# How often does an air conditioner need servicing? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) 4. How often does an air conditioner need servicing? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [How often does an air conditioner need servicing?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/how-often-air-conditioner-servicing/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? 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By Amanda Cooper, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. Why does an air conditioner need servicing? 2. How often is it recommended? 3. What about the parts I can see? 4. Who should do the service? 5. What does a service usually include? 6. Is servicing worth it for an older unit? 7. What if I have missed services? 8. What a service visit involves 9. Frequently asked questions Many installers and some manufacturers advise a professional service roughly every one to two years, and at least yearly if the unit runs heavily. The right interval depends on your model, how much you use it, and your warranty, so follow the owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance. ## Why does an air conditioner need servicing? Air conditioners move a lot of air and moisture, so dust, mould and wear build up over time. A service helps keep the unit running efficiently and can catch small faults before they become big ones, such as a slow leak, a worn fan or a blocked drain. Regular servicing is also linked to fewer smells, noises and breakdowns. ## How often is it recommended? Advice varies, and none of it replaces your own manual. RACV says most manufacturers recommend an annual service. GENERAL (the brand formerly known as Fujitsu General in Australia) says generally every one to two years, and at least once a year for units that run heavily through summer or all year. In Brisbane, where units work hard in a long, humid summer, many people choose to service before the warmer months. Check your paperwork and the manufacturer’s guidance for any servicing requirements. ## What about the parts I can see? The manual explains what the manufacturer expects of the owner between services. Follow that guidance as written, and do not go beyond it. Do not open the unit, touch internal parts, clean coils or work on the outdoor unit. Those jobs belong to a licensed technician. Stop and get help If the unit smells of burning, makes grinding or buzzing noises, shows smoke or sparks, or trips the power, stop using it and keep clear. Leave the building and call 000 for fire, smoke, sparks or a shock. For anything else, contact an ARC-licensed air-conditioning technician rather than waiting for the next scheduled service. ## Who should do the service? A technician with the right licence. Servicing often involves refrigerant, which in Australia requires a licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), and electrical parts. You can check a technician’s licence through the ARC at [arctick.org](https://www.arctick.org/). For electrical work, you can check a licence online with the state regulator. ## What does a service usually include? This varies by provider, but typically a technician inspects and cleans the parts that the manufacturer allows, checks the condition of the indoor and outdoor units, looks at the drain, checks electrical connections and operation, and reports on anything worn. Ask for a clear list of what is included and a written record you can keep with your warranty papers. ## Is servicing worth it for an older unit? Often yes, because older units are more likely to have wear or leaks. A technician can tell you whether repair or replacement makes more sense. ### What if I have missed services? Do not worry about the gap, but do not leave it longer. Book a licensed technician, tell them roughly when it was last serviced and mention any smells, noises or leaks. Check your paperwork and the manufacturer’s guidance for what applies to your unit. ## What a service visit involves 1. Inspection — The technician looks at the indoor and outdoor units, the pipes and the mounting for signs of wear or damage. 2. Cleaning and checks — They carry out the cleaning and checks the manufacturer allows, including airflow, the drain and electrical operation. 3. Report — They explain what they found, what needs attention and what it means for your warranty. What you can safely check Read the owner’s manual and the warranty terms, write down the date of the last service, and note any changes in smell, noise or performance to tell the technician. Do not open or touch the unit. ## Frequently asked questions - Check the manual and warranty, as some require servicing at set intervals to stay valid. - Many people do, so the unit is ready when it is most heavily used. - No. Anything beyond what the manual allows should be done by a licensed technician. - Ask to see their ARC licence and check it online, and check electrical licences with the state regulator. [Learn about Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/) Related services: [Ducted Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/ducted-air-conditioning/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Australian Refrigeration Council](https://www.arctick.org/) - [Energy Rating (Australian Government)](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/) - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [Air conditioningWhy does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?A musty or dirty-sock smell usually means moisture and mould or bacteria are building up inside the unit, which a technician can deal with.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Air conditioningWhy is my air conditioner leaking water inside?Water dripping from an indoor unit usually means the condensation drain is blocked or the unit is icing up, and a technician should look at it.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Air conditioningWhy is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?Weak cooling or heating usually comes from airflow, settings, sizing or refrigerant problems, and some of these need a licensed technician.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Air conditioningCan I install an air conditioner myself in Australia?No. Installation involves refrigerant that needs an ARC licence and an electrical connection that needs a licensed electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/install-air-conditioner-myself-australia/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. Why does an air conditioner need servicing? 2. How often is it recommended? 3. What about the parts I can see? 4. Who should do the service? 5. What does a service usually include? 6. Is servicing worth it for an older unit? 7. What if I have missed services? 8. What a service visit involves 9. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/how-often-air-conditioner-servicing/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).