How often does air con need servicing?

Author: Davon Mohr  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

Even without noticeable defects, we recommend getting an air conditioner checked at least once a year to ensure it's performing at its best. Here are the signs to be on the lookout for that may indicate an air conditioner needs immediate maintenance. If your unit makes more noise than usual, the filters may be clogged.

How often should an air conditioner be serviced?

How Often Is AC Service Needed? Though there can be a bit of wiggle room, generally speaking, you should have your air conditioner serviced twice yearly: once in the fall and once in the spring. This is to ensure that it's clean, that its parts are in good shape and that it's operating as optimally as possible.

How do I know if my AC needs to be serviced?

10 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair or Replacement
  1. Air Conditioning System is Blowing Warm Air. ...
  2. AC Thermostat is Not Working. ...
  3. Little Air Blows Out of Vents. ...
  4. Loud Noise Inside of the AC Unit. ...
  5. Strange Odors When AC Turned On. ...
  6. Not Enough Humidity Removed By the AC. ...
  7. Problems with the AC Are Occurring More Often.

Is it worth getting air conditioning serviced?

Yes, it is recommended to get your air conditioner serviced regularly even if it appears to be working fine. Regular maintenance can help identify potential issues before they become major problems and prevent breakdowns, which could save you from costly repairs or even a full replacement in the future.

What is the 3 minute rule for air conditioners?

Depending on the system, an optimal time of 3 minutes is required before switching the system on. If the system is turned on without waiting for at least 3 minutes, the system can start with a pressure load. This pressure load prevents the system from cooling properly, which could affect the system in the long run.

How often should you service your air conditioner?

How often should your AC cycle?

Ideally, a properly operating air conditioner should cycle for roughly 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times per hour. If the temperature inside your home is very high, is much higher than the temperature that your thermostat is set at, or the outside temperature is very high, the run time will increase.

What is the new law for air conditioners?

The New Regulations

Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants. Older refrigerants like R-410, which are likely the refrigerant used by your current system, are being phased out.

How much should aircon servicing cost?

Aircon general servicing typically costs $30 per unit for wall-mounted units and $100 for ceiling-mounted units. For additional AC services such as gas top-up and condenser cleaning, the average cost is $150-$500.

What happens if air conditioner is not serviced?

If an air conditioner is not serviced regularly, it can suffer from reduced efficiency, higher energy consumption, and frequent breakdowns. Common issues such as clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, and electrical failures can arise, leading to costly repairs and a shorter lifespan for the unit.

How much should I charge for AC maintenance?

An annual AC tuneup costs between $60 and $200, depending on the type and size of your unit.

How long does an AC service take?

Fixing an air conditioning unit typically takes between 30 minutes to 8 hours. Simple issues, like changing a clogged filter or replacing a fuse, are resolved quickly. More intricate problems, such as refrigerant leaks or compressor failures, require more time.

How much does a compressor cost for an air conditioner?

On average, AC compressor costs range from $800 to $2,300, with most folks paying $1,200 for a new one. However, your price will vary depending on factors like the size and brand of your compressor. Before you schedule your replacement, read on to learn about all AC compressor cost factors.

Why is AC not blowing cold air?

First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.

What is the normal lifespan of an air conditioner?

It's important to be aware of how long air conditioners last, so you don't get the unwelcome surprise of a broken air conditioner in the peak of the summer heat. In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.

How do I know if my air conditioner needs servicing?

Here are the top five signs that you need to repair or replace your air conditioner.
  1. It's just not cool. ...
  2. Your energy bills are getting bigger. ...
  3. It's giving off strange emissions. ...
  4. The temperature is inconsistent. ...
  5. It needs excessive repairs.

What does AC service include?

Are you wondering what's included in professional AC maintenance services? Professional AC maintenance services typically include thoroughly inspecting your air conditioning system, cleaning and replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, and more.

Can I self service my AC?

You may be able to clean the inside of your AC system depending on how comfortable you are opening your AC unit up, but you won't be able to spot any serious issues without a service technician. Any service work involving leaks, electrical problems, fan issues, or blower components will require a pro.

Is it necessary to service AC every year?

Even without noticeable defects, we recommend getting an air conditioner checked at least once a year to ensure it's performing at its best. Here are the signs to be on the lookout for that may indicate an air conditioner needs immediate maintenance. If your unit makes more noise than usual, the filters may be clogged.

What happens if you don't drain air conditioner?

But if you don't, it could do water damage and allow mold to grow all around your AC unit. This mold can cause health complications and damage to flooring, walls, etc.

How often should you service your AC at home?

To keep your air conditioner functioning efficiently, HVAC Experts recommend servicing it at least once a year. Annual cooling maintenance ensures your AC unit remains in optimal condition, preventing potential issues and extending its life span.

How much for AC gas refill?

Residential Air Conditioner Freon Refill Cost

Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit. If you own a larger r22 unit, you may have to spend $600 or more. To break this down for you, a 25lbs unit of r410A costs anything between $100 and $175.

What does normal aircon servicing include?

Normal servicing

A pro will check all parts like electrical contacts, swing motor and thermistor. They listen for weird noises or look for water leaks too. This helps stop big problems before they start. They also test how much air comes out and its temperature to make sure your aircon cools right.

Are air conditioners going to change in 2025?

The new refrigerant changes in 2025 are part of a larger effort to make air conditioning systems more environmentally friendly, while still keeping homes comfortable. These changes are being driven by regulations to phase out older refrigerants like R-410A, which have a high global warming potential (GWP).

Can you sue a company for not having air conditioning?

Part of that obligation includes having and maintaining air conditioning. If your employer does not fulfill their duty to maintain a safe environment then they may be liable for damages and you may be eligible for workers' compensation.

How much is a new HVAC system?

An HVAC replacement cost is $7,500 on average. This range could be as low as $5,000 or as high as $12,500, depending on the type and size of your unit, the brand, and labor costs. Your overall cost for a new HVAC unit could reach $22,000 if you add new ductwork and additional features like a HEPA filtration system.

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