Before summer, at least once
In most of Pakistan an AC sits unused for months and then runs for long hours from April or May. Dust, leaves and insects collect on the coils during the off-season. The best time for a full service is just before you start using it daily, before the rush when every mistri is busy.
If your AC runs most of the day, you live near a main road or construction, or the outdoor unit is in a dusty place, a second service in the middle of summer is worth it.
What a proper service includes
- Washing the indoor coil and blower, not just the filters
- Washing the outdoor unit's coil and checking its fan
- Clearing the drain pipe so water doesn't drip inside
- Checking the gas pressure (and showing you the reading)
- Checking the capacitor, wiring and remote/sensors
What you can do yourself
Switch off the AC from the breaker, then take out the indoor filters every two to three weeks in summer. Wash them with plain water, let them dry in the shade and put them back. Keep plants, boxes and clothes away from the outdoor unit so air can flow freely. Never spray water on the indoor unit's electrical parts yourself.
Signs it needs a service now
- Cooling has dropped or it takes much longer to cool the room
- Bad smell when it starts
- Water dripping from the indoor unit
- Ice on the pipes or the indoor coil