Quick answer
- Every 2 weeks in summer: wash the indoor filters.
- Once a year, before May: a professional service of the indoor and outdoor units.
- Every day: set 25–26 °C and run a fan with the AC. This is the biggest single saving on your bill.
An AC that has not been serviced since last summer can use noticeably more electricity and cool noticeably less. The good news: most of the fix takes ten minutes and costs nothing. Here are nine checks to do before the heat arrives, and the habits that keep your bill down all summer.
Before summer: 5 checks
1. Wash the indoor filters
Open the front panel of the indoor unit, slide out the mesh filters, and rinse them under a tap. Let them dry in the shade and slide them back. A clogged filter blocks air flow, so the AC works harder and cools less. This is the single most effective thing you can do yourself.
2. Get the outdoor unit cleaned
The outdoor unit gets covered in dust, leaves and pollution over the winter. A technician washes the coil (the metal fins) with water or a coil cleaner. A clean coil releases heat much better, which matters most on 45 °C days.
3. Check the drain pipe
If the drain pipe is blocked, water drips from the indoor unit onto your wall or floor. The technician can flush it during the service.
4. Test it before the heat
Run the AC for 20–30 minutes in March or April. If the air is not properly cold, or it makes new noises, book a repair now, before technicians are fully booked in May.
5. Check the outdoor unit’s surroundings
Make sure nothing blocks the outdoor unit: plants, stored items or a cover. It needs open space to release heat. A small shade above it helps, as long as air can flow freely around it.
About “gas refilling”: an AC does not use up its gas. If an AC needs gas, it has a leak, and the leak should be found and repaired, not just topped up. Be careful with technicians who suggest refilling every year.
All summer: 4 habits that cut your bill
6. Set 25–26 °C, not 18 °C
Every degree lower makes the AC work harder, and an inverter AC set to 18 °C runs near full speed for hours, just like a non-inverter. At 25–26 °C, especially with a fan on, the room feels comfortable and the AC uses far less electricity.
7. Run a ceiling fan with the AC
A fan moves the cool air around the room, so you feel cooler at a higher setting. A fan uses a small fraction of an AC’s power.
8. Keep the heat out
- Close curtains or blinds on sunny windows during the afternoon.
- Keep doors to other rooms closed.
- Cool the room before the hottest part of the day instead of starting at 3 pm.
9. Use sleep mode and timers
Sleep mode gradually raises the temperature during the night, when your body needs less cooling. A timer switches the AC off a couple of hours before you wake. Many newer models, including WiFi ACs, let you do this from your phone.
Is it time to replace your AC?
Consider replacing an old AC if:
- It is more than 10–12 years old and needs repeated repairs.
- It is a non-inverter and runs for many hours every day; an inverter can save a lot each summer (see our running cost comparison).
- It cannot keep up on the hottest days even after a service. It may be undersized; check our AC size guide.
Efficient replacements
CandyCandy by Haier 1 Ton DC Inverter AC Model CSU-13HF | Updated 2026Rs 91,999In stock
TCLTCL 1.5 Ton Breeze In WiFi T3 Inverter AC 18T3-PRO-11_Latest ModelRs 159,999In stock
HaierHaier HSU-Solar Hybrid-3 Hot and Cool Inverter AC – 1.5 Ton, T3, 2026 ModelRs 163,999In stock
KenwoodKenwood 1270S Luxury Pro 1 Ton Full DC Inverter AC with T3 Compressor – 2025 ModelRs 138,500In stockSee our best inverter ACs by budget or browse all air conditioners.
Frequently asked questions
How often should an AC be serviced?
A full service once a year before summer is enough for most homes. Clean the filters yourself every two weeks during heavy use.
Why is my AC dripping water inside?
Usually a blocked drain pipe or a very dirty filter that makes the coil freeze and then melt. Clean the filter; if it continues, have the drain flushed.
Should I cover the outdoor unit in winter?
A breathable cover keeps dust out in winter, but remove it before using the AC, and never cover it if you use the heat mode.
