An aircon that is never serviced slowly loses efficiency, costs more to run and eventually breaks down, usually in the middle of a heatwave. With 15 years of servicing aircons in homes and businesses, here is our practical guide to how often you should book a service and what it should include.
Homes: at least once a year
Residential aircons used mainly in summer should be serviced at least once a year. The best time is spring, before the hot months start, so you are not waiting for a technician when everyone else needs one. If you also use your aircon for heating in winter, a second service in autumn is a good idea.
Between services, clean the indoor filters yourself every four to eight weeks. Simply open the front panel, slide out the filters, rinse them in lukewarm water, let them dry completely and slide them back in.
Offices and shops: every three to six months
Commercial aircons often run ten or more hours a day and pull in more dust from foot traffic. A professional service every three to six months keeps them efficient and prevents costly downtime. Restaurants and kitchens may need even more frequent cleaning because of grease in the air.
Server rooms and critical cooling: every three months
Units cooling server rooms, inverter rooms or battery containers run 24 hours a day. A failure can shut down equipment, so these units should be inspected at least every three months, with backup cooling where possible.
Warning signs your aircon needs a service now
- The room takes longer to cool or never reaches the set temperature
- Water drips from the indoor unit
- A musty, mouldy or burning smell when the unit starts
- Unusual noises such as rattling, buzzing or squealing
- Ice forming on the copper pipes or indoor coil
- The outdoor unit fan is not spinning
- An error code on the display or the unit keeps switching off
- Your electricity bill has increased without explanation
What a proper aircon service includes
A quick filter rinse is not a full service. A professional aircon service should include:
- Cleaning or replacing the filters
- Cleaning the indoor evaporator coil and blower wheel
- Cleaning the outdoor condenser coil and fan
- Flushing and clearing the condensate drain line
- Checking refrigerant gas pressures and looking for leaks
- Inspecting and tightening electrical connections
- Checking the remote, sensors and settings
- Measuring the air temperature coming out to confirm it cools to specification
Why regular servicing saves you money
Dirty filters and coils force the compressor to work harder, which increases electricity use and wears out parts faster. A clean, well-maintained aircon cools quicker, uses less power and lasts years longer. It also improves indoor air quality, which matters for anyone with allergies.
Repair or replace?
If your aircon is more than 10 to 12 years old, keeps breaking down, uses an old refrigerant or is badly rusted, replacing it with a modern inverter unit is often cheaper over time than repeated repairs. We will always give you an honest recommendation.
Simple maintenance you can do yourself
A professional service is essential, but a few easy habits between visits keep your aircon running well:
- Clean the filters regularly: every four to eight weeks in summer, more often in dusty areas or homes with pets.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear: remove leaves, plastic bags and garden debris, and keep plants at least half a metre away so air can flow freely.
- Do not block the indoor unit: curtains, shelves and furniture in front of the unit restrict airflow and make it work harder.
- Use sensible temperatures: setting the aircon to around 23°C to 25°C in summer is comfortable and much cheaper than 18°C.
- Close windows and doors: cooling a room with open windows wastes electricity and strains the unit.
- Watch the drain: if you notice water dripping inside, switch the unit off and book a service before it damages walls or floors.
Why Johannesburg conditions matter
Gauteng's dry winters and dusty spring winds mean aircon filters and outdoor coils clog faster than in many coastal areas. Summer thunderstorms bring power surges and dips that can damage aircon electronics, so a surge protector on the aircon circuit is a smart investment. Units on rooftops and near busy roads collect even more dirt, which is why commercial sites in Johannesburg benefit from more frequent servicing.
What happens if you never service your aircon?
Skipping services rarely saves money. Over time, dirt builds up on the coils, the unit loses cooling power and uses more electricity, the drain line blocks and leaks water, and the compressor overheats. A failed compressor is one of the most expensive repairs, often costing a large part of the price of a new unit. Regular servicing is far cheaper than replacing major components.
Book your aircon service
Mafusire HVAC services all major aircon brands in Johannesburg and greater Gauteng, and takes on commercial maintenance across South Africa and Zimbabwe. See our aircon services or request a quote today.