On this page
Dust, harmattan and power surges are hard on air conditioners. A unit that's cleaned regularly cools faster, uses less power and lasts years longer.
How often to service
- Every 3 months if it runs most of the day, or in a dusty area.
- Every 6 months for normal home use.
- Straight away if it's dripping water inside, smelling, making new noises, or not cooling.
Washing is not the same as gas
Most "my AC isn't cooling" problems are dirty filters and coils, not gas. A proper service washes the indoor unit (filters, coil, drain) and the outdoor unit. Gas only needs topping up if there's a leak somewhere. If a technician says you need gas every time, ask them to find and fix the leak.
Gas types
Newer units use R410a or R32; older ones use R22. Ask which gas your unit uses and make sure the technician uses the same one. Mixing gases damages the compressor.
Protect it from surges
A stabiliser or surge protector costs far less than a compressor. If your area has unstable light, ask the technician to check what you're using.
What it costs
These are estimates, not fixed prices. Estimates for Lagos and Abuja, October 2026. Prices are often lower in smaller cities and change with materials and fuel costs. Always get 2–3 quotes.
| Job | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Routine service, split unit (1–1.5hp)per unit | ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Deep wash, indoor and outdoor unitsper unit | ₦15,000 – ₦35,000 |
| Gas top-up | ₦20,000 – ₦45,000 |
| Find and fix a gas leak, then refill | ₦40,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Install a new split unitstandard kit; long pipes extra | ₦25,000 – ₦60,000 |
| Move a unit to another room | ₦30,000 – ₦70,000 |
| Replace a compressorincluding the part | ₦150,000 – ₦400,000 |
Questions to ask before hiring
- What exactly does your service include: filters, coil, drain and the outdoor unit?
- Which gas does my unit use, and will you use the same one?
- If it needs gas, where is the leak and will you fix it?
- Will you check the stabiliser or surge protection?
- Do you give any guarantee on repairs?
Red flags to watch for
- Says it needs gas every single service without finding a leak.
- Won't let you watch or see the dirty filters before and after.
- Wants to replace the compressor before testing the capacitor and relay (common, cheap faults).
- No idea which gas the unit uses.
Checklist
Tick as you go. Nothing is saved; it's just for you.
Artisans who do this work
See allNo one is listed for this service yet. Post your job and we'll alert artisans as they join.
Ready to hire? Post your job and let artisans near you send their prices.
Post a job — free
