Yes. Home air conditioning needs two kinds of maintenance: regular filter cleaning you can do yourself, and a periodic professional service by an F-Gas certified engineer, which manufacturers usually recommend at least once a year. Servicing keeps the system efficient, catches refrigerant leaks and faults early, and is often a condition of the warranty.
A neglected unit uses more electricity, cools less effectively and is more likely to break down in the first heatwave. Our air conditioning page explains the systems we install and maintain.
What you can do yourself
- Clean the filters every few weeks during heavy use, following the manufacturer’s instructions
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, plants and debris
- Wipe the indoor unit and vents with a dry cloth
- Check the condensate drain isn’t dripping into the room
Don’t open panels beyond what the manual allows, and never touch the refrigerant pipework.
What a professional service includes
- Deep cleaning of the indoor coil and fan
- Cleaning the outdoor unit’s coil
- Checking refrigerant pressures and looking for leaks
- Checking electrical connections and controls
- Clearing and testing the condensate drain
- Checking performance in cooling and heating modes
- Treating the indoor unit to reduce bacteria and odours, where appropriate
Work on the refrigerant circuit must be done by an F-Gas certified engineer.
How often?
Most manufacturers recommend at least an annual service for domestic systems. Units used heavily, or in dusty environments, may need more frequent attention. Spring is a sensible time, before the hot weather arrives. Check your warranty terms for any specific requirements.
Signs your air con needs attention
- It’s not cooling or heating as well as it used to
- Water is dripping from the indoor unit
- Musty or unpleasant smells when it starts
- Unusual noises from either unit
- Ice on the pipes or outdoor unit
- It keeps switching off or showing error codes
- Higher electricity use than usual
Using air con for heating
If your system heats as well as cools, it may run for much of the year. That makes regular servicing even more worthwhile, as the unit will be working in both summer and winter.
Air con in Lincoln homes
Many air conditioning systems around Lincoln and North Hykeham are installed in loft conversions, bedrooms and home offices. Our blog on why loft conversions get so hot explains why these rooms benefit most. Keeping those units serviced helps them cope when a hot spell arrives.
If your central heating also needs a check, our boiler servicing and repairs team can help.
Frequently asked questions
Can I service my own air conditioning?
You can clean filters and keep the outdoor unit clear. Anything involving refrigerant, electrics or internal components should be left to an F-Gas certified engineer.
Why does my air con smell musty?
Usually because of dirt, moisture or bacteria on the indoor coil or in the drain. Cleaning the filters helps, but a professional clean usually sorts it properly.
Does servicing affect the warranty?
Many manufacturers require regular servicing to keep the warranty valid. Check your warranty terms and keep service records.
Book an air con service
If your air conditioning is due a service or isn’t working as it should, give us a call on 07717 224 048 or drop us a line and we’ll book you in.