The short answer
Once a year is the usual advice for a home system that is used regularly. A unit that runs heavily, such as in a bedroom every night or a home office all day, or one in a dusty home or a home with pets, can benefit from more attention. A unit that is barely used can often go longer. Your manufacturer's instructions are the thing to follow, and some warranties expect regular servicing, so check yours.
What you can do yourself
- Clean the filters. The indoor unit has filters that slide or lift out. In regular use, cleaning them every month or two is a good habit. Rinse gently, let them dry fully and refit them. Your manual shows how.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear. Leaves, cobwebs, plants and stored items blocking the airflow make it work harder.
- Wipe the outside. A damp cloth on the casing is plenty. Do not spray water into either unit.
What a professional service covers
- Cleaning the filters and the indoor coil and checking the fan.
- Checking the condensate drain is clear, so water does not back up and drip into your room.
- Cleaning and inspecting the outdoor unit.
- Checking electrical connections and the controls.
- Checking the refrigerant circuit for leaks and testing performance in both cooling and heating mode.
Anything involving the refrigerant itself should be done by a certified company and a qualified technician. Here is why.
Signs it is due
- Weaker airflow than it used to have.
- A musty or stale smell when it starts up.
- Water dripping from the indoor unit.
- New noises, or rattling.
- It takes much longer to reach the temperature you set.
- Ice forming on the unit.
Switch it off and ring someone if you see water leaking or ice, rather than carrying on running it.
Why bother
A clean, healthy unit uses less electricity for the same result, keeps the air fresher and is less likely to fail in the first hot week of the summer, which is when everyone else rings for an engineer too.
Book a service
Ring us on 07942 371822 or send a message on WhatsApp and we will talk you through what your unit needs. More about air conditioning at Lynx.