The Honest Answer: Does air conditioning need regular servicing or can you just leave it?
It definitely needs annual servicing. I make no exceptions on this. Most manufacturer warranties require it, and in over thirty years of maintaining air conditioning systems across Hampshire I have never seen a well-serviced unit fail prematurely.
I have seen many neglected ones fail, usually at the worst possible moment, typically in the middle of July. The pattern is consistent: skip the service, pay for the repair.
What does a service actually cover?
An AES air conditioning service covers everything that affects performance and longevity.
Filter cleaning. The internal filter removes dust, pollen, and airborne particles from the circulated air. A blocked filter restricts airflow, reduces efficiency, and causes the system to work harder than it should. In a heavily used system, filters should be cleaned by the homeowner every two to four weeks in addition to the annual service clean.
Coil cleaning. The evaporator coil, the internal heat exchanger, accumulates dust and biological matter over time. A dirty coil reduces heat transfer efficiency and can become a source of mould in the air stream. Coil cleaning requires specialist equipment and is not a user task.
Condensate drain check. All air conditioning systems produce condensate, water removed from the air during cooling. If the condensate drain blocks, water backs up and can overflow into the ceiling or wall. This is one of the most common service callout issues and is entirely preventable with regular clearing.
Refrigerant check. Refrigerant does not deplete in normal operation, but a slow leak will reduce system performance gradually before causing a compressor failure. A refrigerant pressure check identifies this before it becomes a problem.
Fan and motor inspection. The outdoor fan accumulates dirt and debris. Bearings wear. A service includes inspection, cleaning, and assessment of wear.
Controls and operation test. The full operational cycle, heating mode, cooling mode, fan speeds, scheduling, is tested and any control or sensor issues identified.
What happens if you skip servicing?
Performance degrades gradually. Running costs increase as efficiency falls. The probability of a component failure rises. And the failure, when it happens, almost always occurs during the period of heaviest use, a hot Hampshire July, when you need the system most and getting an engineer at short notice is difficult.
More practically: most manufacturer warranties require annual servicing by a qualified engineer to remain valid. An unserviced unit that fails outside its warranty has no cover. The repair cost of a compressor failure on a mid-range unit is typically more than the cost of several years of servicing.
How much does a service cost?
AES air conditioning servicing is priced per unit, with discounts for multi-unit properties. The cost of an annual service is a small fraction of the replacement cost of the unit or the cost of an emergency callout repair. AES offers service agreements for customers who want fixed annual servicing included in a monthly cost.
Related reading:
Can air conditioning make you ill?
Is air conditioning too expensive to run in the UK?
Will the outdoor unit annoy my neighbours or cause noise complaints?
If you have an existing air conditioning system that has not been serviced recently, or if you want to set up an annual servicing agreement for a new installation, call AES Limited.
Call AES Limited on 01794 830 404 or visit aeslimited.co.uk to discuss a service agreement.
FAQs
Can I service my own air conditioning unit?
Filter cleaning is a user task, AES shows every customer how to do this at commissioning. Coil cleaning, refrigerant checks, condensate drain clearing, and electrical checks require a qualified F-gas certified engineer. AES engineers hold all required certifications.
How often should filters be cleaned between services?
During periods of regular use, every two to four weeks. The filter slides out of the indoor unit and can be rinsed under warm water. Allow it to dry completely before replacing. AES demonstrates this at commissioning.
Does servicing affect the unit’s noise level?
Yes. A fan with accumulated debris or worn bearings is noisier than a clean, well-maintained one. Annual servicing keeps the unit running at its designed noise level.
What is included in an AES air conditioning service?
Filter cleaning, coil cleaning, condensate drain check, refrigerant pressure check, fan and motor inspection, and full operational testing of all modes. AES provides a written service record at completion.
Can AES service a unit installed by another company?
Yes. AES services air conditioning systems regardless of the installing company, provided the unit is a standard split system and accessible. We will advise at the booking stage if there are any exceptions.
