In some places the air conditioner runs most of the year, in others only during summer heat. But anywhere, a few months without maintenance is enough for it to cool less, start to smell or drip water. That is when the questions come: how often should it be cleaned, what can you do yourself, how much does a technician cost and how can you spot a technician who wants to sell more than help.

Signs it is time for cleaning

  • The air conditioner cools more slowly, even though it is set to the same temperature.
  • There is a musty or unpleasant smell when you switch it on.
  • Water drips from the indoor unit.
  • The electricity bill is unusually high.
  • You can see dust or dark spots on the air outlet.
  • The unit is noisier than before.

How often to clean

The exact interval is usually in the device manual, and manufacturers set it according to the type of unit. In general:

  • the front filter is washed often, every few weeks with normal use,
  • a thorough cleaning by a technician is usually recommended every six months to a year, depending on how often the air conditioner runs,
  • units in dusty surroundings (near a busy road, close to a construction site), in homes with pets or smokers, and units that run almost all day need more frequent cleaning,
  • near the sea, salty air and sand affect the outdoor unit, so it can get dirty or corrode faster,
  • if the air conditioner is only used in summer, it is best to have it cleaned before the season, not in the middle of the heat.

What you can do yourself

Almost anyone who reads the manual can handle basic maintenance:

  1. Switch off the air conditioner and disconnect it from the power as described in the manual.
  2. Take out the front filter, rinse it with lukewarm water and let it dry completely in the shade.
  3. Wipe the cover with a damp cloth, without harsh cleaning products.
  4. Check that water drains freely from the drain hose.
  5. Do not cover the outdoor unit and clear leaves and dirt from around it.

What you should not do yourself: taking the unit apart, spraying the heat exchanger and fan with pressurized water near the electronics, and any work with refrigerant or electrical wiring. The rules vary by country, and work with refrigerant or installation may require a licensed technician, so check locally.

What a technician's cleaning should include

Before booking, ask whether the price includes these steps:

  1. A check of the condition before cleaning and a warning about any problems found.
  2. Covering the floor and furniture, a collection bag or sheet for the water.
  3. Removing and washing the filters and the cover.
  4. Cleaning the heat exchanger and the fan.
  5. Cleaning the drain pan and the drain hose.
  6. Cleaning the outdoor unit.
  7. Checking the cooling after cleaning.
  8. Cleaning up after the work.

Some technicians give a guarantee on the cleaning, for example they come back if water starts dripping within a set period. Ask about it in advance.

What the price depends on

There is no single number, the price varies by place and by company. It is mainly made up of these items:

  • type of unit – a wall-mounted unit is usually the simplest, floor-standing, under-ceiling and ceiling cassette units are more demanding,
  • size and capacity of the unit – a larger unit means more work,
  • type of cleaning – standard, or with the fan and heat exchanger taken apart for heavy dirt or smells,
  • access to the outdoor unit – on the balcony of a high floor or on the outside wall of the building, the work is more demanding,
  • number of units – several units at once often means a lower price per unit,
  • travel – outside the technician's usual area it may be charged separately,
  • repairs and refrigerant top-ups – almost always charged separately from cleaning,
  • season – technicians are in the highest demand before the hot season.

How to find out the usual price nearby

  • Ask two or three technicians for a quote for the same scope of work.
  • Compare the price per unit and what it includes, not just the final number.
  • Ask neighbors or the building manager who they have tried and at what price.
  • If several people in the building have air conditioning, agree on a shared date. The technician comes once and takes care of several apartments.

How to choose a technician

Questions before booking

  • Is the outdoor unit included in the price?
  • Is it standard cleaning, or with the unit taken apart?
  • Is travel charged extra?
  • If something needs repairing or refrigerant needs topping up, will you tell me the price before you start?
  • Do you give a guarantee on the cleaning?

Sample message

"Hello, I need two wall-mounted air conditioners cleaned in an apartment in [area]. The outdoor units are on the balcony and were last cleaned about a year ago. Please send me the total price including travel and your available dates. If anything needs repairing or refrigerant needs topping up, please tell me the price before starting the work."

Warning signs

  • A deposit before the visit. Standard cleaning is usually paid after it is finished.
  • Refrigerant at every cleaning. An air conditioner without a leak does not need frequent top-ups. If it needs topping up, the leak should be found.
  • A higher price on the spot than agreed, without telling you before starting.
  • Refusing to show the broken part or to give back the old part after replacing it.
  • Pressure to buy a new unit immediately. If in doubt, ask another technician for their opinion.

During the work

  • Be at home or leave someone you trust at home, and put valuables away.
  • In an apartment building, let the building manager know in advance if technicians need to sign in or work is only allowed at certain times.
  • Before starting, photograph the unit and the wall around it in case of damage.
  • Pay only after checking that the air conditioner cools and does not drip.

If you offer cleaning

Technicians and handy people who want to offer air conditioner cleaning should know the rules too. Set your price according to the type of unit, time and travel, state clearly what is included, and charge for repairs or refrigerant separately and only after the customer agrees. Before and after photos build trust. And check with the relevant office in the country where you work whether working on air conditioners requires a license.

Care between technician visits

  • Wash the filter as described in the manual.
  • Let the outdoor unit breathe freely.
  • Do not set an extremely low temperature. Moderate cooling with the fan is gentler on the unit and on the electricity bill.
  • If water drips or you hear unusual sounds, switch off the air conditioner and call a technician.

An air conditioning technician nearby

Good technicians usually get customers through recommendations from neighbors in the same building or street. At QuickCashSpace, we are preparing a service we think you will like. Sign up for news – the form is right below this article – and we will let you know when we launch.