Keeping your air conditioning running smoothly isn’t just about comfort; it’s about reliability, efficiency, and peace of mind. Whether you use air conditioning at home or across your business premises, regular maintenance ensures your system performs when you need it most, especially during the warmer months.
When temperatures rise, the last thing you want is an unexpected breakdown. That’s why we always recommend staying on top of routine servicing. A well-maintained unit is far less likely to fail and can also help you cut energy costs and extend the system’s lifespan.
In this guide, we’ll explain the key benefits of air conditioning maintenance and offer practical tips on how to look after your system. If you’re looking to get the most out of your air conditioning for heating and cooling, it pays to know what proper care looks like.
7 Reasons to Keep on Top of Air Con Maintenance
1. Helps Avoid Costly Replacements
No one wants to deal with a broken air conditioner in the middle of a heatwave. Regular air conditioning maintenance is the best way to catch minor issues before they turn into major, expensive breakdowns.
By booking an annual service, you give a professional the chance to spot worn parts, leaks, or electrical faults early. Preventative air con maintenance not only protects your system but also saves you the stress and cost of a full replacement down the line.
2. Better Energy Efficiency = Cheaper Bills
A poorly maintained air conditioner has to work harder to deliver the same level of cooling, which pushes up your energy bills. Blocked filters, worn-out parts, or low refrigerant levels can all reduce efficiency.
Regular air conditioning unit maintenance helps keep everything running smoothly and cuts unnecessary energy use. That means your system performs better for longer, and you pay less for it. Keeping your unit efficient isn’t just good for your budget, it’s better for the planet too.
3. Compliance with Legal Guidelines
Some air conditioning systems are legally required to have regular servicing, depending on their refrigerant type and volume. For units containing over 5 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (TCO₂), annual air conditioning unit maintenance by a certified professional is mandatory.
Larger systems may require servicing every six or even three months, depending on usage and manufacturer guidelines. Additionally, all commercial and residential setups must undergo a TM44 energy inspection every five years.
From January 2025, systems using refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential above 750 were banned, and non-compliance with inspection rules now incurs penalties of up to £800, making proactive maintenance more crucial than ever.
4. More Efficient Cooling
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling properly, it could be due to a lack of maintenance. Dust build-up, blocked filters, or worn-out parts can restrict airflow and reduce your system’s overall effectiveness.
Routine air conditioning unit maintenance keeps everything clean and in good condition, so your space stays at the temperature you want. Whether you’re using your air conditioning for heating or cooling, a regular check-up helps it perform at its best, keeping comfort levels high throughout the year.
5. Better for Allergy Sufferers
Over time, allergens, dust, and mould spores can build up inside an air conditioning unit. If the filters aren’t cleaned regularly, these particles can circulate through your home or workplace, causing discomfort for allergy sufferers or anyone with respiratory issues. Routine air con maintenance improves air quality by removing harmful build-up.
It’s a simple but effective way to reduce irritation, support healthy breathing, and keep your indoor environment fresh and clean for everyone who spends time in it.
6. Prevents Odours
A musty or stale smell from your air conditioning unit is often caused by a build-up of dust, damp, or even mould. These odours can linger and affect your entire indoor environment.
Air conditioning maintenance includes cleaning out moisture traps, drains, and filters where unpleasant smells often start. Keeping your system clean not only improves air quality but makes your home or business more welcoming. If your air con smells off, it’s time for a proper clean and service.
7. Maintains the Warranty
Most manufacturers require regular air conditioning unit maintenance to keep the warranty valid. If you skip routine checks, you could risk losing cover, meaning you’d pay out of pocket for repairs or replacements that should’ve been included.
Sticking to the maintenance schedule ensures your warranty remains intact and gives you added peace of mind. In the event of a fault or failure, you’ll be protected and won’t be left footing the bill for something beyond your control.
Signs That Your Air Conditioner Needs Servicing
Although an annual service will generally be sufficient to keep most parts of your air conditioner running as it should, there might be a time when additional air conditioning maintenance is necessary.
These are some tell-tale signs to look out for. If you notice any of them, you should take action to prevent bigger problems later down the line:
- The Unit Has Started Making More Noise Than Unusual
- The Machine Isn’t Cooling as Efficiently as it Did
- The Air Conditioner is Costing More to Run Than Before
Process for Keeping Your Air Conditioner Working at its Best
Besides professional air conditioning unit maintenance, there are other steps you can take to keep your system in full working order.
1. Check the Filter
Cleaning or replacing a dirty filter can greatly increase the efficiency of an air conditioning unit. A dirty filter can force the air conditioner to work harder in order to achieve the same airflow.
Depending on how frequently you are using your air conditioning unit, you may need to attend to the filter every couple of months. Some filters can be cleaned, whilst others need to be replaced.
2. Clean the Coil
Air conditioners contain evaporator and condenser coils, both of which can gather dust and debris over time. If left uncleaned, this build-up reduces your system’s performance and makes it work harder than necessary. That’s why coil cleaning is an essential part of routine air conditioning maintenance.
The coil fins, which are thin metal strips attached to the coils, can also bend out of shape. To keep airflow efficient, they should be carefully straightened using a tool known as a fin comb.
The coil fins, which are positioned on the coils, can get bent and require combing back into position using a fin comb.
3. Check the Seals
Air conditioners are sealed at the points where they connect to walls or windows to prevent cool air from leaking out. Over time, these seals can wear down, crack, or loosen, leading to reduced efficiency and higher energy costs. If you notice any damage or gaps, it’s important to address them quickly. As part of regular air conditioning maintenance, checking and repairing seals helps keep your system running effectively and your space properly cooled.
4. Protect it During Winter
During the colder months, when your air conditioner isn’t in use, it’s wise to protect it from harsh weather and debris. Covering the outdoor unit helps shield it from rain, frost, and falling leaves, which can lead to corrosion or blockages. This simple step can extend the system’s lifespan and reduce the risk of issues later. Including outdoor cover checks in your regular air con maintenance routine is a smart way to protect your investment.
Book Expert Air Con Maintenance Today for Year-Round Efficiency
Although there are certain service checks you can do at home, hiring a professional for annual air conditioning maintenance will help ensure everything stays running smoothly. Bringing in an expert will make sure that any small problems are caught early on, preventing larger bills in the future.
At Cool-Tec, we offer a professional maintenance and repair service for air conditioning units, ensuring that they stay functioning efficiently and that any problems are identified as soon as possible. Whether you’ve noticed a maintenance issue, or would like to organise regular servicing, fill out our contact form or give our expert team a call on 0800 0189 941.
