is because it hasn’t been serviced in quite a while. A breakdown can happen at any time and often when you need the system the most, forcing you to pay for an emergency repair. But by implementing a regular maintenance plan you can keep your home cool and save money in the long run.

Get a free survey and quote

If you need to have your air conditioning system serviced, get in touch with AAC today to arrange a free quote and survey at a time that suits you. Email info@aacteam.co.uk or call 01707 32 55 66.