Complete Guide to Professional AC Servicing: Keep Your Cool All Year Long
Nothing feels worse than an air-conditioner that quits on the hottest afternoon of the year. Regular AC servicing is the easiest, cheapest way to avoid that meltdown, cut electricity bills by up to 15 %, and extend the life of your unit from 7–8 years to 12–15 years. Below you’ll find everything you need to know—when to service, what’s included, DIY tips, cost expectations, and how to pick the right technician.
Why servicing matters
Energy efficiency: Dust-clogged coils force the compressor to work 30 % harder.
Air quality: Mouldy blowers can spike indoor PM2.5 levels above outdoor pollution.
Component life: A ₹2 000 service call can save a ₹40 000 compressor change-out.
How often should you book it?
Home split AC: once every 3–4 months in dusty cities; twice a year elsewhere.
Commercial units: monthly during peak season.
Desert or coastal areas: add an extra visit because sand and salt corrode fins faster.
What a standard service includes
Filter & fin vacuuming – removes pet hair, pollen, lint.
Coil chemical wash – biodegradable foam dissolves grime without damaging aluminium fins.
Drain jet-clean – kills algae that cause ceiling leaks.
Refrigerant pressure check – top-up if below 5 % of spec (never “gas-and-go” without leak testing).
Electrical tighten – checks amp draw, capacitor health, and contactor pits.
Thermostat calibration – ensures cut-off at set point ±0.5 °C.
DIY between pro visits
Wash reusable filters under lukewarm water every 15 days; dry fully before snapping back.
Keep the outdoor unit 60 cm clear of plants; hose the fins gently from top to bottom.
Listen for clicking relays or grinding fans—early warning signs.
Never short-circuit the “test” button to force cooling; it masks low-gas faults.
Red flags that scream “call today”
❄ Ice on copper lines
💧 Water dripping from the indoor blower
🔥 Burning smell from the power panel
⚡ Breaker tripping when compressor kicks
Cost snapshot (India, 2025)
Split AC (1–1.5 TR):
Basic service ₹599–₹799
Wet chemical deep-clean ₹1 199–₹1 499
Gas leak + top-up ₹1 800–₹2 500 (R-32 or R-410A)
Window AC: 15 % cheaper because everything is in one box.
Choosing a reliable technician
✓ Brand-authorised partner (spare-part warranty stays intact).
✓ Uses digital manifold gauge, not thumb-rule “touch-and-guess”.
✓ Offers 30-day workmanship warranty.
✘ Beware of ₹299 “too-good” deals—often just filter dusting and sticker refrigerant.
Eco-friendly extras
Ask for enzyme-based coil cleaners; they biodegrade in 48 h.
If your unit is >10 years old, consider an inverter upgrade—saves 1.5 t CO₂ over five years.
Bottom line
Think of AC servicing like a dental check-up: quick, scheduled, and far cheaper than a root canal later. Book the next slot before the summer rush and you’ll literally keep your cool without burning cash.