
Can Air Conditioning Replace Central Heating in a UK Home?
Thinking of ditching your boiler? This guide reveals whether modern AC can heat your home year round and what to watch out for before you switch.
RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.
In the UK, the typical cost to service an air conditioner ranges between £60 and £200 per unit. The price depends on whether you’re servicing a unit at home or at a commercial property, how complex your system is, and whether it’s a one-off visit or part of an ongoing service plan. Costs in cities like London tend to be slightly higher because of travel, parking, and local labour rates. If the unit needs a deep clean, a refrigerant top-up, or fault diagnostics, you’ll pay more. Booking regular maintenance can help keep things running smoothly and reduce the chances of needing expensive repairs later.
Regular servicing can also improve energy efficiency by up to 30 percent, and help prevent circulation of airborne contaminants like mould and bacteria, which can cause respiratory problems. These long-term health and financial benefits make professional servicing a smart investment.
Servicing a single split system will usually be cheaper than looking after a multi split or variable refrigerant flow configuration, especially in commercial buildings. Domestic units are easier to get to and often simpler in design. Larger systems in offices or retail units have more moving parts and generally need more time and specialist expertise to maintain.
You can book a one off service if you only want a quick check, but regular maintenance is more efficient over time. Signing up for a planned maintenance agreement usually lowers the cost per visit and provides faster access to support. Commercial environments often require two or more services per year depending on daily usage, manufacturer guidance, and F Gas regulations.
Where you live can affect how much you pay. In London, for example, call out charges may be higher due to parking difficulties and traffic. In less congested areas, you might get a better rate. Companies usually adjust their pricing based on travel time, equipment access, and whether extra staff or tools are needed.
Pro Tip: Scheduling your service during cooler months (autumn or early spring) often results in faster availability and lower seasonal pricing.
For homes, expect to pay:
Around £60 to £90 for a standard service, which includes a basic check up and filter clean
Between £95 and £150 for a deep clean or detailed inspection
For businesses, prices are typically:
£95 to £175 per unit for standard commercial servicing
£200 or more for a service that includes diagnostics, compliance checks, and filter replacement
In addition, monthly maintenance packages are available in the UK and range from £7.99 to £40 per month for a single unit. These plans often include frequent inspections, diagnostic testing, filter changes, and priority scheduling.
Prices vary by provider and location, and VAT is often charged on top.
A routine aircon service checks all the basics to make sure the unit is clean, safe, and working properly.
Filters are cleaned or replaced
The thermostat is checked to make sure it reads correctly
Electrical wiring is inspected and tightened if needed
Coils are cleaned to improve airflow and efficiency
Refrigerant levels are tested
A full system test is carried out to check performance
Some engineers might recommend extra services depending on your system’s age or condition:
Treating coils and filters with antibacterial spray
Flushing out the drain tray to stop water leaks
Running pressure checks for refrigerant leaks
These extras will usually be discussed and priced upfront.
Pro Tip: Always ask your service provider for a full F Gas record after each visit. It keeps your system legally compliant and helps with future maintenance planning.
If your air conditioner is no longer running as it should, the repair cost depends on what needs fixing. Below are some typical prices for common faults, though actual quotes may vary depending on the make, model, and accessibility:
| Component | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Printed circuit board | £300 to £1,000 |
| Indoor fan motor | £200 to £500 |
| Refrigerant leak repair | £300 to £2,000 |
| Compressor replacement | £1,000 to £5,000 |
| Regassing (refrigerant top up) | £70 to £120 per unit |
Some older models use legacy refrigerants like R22, which are now banned for new refills. If your unit uses an outdated gas or has suffered major component failure, replacing the system might be the smarter option.
Avoid unexpected breakdowns and lower your bills with regular servicing. Our engineers are F Gas certified and ready to help.
Business in London? Get your commercial air conditioning assessment now!
A service plan spreads costs evenly across the year and ensures your system stays within warranty. At RightAir Solutions, maintenance plans start from £8.99 per month and include:
Pre scheduled check ups at recommended intervals
Reduced labour charges for emergency call outs
Discounts on part replacements and upgrades
Ongoing assistance with F Gas compliance and logbooks
By joining a service plan, issues are often caught early, reducing the risk of expensive breakdowns and extending system life. Learn more about our air conditioning service plans here.
Commercial air conditioning systems work harder and often run for longer hours. This means they need more attention during routine servicing. A commercial service may include:
Detailed coil cleaning using antibacterial foaming agents
Filter cleaning or full replacements depending on condition
Visual and manual inspection of all internal fan coil units
System efficiency testing including temperature splits
Cleaning and clearing external condenser fins
Logging refrigerant pressure and updating F Gas records
Most services are scheduled outside office hours to avoid disruption. For larger systems or multiple sites, pricing is usually quoted after a site survey.
For residential customers across London, the typical cost of a routine air conditioning service ranges from £85 to £140 per unit. This rate is consistent throughout most central and surrounding boroughs including Camden, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd’s Bush, Putney, Wandsworth, Mayfair and more. Pricing may fluctuate depending on the requirements/situation.
While pricing does not differ significantly between these areas, the total cost may vary slightly based on practical factors like parking availability, building access, or the need for special equipment. It’s always best to confirm these details in advance when booking your service. Contact us today for a free, upfront quote, Londoners!
If your air conditioner is frequently breaking down or is more than ten years old, replacement might be the better option. You’ll often get improved energy efficiency, better air quality, and a longer warranty with a new unit. Here’s a simple comparison to help decide:
| Factor | Repair | Replace |
| Under 8 years old | ✔ | ✘ |
| Low cost repair | ✔ | ✘ |
| Major parts failed | ✘ | ✔ |
| Outdated refrigerant | ✘ | ✔ |
Modern systems using R32 refrigerant are quieter and more energy efficient. If you are not sure which way to go, we recommend booking a system survey.
Keeping your air conditioning system well maintained is one of the simplest ways to avoid bigger problems later. Regular service helps the unit run more efficiently, which can lower energy bills by reducing strain on internal components. Systems with clean filters and coils perform better and respond faster to temperature changes.
Maintenance also improves indoor air quality. Air conditioners that have not been cleaned properly can circulate dust, mould spores, or bacteria. A professional service helps reduce allergens and improve airflow throughout the home or workplace.
Most manufacturers recommend servicing at least once per year for domestic systems and twice per year for commercial units. Some insurance policies and extended warranties even require proof of regular servicing.
There are a few basic steps you can take at home to keep your air conditioner in good shape:
Check and clean filters every month or two
Make sure vents are not blocked
Wipe down the exterior unit and remove leaves or dust
While these jobs are useful, they do not replace a full service from a qualified engineer. Tasks like checking refrigerant pressure, inspecting wiring, or disinfecting internal components need specialist tools and knowledge.
Skipping professional servicing can lead to reduced efficiency and more costly breakdowns. If you notice unusual smells, weak airflow, or strange noises, it’s worth booking a proper inspection.
RightAir Solutions recently helped a law firm in Holborn maintain their five unit commercial system. After switching to quarterly maintenance and coil cleaning, the office noticed improved airflow and fewer temperature complaints. Over twelve months, their energy use dropped by 17 percent. The client also benefited from lower call out fees due to being on a planned maintenance agreement.
RightAir Solutions is based in London and provides reliable air conditioning servicing for homes and businesses. Our engineers are F Gas certified and have over ten years of experience working with split systems, ducted units, and commercial VRF configurations. We offer fixed transparent pricing and fast response times across Greater London.
Whether you need a one off air conditioner clean or a full compliance package for your office building, we’re ready to help.
How often should air conditioners be serviced in the UK? Domestic systems should be checked once a year. Commercial setups are usually serviced every six months or more frequently if used constantly.
What does a typical air conditioning service include? It covers filter and coil cleaning, checking refrigerant levels, testing temperature output, and inspecting the electrics for signs of wear or damage.
How long does a service take? Most services take between forty five minutes and two hours depending on the unit type and location.
Can I clean the unit myself? Yes, you can clean the filter and outer casing, but the internal components need professional tools and checks to ensure safe performance.
Do you offer monthly or annual service contracts? Yes. We offer flexible plans for homeowners and businesses which include planned check ups, reduced repair rates, and F Gas support.

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RightAir Solutions
At RightAir Solutions, we provide air conditioning services to domestic and business customers for heating and cooling units. We also supply and fit commercial AC and HVAC services with our insured, qualified and experienced London team of air con engineers.