DIY and care

Cleaning and servicing your air conditioner

What you can clean yourself, when to call a professional and why refrigerant is not routinely topped up.

Updated

Quick answer

Routine care includes accessible filters and surfaces as described in the manual. Electrical and refrigerant-circuit work needs qualified personnel. Service intervals depend on the appliance, use and regulations; annual disinfection or refrigerant charging is not universally required for every home system.

Everyday filter care

During heavy use, inspect filters regularly, for example every two to four weeks unless the manual specifies otherwise. Pets, dust and frequent use may justify shorter intervals. Looking at the filter is more useful than blindly following a calendar.

Switch off safely as instructed. Remove only designated parts. Let washable filters dry completely before refitting; do not wash disposable filters contrary to instructions. Keep water away from electrical components and aggressive cleaners off delicate fins.

Separate user care from professional servicing

An intact closed circuit does not consume refrigerant like fuel. Repeated top-ups without diagnosing the cause are not a sound long-term solution. Have suspected leaks investigated first.

TaskResponsibility
Accessible filters and casingUser following the manual
Odour, water leakage or reduced performanceHave the cause investigated
Condensate pump and hard-to-reach partsService according to equipment instructions
Refrigerant circuit and electrical repairQualified personnel

Records and legal duties

Equipment containing more than 3 kg of refrigerant is subject to maintenance-log requirements among other rules; stationary installations above that quantity must be reported. Leak-check requirements also depend on type and design. Ask the installer to document the duties applying to your system.

Keep nameplate details, refrigerant information, service reports and invoices together. Before signing a servicing agreement, check whether travel, cleaning, inspections and parts are included. A contract should describe its work rather than simply promise “service”.

Frequently asked questions

Does my system need new refrigerant every year?

No. Regular loss is not normal consumption. A professional should establish the cause and necessary action.

Should I simply use disinfectant spray for an unusual smell?

Not without understanding the cause. Dirt or stagnant condensate needs investigation. Use only products suitable for the equipment and permitted by its instructions.

Find a suitable installer

Search companies by canton and compare services and coverage. Send the same project description to several installers for comparable quotes.

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Sources and scope

For private households in Switzerland. Manufacturer information applies to the named models. Local requirements and system suitability need individual assessment. Sources link to their original language.

  1. Bundesamt für Umwelt: Kältemittel ↗Checked: 2026-10-30
  2. Bundesamt für Umwelt: Fachbewilligung für den Umgang mit Kältemitteln ↗Checked: 2026-10-30
  3. Daikin: Leitfaden zur Instandhaltung von Klimaanlagen ↗Checked: 2026-10-02