Fixington

Air Conditioning Repair

Trade: Heating Engineer

⭐ Introduction

Air conditioning repair is the process of fixing any issues that prevent your system from cooling your home effectively. Although the UK’s climate means air conditioning isn’t essential in every household, many use it for comfort during hotter months, to improve air quality, or to regulate temperature in specific rooms such as conservatories or home offices.

Repairs might be needed if your air conditioning unit isn’t turning on, isn’t cooling properly, is leaking water, or making unusual noises. Regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns, but when problems occur, calling a heating engineer with experience in air conditioning is often necessary to ensure safe and effective repairs.

🔧 What the job involves

When repairing air conditioning, a qualified heating engineer will:

  • Diagnose the fault by inspecting the indoor and outdoor units, controls, and refrigerant levels.
  • Identify issues such as leaks in refrigerant piping, electrical faults, compressor or fan problems, blocked filters, or thermostat failure.
  • Safely handle refrigerant gases in compliance with F-Gas regulations (2015) that cover the recovery and recharging of refrigerants to minimise environmental damage.
  • Repair or replace faulty components, such as fans, compressors, compressors, sensors or control boards.
  • Test the system thoroughly after repair to ensure it cools efficiently and operates quietly and safely.

The engineer might also clean filters and coils as blocked components often cause poor performance. Proper fault diagnosis requires specialist tools and knowledge of how different systems work.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Enquiry: You contact a heating engineer or contractor and explain the issue.
  2. Survey and quote: The engineer visits your home, inspects the air conditioning system, and provides a written quote for repair costs, including parts and labour.
  3. Booking the work: After you accept the quote, you agree a date for the repair.
  4. Day of the works: The engineer arrives, confirms the issue, carries out necessary repairs following safety rules (e.g. isolating electrical supplies), and tests the unit.
  5. Wrap-up: The engineer cleans up the workspace, explains the repairs done, gives maintenance advice, and issues any paperwork such as a service report or F-Gas certificate if applicable.
  6. Aftercare: You follow recommended maintenance to keep the system running smoothly, and arrange for professional servicing as advised.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Heating engineers typically charge between £40 and £70 per hour. A straightforward repair might take 1–2 hours.
  • Materials/Parts: Replacement parts can range significantly; a simple fan motor might cost around £50, whereas a compressor could be £200 to £400 or more.
  • Extras: Some systems require specialist refrigerant gases, which can cost £50–£100 depending on type and quantity.
  • Disposal: If parts need disposing of (e.g. faulty compressor), there may be a small charge (£10–£30).
  • Certification: Repairs involving gases require an F-Gas certificate, sometimes included in labour charges or priced separately (£20–£50).

Example itemisation for a common repair:

Item Approximate Cost
Labour (2 hours) £80–£140
Replacement fan motor £50–£80
Refrigerant top-up £60
F-Gas certification £30
Disposal fee £20
Total estimate £240–£330

📊 What affects the price

  • Accessibility: Hard-to-reach outdoor units or indoor units in tight spaces require more time.
  • Complexity of the fault: Simple filter cleans are cheaper than diagnosing compressor or electrical faults.
  • Regulations: Compliance with F-Gas rules for refrigerant handling and certification adds cost.
  • Remedial works: If your system has sustained further damage or leaks needing full sealing or pipe replacement, this increases price.
  • Location: Prices can be higher in London and the South East compared to other regions.
  • Timeline: Emergency or out-of-hours repair callouts attract higher rates.

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Simple repairs: Such as fan replacement or clearing blocked filters, usually take 1–2 hours.
  • Moderate repairs: Fixing electrical faults, recharging refrigerant, or seal repairs typically take 2–4 hours.
  • Major repairs: Replacing compressors or extensive pipework may take a full day or up to 8 hours.
  • Complex installs or retrofits involving new units or redesigned pipework often require several days, but these are more installation than repair.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

For homeowners, DIY air conditioning repair is generally not recommended due to safety risks and legal constraints:

  • Handling refrigerant gases requires certification under the UK’s F-Gas regulations.
  • Electrical work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations.
  • Incorrect repairs can damage the system, void warranties, or be hazardous.
  • Diagnosing compressor or electrical faults typically needs specialist knowledge and tools.

You can perform simple DIY tasks such as:

  • Cleaning or replacing air filters.
  • Clearing debris around external units.
  • Checking thermostat settings.

However, for any fault requiring refrigerant work, electrical repairs, or dismantling, hire a Gas Safe or F-Gas registered professional.

💰 Typical UK price range

Air conditioning repairs usually range from around £150 to over £500, depending on the fault severity and parts involved.

  • Minor repairs (e.g. fan motor replacement) often cost between £150–£300.
  • More extensive repairs (e.g. compressor replacement) can exceed £400–£600.

All prices should be taken as approximate examples and most heating engineers will add VAT at 20% unless otherwise specified.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Prepare a clear fault description: Note when the problem started, any noises, smells, or symptoms.
  • Check for warranties: See if your unit or parts are still covered by manufacturer warranties.
  • Keep paperwork: Retain quotes, invoices, F-Gas certification, and repair reports for future reference or insurance.
  • Arrange access: Ensure the engineer can easily reach all parts of the system, clear any obstacles near external units.
  • Consider regular servicing: Annual servicing by a qualified engineer can catch issues early and maintain efficiency.
  • Remain nearby: Be at home during repair work in case the engineer needs to discuss the problem or additional costs.
  • Keep receipts: They’ll be useful if you later want to demonstrate maintenance to support warranty claims or resale.

By following these practical steps and using a certified professional, you’ll help keep your air conditioning system working reliably and safely for years to come.