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How Often Should You Service Your AC to Stay Cool in Summer?

how often should you service your ac

Your air conditioner should run smoothly when the heat comes. However, that comfort relies on keeping up with regular maintenance. So, how often should you service your AC to stay cool in summer?

For most households, booking a professional service once a year – ideally in spring – is the best way to keep your system running efficiently. If your unit also provides heating or works harder in a busy home or commercial space, a second check in autumn can prevent wear-related faults. Annual servicing keeps your warranty valid. It also reduces energy use and helps prevent breakdowns in midsummer, when demand is at its highest.

This guide covers service details for family homes and commercial spaces in Dorset and Hampshire. It explains what’s included, when to book, and how our F-Gas certified engineers can keep you cool and compliant.

How Often Should You Service Your Air Conditioner?

The general rule is straightforward: schedule a full air conditioning service once a year, preferably in the spring. This allows time to clean the filters, inspect the moving parts, and check the refrigerant levels. So, everything will be prepared when the temperatures rise.

More frequent checks may be recommended if:

  • Your system also provides heating: Dual-purpose units work harder year-round. A second service in autumn helps identify wear from long-term use.
  • You manage a large or high-use property: Frequent operation puts strain on key components. Six-monthly checks can improve reliability.
  • Your AC is over 12kW: Under UK F-Gas rules, systems with this capacity need a professional inspection at least every five years. According to the UK Government, only a certified energy assessor is permitted to perform these inspections per UK law.

Our engineers assess your system’s workload, type, and usage pattern to recommend a schedule that best suits your needs. More importantly for you, we don’t upsell or overservice.

5 Clear Reasons to Book Regular AC Servicing

Routine servicing goes beyond just preventing breakdowns. It’s a great way to ensure your air conditioning system runs efficiently, reliably, and safely. Here are five practical reasons to stay on top of your annual service.

1. Lower Your Energy Bills

A system that’s clogged with dust or running low on refrigerant has to work harder, costing you more each month. The Energy Saving Trust notes that maintaining heating and cooling systems can help reduce energy consumption at home, particularly during busy periods.

2. Extend the Life of Your System

Regular checks help reduce strain on fans, motors, and coils, thereby preventing premature failure. That means fewer unexpected callouts and a longer-lasting system, particularly in homes that use their AC all year round.

3. Keep Your Warranty Valid

Most top brands, such as Bosch, Daikin, and Mitsubishi Electric, require yearly servicing to keep their warranties valid. Skipping a service could leave you without protection if a fault develops.

4. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Filters and coils naturally collect dust, pollen, and moisture. If left unchecked, this can affect air quality and increase allergy risks. A professional clean helps keep your indoor environment healthier for everyone in the home.

5. Avoid Peak Season Breakdowns

A spring service allows engineers to catch faults early. This prevents cooling problems during a summer heatwave. In the summer, scheduling appointments can be more challenging, and resolving issues can be more expensive.

What Does an AC Service Involve?

When you book a service with Greenstar, our engineers conduct a thorough inspection. This helps keep your system safe, efficient, and working as intended. Every visit is carried out by an F-Gas-certified professional. Our team adheres to current UK safety regulations and the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Here’s what we include as standard:

  • We remove dust and debris to improve airflow and support better air quality.
  • Ensuring the right level of refrigerant is present helps avoid performance loss or long-term damage.
  • Our experts examine fans, coils, and condensers for any signs of wear, damage, or blocked airflow. We do this to maintain accurate temperature settings and ensure your system remains responsive.
  • Safety and compliance checks must confirm F-Gas regulations when needed, especially for systems over 12 kW. DEFRA’s guidance outlines these legal requirements for commercial or high-output systems.

All of this is done using approved tools and parts. We’ll talk you through anything we find, with no pressure, no jargon, and no upselling. Our goal is always to leave your system in the best possible condition, ready for the months ahead.

When’s the Best Time to Book Your AC Service?

The best time to book your air conditioning service is early spring. Getting your system serviced before it gets hot allows you to clean and inspect it thoroughly. This helps it run efficiently when you need it the most. It also means you’ll beat the summer rush, when engineer availability can be limited.

If your unit heats or runs all year, such as in busy homes, salons, or rentals, consider scheduling a second visit in early autumn. This allows us to inspect wear from the warmer months and ensure your system is winter-ready too. Our team offer flexible booking slots and can help you set a servicing routine that fits your property and warranty needs.

Visit our air conditioning servicing page to learn more or get started.

Book Your Local Air Conditioning Service Today

Knowing how often to service your AC helps you avoid unwanted surprises, whether it’s rising energy bills or a breakdown during a heatwave. One visit a year is usually enough to keep your system running smoothly. If your unit does double duty with heating, or works hard all year, a second service in autumn makes all the difference.

At Greenstar, we’ve worked across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire for over 28 years. Our engineers are F-Gas certified and Bosch-accredited, and they are trained to work on all major brands. We provide clear pricing, flexible scheduling, and customised advice tailored to your usage, warranty, and property needs.

You can also view examples of our work on our case studies page or explore installation services if you’re considering an upgrade.

Call 01202 355344 or get in touch to book your local air conditioning service.

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