(Based on UK market averages)
The regular servicing of your air conditioning system will increase its efficiency and lifespan, reduce running costs, and help to keep your energy bills low.
There are several different types of installation, ranging from single split systems to complex VRF or VRV, and each have their individual service requirements. If you have searched this subject on the internet, you may well have been left very confused!
Here we discuss the different service costs attributed to each type of installation and attempt to answer the most asked frequently questions on air conditioning service and maintenance …
Domestic air conditioners service costs…
These are commonly split or multi-split type systems. Most air conditioning companies will charge the same for all varieties of units. As a rule of thumb, a domestic air conditioner should be serviced once a year and will cost anywhere between £70-£120 per indoor unit. There will usually be a reduction in the price per unit if you have multiple units being serviced during one visit.
The cost will also depend on your location; you might pay more for a service in central London as opposed to other locations as the engineer will have to factor in the cost of travel and parking. If access equipment is required to reach the units, this is also likely to be chargeable.
Commercial air conditioners call-out costs …
These are commonly VRV or VRF type systems. You will typically pay a fixed call out fee which will normally include the first hour. Market averages indicate that you will pay somewhere between £130 – £180 during core working hours. Rates can vary anywhere between £170 – £220 for attendance out of normal working hours and on the weekend.
Planned maintenance for commercial buildings costs …
Most air conditioning contractors will offer planned maintenance contracts. This means your air conditioner service will be scheduled and rates agreed via a quote or signed contract in advance. Planned maintenance packages should be tailored to your specific requirements and reduce the risk of breakdowns occurring. Depending on individual requirements, you can expect to pay between £40 – £100 per unit for multiple units as part of a planned maintenance agreement.
What is factored into the cost of my air conditioning service and maintenance?
When requesting a quotation for air conditioning service it may be helpful to bear in mind that the following factors must be allowed for in the calculations:
- Labour costs
- Travel costs
- Refrigerant costs for re-gassing
- Replacement parts
- OFN (used to pressure test systems)
- Reclaim Cylinders (used for reclaiming and disposing of refrigerant no longer required)
How much does it cost to repair an air conditioning unit?
These are indicative figures. Fixed costs can be provided by your local air conditioning contractor subject to the cost of replacement parts and the labour required to carry out the repair.
(Inclusive of parts and labour)
Indoor PCB between £300-£1000
Solenoid valves between £200-£800
Thermostat between £100-£250
Outdoor PCB between £300-£2000 dependant on the size of the system and manufacturer.
Fan motor between £200-£500
Leaks between £300-£2000 The system may require a repair, re-gas and pressure test. Dependant on where the leak is and the size of the system. You need new reirrigation gas and to pressure test, bigger systems need more.
Compressor between £1000-5000 For commercial building systems, this will usually include replacement of all the existing refrigerant gas, a local pressure test and usually would require master PCB board to be changed. For domestic systems you may be looking at between £1-2k, in this case it may be more cost effective to replace the system
Air conditioning servicing and maintenance FAQ’s …
Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions, however if you have any additional questions or concerns your expert AC installer should be happy to help you.
How often should I have my air conditioner serviced?
Domestic: at least once annually
Commercial: at least twice, annually
F-Gas legislation states that if a building has over 500 tonnes of gas, then you must have a professional service carried out at least four times a year. For anything under that, most contractors would recommend a routine service at least twice a year.
How do I clean my air conditioner?
You may be able to carry out a basic clean yourself and can follow these steps https://www.doityourself.com/stry/do-it-yourself-air-conditioner-service. However, we would recommend a thorough service by a qualified AC engineer to prevent any future costly defects.
How can I reduce energy consumption?
Make sure your systems are regularly maintained and ensure windows are closed whilst your systems are running.
What does an air conditioning service include?
Thorough clean of the systems components such as the filters, coil, fan and drain pan.
Can I service my air conditioner myself?
You may be able to give your air conditioner a basic service inclusive of cleaning fans and filters. However, you should enlist an expert for to ensure a thorough service at least once a year, an expert will be able to pick up on minor issues and prevent them from worsening.
Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
Dependant on how well a system has been maintained and how much it has been used; you should look to replace it around the 10-year mark. If you book a survey with a qualified engineer, they will be able to advise whether the system needs replacing or not.
How do I know if my air conditioner needs to be serviced?
You may experience odours from your air conditioner that indicate it needs a service. You may experience insufficient airflow, leaks noises or humidity. All are tell-tale signs that you need a professional to get it back to working order again.
How long should my air conditioner last?
This depends on the following
- How well a system has been installed
- How well a system has been maintained
- The location of units (e.g., is the outdoor exposed to harsher elements for example by the coast and subject to salt erosion).
- How often the units have been in use
A well looked after air conditioning system can last anywhere from 10 – 15 years if it has been properly maintained and cared for.
What does a commercial planned maintenance visit include?
The types of things a commercial maintenance visit will includes are as follows:
- Hoovering out of fan coil units internally and externally.
- Chemical clean of all indoor unit coils using anti-bacterial coil cleaner which kills Covid 19
- Washing of fan coil unit casing.
- Cleaning of indoor fan coil unit filters.
- Qualified visual inspection of internal components for indoor and outdoor units.
- Tightening of accessible electrical connections.
- System functional checks.
- Brushing out of outdoor unit condensers clear from dirt and debris.
- F Gas checks.
- Updating of F Gas records.
- Full System Reporting.
- Hoovering off surface dust on the ceiling mounted supply and extract grills.
Evergreen Air Conditioning have a dedicated in-house service and maintenance team. We offer emergency call outs, domestic and commercial servicing, and planned maintenance. Call 08081781678 or email enquiries@evergreenac.co.uk for free quotations and advice.
