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Nick Griffiths
To ensure your air conditioning system continues to operate efficiently, it will require regular servicing.
An optimal system reduces energy consumption and minimises the risk of expensive and inconvenient breakdowns.
Why is it essential to service your AC system, how much does it cost to service an AC unit, and what is the best servicing schedule for an AC system?
How do I know if my AC needs to be serviced?
In many industries, precise temperature control is critical to ensuring smooth operations.
Whether it’s a small office, retail premises, or a large pharmaceutical facility, air conditioning systems maintain a comfortable environment that aids productivity.
A regular AC servicing schedule can identify potential problems before they have an opportunity to develop further.
If you don’t have your system checked, then there are several telltale signs it needs immediate attention to prevent disruptions.
These include:
Fluctuating temperatures in different areas of a building are often a giveaway sign that the AC needs attention.
If some rooms are colder or warmer than others, then the AC system may be struggling to consistently maintain cooling or heating.
Rising energy prices aside, if your business premises see a sudden increase in your energy costs it can be a sign that the AC system is inefficient.
When this happens, AC systems have to work harder to achieve the desired temperature, resulting in increased costs.
A well-maintained and efficient commercial AC system will usually have a quiet operation.
If you start hearing rattling, grinding, or banging noises, it might indicate there’s a mechanical problem in the system that needs attention.
You may find that the airflow from vents has noticeably decreased.
This can mean that ducts are obstructed or that air filters are clogged. Alternatively, it might mean that there’s a more serious issue with either the blower or compressor.
An AC system that’s pumping out unpleasant odours may well have mould, or mildew, growing inside.
This problem is prone to develop if there are excessive moisture or drainage issues.
AC units not only regulate the temperature in a space; they also remove humidity.
If your space feels humid, or damp patches are starting to appear, the system may not be working as it should.
How often do AC units need to be serviced?
Frequency is a key consideration when asking how much does it cost to service an AC unit.
This will be determined by several factors, with the size and type of the system, as well as its operational demands, the most significant.
The environment in which an AC system operates will also be a key determining factor in how often it needs to be serviced and maintained.
AC units located in heavily-used spaces, or with a high daily footfall, are likely to be placed under extra strain. In spots where AC needs to run continuously to ensure a stable climate for products and materials, more frequent maintenance may be required.
In commercial settings, where the air conditioning is not used as intensively, such as offices or retail outlets, a twice-yearly servicing schedule will usually be sufficient.
In large-scale, industrial or manufacturing environments where AC systems are required to operate around the clock, the demand placed on air conditioning is likely to require more frequent servicing.
For office environments we would recommend two visits per year, for business-critical cooling systems in industries such are Pharmaceutical and manufacturing 3 or 4 visits per annum may be required.
In sectors such as pharmaceuticals that require precise temperature and humidity controls, more stringent maintenance schedules will likely be needed.
Can I service an AC unit myself?
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to service AC unit systems, then budgets are invariably a factor.
Many business owners ask if it’s possible to save money by servicing an AC unit themselves.
While this might be tempting, most commercial AC systems are too complex to be serviced by anyone without the necessary training, qualifications, and experience.
There are, however, some basic maintenance tasks that can be performed by a non-professional.
These are not only straightforward but attending to them will ensure that your AC system works effectively between services.
They include:
A non-professional should be able to safely clean or replace air filters.
Clogged filters reduce the efficiency of AC systems and can lead to poor air quality.
Regular inspections of your filters ensure clogs don’t have a chance to develop.
Ensuring the correct functioning of your thermostat is a simple, but essential, maintenance task.
Check that it’s programmed correctly and hasn’t been accidentally tampered with or adjusted. This will ensure that your aircon system is working as expected.
While a business owner or site manager can easily complete these two simple tasks, other AC maintenance tasks require specialist attention.
These include:
Only qualified technicians should handle the electrical components that are integral to the functionality of an AC system.
Ensuring that refrigerants are at the right level is crucial for the performance of an AC system. Refrigerants must only be handled by a qualified and licensed professional as incorrect handling can be hazardous.
Compressors, fans, and other moving parts must be inspected and maintained by professionals to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
AC systems are typically designed to meet certain logistic requirements on site, as well as regulatory standards.
Ensuring these operate efficiently needs specialist maintenance and servicing.
What happens if an AC unit isn’t serviced?
When calculating how much does it cost to service an AC unit, it’s important to also consider the potential risks and associated costs of not having it serviced.
Failure to service an AC system can lead to a range of issues that may impact the operational performance of the system.
Problems that can develop include:
A poorly maintained AC system will consume more energy as it struggles to meet heating and cooling requirements. In large commercial settings, these increased costs can quickly add up.
The components in an AC unit that isn’t being serviced will wear out faster. Over time, this will result in more frequent breakdowns and expensive repair bills. Ultimately, a full-system replacement will be required sooner than expected.
Industries such as pharmaceuticals and food storage require consistent AC performance to maintain the correct temperature. A malfunctioning AC system can quickly lead to operational downtime, leading to spoilage and potential regulatory non-compliance. In worst-case scenarios, a breakdown might mean that production needs to be halted or stock destroyed.
Many commercial settings are legally required to maintain a temperature-controlled environment. If your AC system isn’t working properly, then you may find yourself contravening these regulations.
A poorly maintained and neglected AC unit can harbour mould, dust, and other contaminants, which then circulate through the air. This can lead to health issues for customers and employees.
What happens during an AC service?
A comprehensive AC service will involve a series of steps and checks to ensure that the system is operating at peak efficiency.
A professional technician will typically perform the following tasks:
The technician will also monitor general wear and tear on the system and provide additional advice about its ongoing condition.
How long does an AC service take?
The length of time it takes to complete an AC service at your premises will depend primarily on the size and complexity of your AC system.
For small spaces, the AC unit service may take between one to three hours, depending on its condition.
You should also allow for any additional work that needs to be done.
In larger settings such as warehouses, factories, and office settings, servicing could take anywhere between four and six hours.
For specialised systems in regulated environments, such as pharmaceutical plants, servicing may take longer.
How much does it cost to service an AC unit?
The cost of servicing an AC unit varies depending on the size and complexity of the system, beginning at around £80 for smaller units, and up to several hundred pounds for larger and more sophisticated AC systems.
Annual maintenance contracts include regular servicing at a discounted rate compared to one-off visits.
Flexible maintenance plans from Industrial Cooling Equipment
At Industrial Cooling Equipment, we can provide a choice of air conditioning maintenance contract plans to suit your particular needs and budgets.
During a maintenance visit, each system receives a series of checks to ensure optimal performance and longevity of life.
ICE engineers perform checks on components such as compressors, fans and controls along with refrigerant pressures, temperatures and an electronic leak check.
Each system is scored based on its condition, this allows you to better plan and budget for systems coming to the end of their working life.
Contact us for a comprehensive AC quote.