Aircon Servicing & Repair in General Salipada K. Pendatun

Once a year is the minimum for a system used seasonally; every 3-4 months if you run it daily in a hot climate. Regular servicing keeps coils and filters clean, which protects the compressor — the most expensive part to replace — and keeps energy use down.

Refrigerant does not get used up — if the level is low, there is a leak. A proper job is leak detection, repair, then regas, which costs several times a plain top-up but stops the problem recurring. Be wary of any technician who suggests routine annual top-ups.

Check the simple things first: thermostat mode and setpoint, dirty filters, and blocked outdoor unit airflow. If those are fine, the usual culprits are low refrigerant from a leak, a failed capacitor or fan motor, or a dirty coil. Low refrigerant always means a leak — a technician should find and fix the leak, not just top up the gas.

Most charge a call-out or diagnostic fee that covers travel and the first inspection; many waive or credit it against the repair if you go ahead. Confirm the fee, whether it is credited, and any surcharge for evenings, weekends, or urgent same-day visits before the technician is dispatched.

Basic cleaning of a window-type unit runs ₱500-₱900; a split-type indoor unit ₱800-₱1,500 in place, or ₱1,500-₱3,000 for a pull-down/deep clean. Freon top-up, when genuinely needed after a leak repair, adds ₱1,500-₱3,500 depending on refrigerant.

Every 3-4 months for daily-use units — dust, humidity, and near-constant operation clog filters and coils fast. At minimum, wash the filters yourself monthly and book a professional clean before the March-May hot season when providers get booked out.