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7 Reasons Why Air Conditioner Maintenance is Important

Tips and tricks on how to maintain your AC system

At My Plumber, we know that air conditioner key components wear out after a while. Filters, fins and coils need regular maintenance for any AC to function as efficiently and effectively it’s designed to. When you neglect the necessary routine maintenance, your AC unit will use more energy as it declines in performance.

Adopting the practice of a regular service will nor only help, but guarantee that your AC unit run at its optimal capacity and efficiently as it ensures the right heating and cooling. You may need to find and establish AC tune-ups experts who will conduct regular service for your units.

Read on our guide on why air conditioner maintenance is crucial.

1. AC Maintenance saves money

Regular maintenance of your AC is a preventive approach that gives you a 500 percent Return on Investment. Maintaining your heating and cooling unit properly through regular service will save you considerable money from constant repairs.

For example, aluminium fins on the condenser and evaporator bend easily when the AC is in use. A quick intervention requires straightening the fins almost back to their original condition. This happens using a small “fin comb” tool during AC unit maintenance. However, bend fins compromise the air and reduce your AC efficiency significantly. Timely repair interventions will save you considerable replacement and operation costs.

With a regularly performed AC tune-up, the device will function efficiently, saving you energy costs. A clogged air conditioner filter reduces the amount of airflow. When the airflow is obstructed, air bypasses the filter, and dirt is deposited directly into the evaporator coil, impairing its heat-absorbing ability. Replacing a clogged, dirty filter with a clean one lowers your AC energy consumption by up to 15 percent. A well-maintained, clean air conditioner operates efficiently, reducing power consumption.

2. AC Maintenance extends lifespan

According to AC coil cleaning experts Pro Clean AC, without regular maintenance, the average air conditioning unit loses about 5% in its efficiency annually, which is estimated to run for approximately 2,800 hours per year. Unless regularly serviced, any AC is prone to devastating wear and tear. Every year you skip AC tune-ups and maintenance, your unit works harder than it should, which translates to less efficiency.

When you engage technicians to maintain your unit regularly, they will address minor issues and fix them early. This proactive approach keeps your unit functioning at its optimal performance.

Minor problems culminate into significant issues if left unattended. However, your system can exceed its 15-year life expectancy if caught early.

3. Save your warranty

Most warranties require regular AC service for the first few years. Even with a system running perfectly, ignoring regular service will void your warranty. If you have skipped maintenance of your unit, and it develops a problem, you may have to cover the repair cost, which you could have avoided.

The air conditioner’s lack of maintenance and cleaning can cause many problems. These can affect the equipment’s operation, imply a more significant energy consumption, and even favour the occurrence of health issues like migraines and irritation in the mucous membranes.

4. Saves the environment

An air conditioner unit is incredible as it keeps us warm during winter and cools us from the scorching summer heat. Like many other technological wonders, the air conditioner also has its demerits. Excessive use of the air conditioner is harmful as it emits harmful greenhouse gases into the environment.

Investing in high SEER and EER-rated units helps incredibly reduce carbon footprint and slash your energy bills. Also, regularly servicing and cleaning your AC is a preventive approach that helps reduce air pollution.

The AC units blow dirty air indoors when the coils and filters are dirty. Cleaning them regularly will ensure that your indoor air is clean.

5. Compliance with UK air conditioning regulations

Certain air conditioning units require professional servicing at regular intervals, depending on the amount of refrigerant (coolant) they contain. These requirements fall under the F-Gas Regulations, which are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Units containing less than 3 kg of refrigerant (or under 5 tonnes CO₂ equivalent) do not require mandatory servicing, though regular maintenance is still recommended for performance and energy efficiency.
Systems with more than 5 tonnes CO₂ equivalent (TCO₂e) of refrigerant must be serviced at least once a year by a certified technician.
AC units exceeding 50 TCO₂e require professional leak checks every six months.
Systems containing over 500 TCO₂e of refrigerant are subject to quarterly (every three months) inspections.

In addition to F-Gas compliance, both residential and commercial properties with air conditioning systems that provide a combined cooling capacity of over 12kW are legally required to have a TM44 Energy Inspection every five years. These assessments help ensure energy efficiency and identify opportunities to reduce operational costs. Failing to meet these legal requirements can result in fines and penalties, especially for commercial premises.

6. Clean AC means cleaner air and a healthier home

Dirty filters and coils don’t just impact your AC’s performance; they can also harm your indoor air quality. Dust, mould spores, pet dander, and other allergens can quickly build up in dirty filters and coils, and when the system runs, these particles are spread throughout your home. This can trigger allergies, migraines, and respiratory issues, especially for sensitive individuals or households with pets.

Routine AC cleaning and filter replacement significantly reduce the presence of airborne pollutants, helping maintain a healthy indoor environment. Clean coils and filters mean your system circulates fresh, filtered air, not allergens and bacteria.

If you have pets or live in a high-pollen area, regular maintenance is especially important to preserve the air quality and prevent accumulation.

7. Reduces the risk of emergency breakdowns

Few things are more inconvenient than needing urgent AC repair during a summer heatwave. The sudden loss of cooling can be both uncomfortable and stressful, often leading to emergency repairs at the worst possible time. To prevent such situations, regular servicing of your AC unit is essential. By catching early signs of wear and tear, you can avoid significant problems and reduce the risk of costly last-minute AC repairs, saving yourself stress, money, and discomfort during the peak season.

How often should an air conditioner be serviced

An air conditioner must be serviced at least once every 12 months to keep it running efficiently and prevent unexpected breakdowns. A system’s type and frequency of use determine the best time for an annual service.

If you have a cooling-only air conditioner, the best time to service it is in the spring, just before the warmer months begin. This will ensure that your cooling system is ready for peak usage during the summer. For a reverse-cycle air conditioner, which provides both heating and cooling, it’s best to service it twice a year – once in the spring and again in autumn – to keep both functions working as expected.

If you use your AC heavily, such as running it 24/7 or in a commercial setting, more frequent maintenance may be required, potentially every 6 months. Regular maintenance not only improves performance but can also extend the life of your system and reduce the need for costly AC repairs. To ensure your air conditioner gets the care it needs, contact a professional and set up a personalised service schedule based on your usage.

How do I know if my AC needs maintenance

Several warning signs can indicate your air conditioner needs maintenance or repair. If you notice any of the following issues, it’s a good idea to call a qualified HVAC technician for a professional inspection:

Unusual noises, such as rattling, screeching, clanking, or hissing, may suggest loose parts, debris buildup, or refrigerant leaks.
Weak airflow or warm air coming from the vents could be caused by clogged filters, low refrigerant levels, blocked ducts, or a faulty blower fan.
Inconsistent cooling across rooms often points to airflow problems or refrigerant issues.
High energy bills without increased usage are a common sign that your AC is no longer operating efficiently.
Water leaks or damp patches around the unit could signal a blocked condensate drain or internal component failure.
Strange odours, such as musty or burning smells, might indicate mould in the system or electrical faults.
Frequent cycling (the unit turning on and off too often) is often caused by thermostat issues or system imbalances.
Old age – if your AC unit is 10–15 years old, it may require more frequent servicing or even replacement.

If your air conditioner is showing any of these signs, don’t ignore them – timely maintenance can prevent more serious issues and expensive repairs down the line. Book a service with a trusted HVAC technician to keep your system running safely and efficiently.

Can I service my AC myself

Homeowners can perform basic air conditioner maintenance tasks, but most servicing should be left to certified HVAC professionals. Routine DIY care can help improve system performance, but anything involving refrigerant, electrical components, or complex repairs should always be handled by a qualified technician.

Tasks you can do yourself include:

Changing or cleaning air filters to maintain airflow and energy efficiency
Cleaning the outdoor condenser unit of leaves, dust, and debris
Checking and adjusting the thermostat settings, and replacing the batteries when necessary
Visually inspecting ductwork for leaks or damage

However, the following tasks require a professional AC technician:

Recharging refrigerant involves working with chemicals and requires specialised equipment and certification
Diagnosing or repairing electrical issues, which can be dangerous without proper training
Carrying out complex AC unit repairs, including those involving the compressor or evaporator coils
Annual AC tune-ups and full system inspections, which ensure long-term performance and efficiency

While basic upkeep can be performed at home, regular professional servicing of your AC unit is essential to preventing costly repairs and extending your system’s lifespan. However, more complex maintenance should always be handled by a qualified HVAC technician.

Conclusion

Regular air conditioner maintenance is not just a recommendation – it’s essential for keeping your system running efficiently, avoiding costly breakdowns, and maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Whether it’s a cooling-only unit or a reverse-cycle air conditioner, scheduling professional servicing at the right time of year ensures your AC performs at its best when you need it most.

Proactive maintenance prevents emergencies, saves you money, and gives you peace of mind all year round. If you’re unsure how often your system needs attention or you’re looking for reliable AC repair or air conditioner servicing in London, contact our certified experts at My Plumber. We’ll help you set up a personalised service plan that keeps your system in top condition – efficiently, affordably, and in full compliance with UK standards.