RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.

What does your air conditioner need before winter in London?

As colder months approach, your air conditioner needs more than a simple switch to heat mode. London’s damp conditions, sudden cold snaps and strict property rules mean your system must be checked and ready. This guide lays out everything you need, from legal checks to easy home inspections, so your heating runs smoothly when it matters most.

What makes London’s winter tough on air conditioners?

London’s winters bring damp air and quick changes in temperature. If your air conditioning unit isn’t prepared, it could struggle to provide heat or even break down.

Why do air con systems in London need extra care?

  • Condensation build up can corrode internal components and affect heating performance

  • Rapid cold snaps often reveal faults that cooling mode does not

  • Regulatory checks like TM44 inspections and F Gas logs are required by law

What must be done to stay compliant and ready?

  • Keep refrigerant levels properly logged in line with F Gas Regulation

  • Schedule a TM44 inspection if your system exceeds 12kW

  • Make use of a smart thermostat to schedule energy efficient heating times

On a cold London morning, frost on your outdoor unit isn’t just cosmetic — it could signal restricted airflow, clogged coils or even refrigerant imbalance. When ice builds up and lingers, it forces your system to work harder, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of damage to vital components like the compressor. Seasonal maintenance catches these issues early, preventing frost from escalating into system failure or emergency callouts. If your unit looks iced over before you’ve even turned on the heat mode, it’s time for a full inspection — ideally before the first deep freeze sets in.

If you’re based in areas like Queen’s Park, Maida Vale or Notting Hill and need support with seasonal HVAC servicing, RightAir Solutions provides expert, compliant maintenance for residential and commercial properties alike.

Pro Tip: Record every maintenance visit, even if it’s minor. It helps for warranty claims and property rental compliance.

What are five essential checks before switching to heat mode?

Before using heating, a few easy checks can make sure your system works properly:

  1. Clean or change the filters to keep airflow strong and prevent dust build up

  2. Switch your thermostat to heating mode and check it holds the target temperature

  3. Inspect the outdoor unit and remove any leaves, dirt or frost

  4. Seal any visible indoor gaps near windows and vents

  5. Adjust your ceiling fan to push warm air downwards

These quick steps help reduce stress on the system and improve winter energy use. If you’ve not done it before, follow our winter HVAC tips for DIY maintenance.

📝 Create a yearly reminder for these five checks. September is ideal.

How can you lower bills with smarter heating and cleaner air?

Winter heating doesn’t have to mean higher bills — in fact, small adjustments can deliver big savings without sacrificing comfort. Setting your thermostat just one or two degrees lower can cut your energy use by up to 10 percent, and using smart scheduling ensures you’re only heating when you actually need it. Closing vents in unused rooms, sealing indoor drafts, and keeping filters clean all help your system run more efficiently. These simple tweaks reduce strain on the unit, shorten heating cycles, and maintain even warmth throughout your home — all of which contribute to noticeably lower monthly costs.

Smart heating control tips

  • Use off peak tariffs and schedule heating to match your daily routine

  • Lowering the temperature by just a degree or two cuts around ten percent from your bill

  • Shut vents in unused rooms so heat flows to where you need it most. This is where zoning systems really help

Maintain good indoor air quality

When windows stay closed, air can get stale. That makes clean filters more important. If you use your heating every day, adding a portable HEPA filter can help keep your air clean. Don’t forget to perform a monthly filter check air con inspection.

🧾 Cost comparison:

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for the first frost to test your heat mode. Run a full cycle check while temperatures are still mild.

When should you call an HVAC engineer?

Some faults are best left to professionals. It helps to know what to look out for:

  • If the system won’t heat or keeps cutting out

  • Strange buzzing or humming comes from the outdoor unit

  • You spot water leaks, smell refrigerant, or notice visible frost. These are classic signs of winter HVAC help being needed

What will a technician check?

  • Confirm the refrigerant charge using R32 or R410A readings

  • Test heat pump cycles and make sure it runs efficiently

  • Examine airflow sensors and check all electrical parts

🧩 Before the visit, have this ready:

  • Clear access to the unit

  • Fresh batteries in the thermostat

  • Notes on any error codes

  • Your last service record

Book a certified HVAC technician in London to avoid serious winter faults. A proper refrigerant check AC inspection helps catch leaks early and ensures your system runs safely.

How do you track maintenance and stay compliant?

Good records make inspections easier and keep your system running legally — and here’s why that matters more than most realise.

Keeping a detailed, up-to-date log of your air conditioning system’s service history isn’t just box-ticking. It proves that your equipment has been regularly maintained, which can be essential for warranty claims, rental agreements, and legal compliance — especially in London properties that fall under TM44 inspection or F Gas Regulation thresholds.

For property managers and landlords, having these records ready streamlines mandatory inspections and avoids delays during audits. It also protects you from potential fines for non-compliance. For homeowners, it means you’ll know exactly when filters were changed, refrigerant levels were topped up, or a part was replaced — helping prevent small issues from turning into costly breakdowns.

Most importantly, a clear service history ensures your system continues running efficiently throughout the seasons. With rising energy costs, that level of operational reliability pays off both in savings and peace of mind.

Want a shortcut? Use a maintenance log template or ask your HVAC provider — like RightAir Solutions — to handle it as part of a service plan.

What should your log include?

  • Date of last maintenance

  • Refrigerant type and amount

  • Thermostat settings and any changes made

  • Notes on any issues or frost signs

Who handles what?

  • Landlords are responsible for TM44 certificates and keeping F Gas logs up to date. This is a core landlord HVAC responsibility

  • Tenants should request these records or report problems early

Preparing now means no surprises later. A few minutes of attention this season can save hours of hassle when it’s cold. Make the most of your system, keep your space comfortable and stay compliant all winter long with trusted HVAC log London practices.

For professional servicing and preventative care tailored to high end homes and businesses, RightAir Solutions offers discreet and detailed heating and air conditioning support across West and North West London. Book an air con service call in London now!

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RightAir Solutions

32 Donnington Rd, London NW10 3QU
 
020 3886 2326
 
GQRC+JX London