Portable Air Conditioner Servicing Guide

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01/10/25, 16:19
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Portable Air Conditioner Servicing Guide
Scope of Works
Inspect electrical cord, plug and controls for damage or overheating.
Remove outer casing; vacuum and wash filters, condenser and evaporator coils.
Check condensate tray, pump or drain hose for blockages; treat with biocide.
Test thermostat calibration, fan speeds and mode settings.
Verify refrigerant system integrity (portable units are sealed, so only leak‑check).
Reassemble, run functional test, wipe down exterior, and issue a brief service report.
Typical Cost (inc. VAT)
Charge type | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
Call‑out / minimum | 70 | 120 | Typical one‑unit service fee Checkatrade |
Labour per hour | 40 | 60 | Engineer charges in 2025 ratedpeople.comJooble |
Materials | 10 | 40 | Filter kit, coil cleaner; refrigerant top‑up rarely needed ratedpeople.com |
Disposal | 0 | 20 | Waste filters or condensate treatments |
Extras (e.g. scaffolding) | 0 | 150 | Only if unit must be lowered from a mezzanine or loft area |
TOTAL (most jobs come in here) | 180 | 300 | One portable unit, easy access |
Time on Site
A straightforward service takes 1 – 2 hours. Expect longer if:
The unit is heavily clogged with dust or pet hair.
Multiple units are serviced in one visit.
Access is restricted (loft storage, commercial mezzanine).
Spare parts must be sourced on the day.
Questions to Ask Your Trade
Do you specialise in portable units as well as fixed split systems?
Is your quote inclusive of parts, VAT and call‑out?
Will you provide a written service checklist or report?
What warranty do you give on your workmanship and any replaced filters?
Are you F‑Gas registered, even though portable units are sealed?
How will you manage condensate disposal during servicing?
Can you show proof of Public Liability Insurance?
How to Avoid Surprises
Confirm parking space near the property for the engineer’s van.
Ensure clear floor area and mains socket access around the unit.
Advise if the unit is stored on an upper floor requiring manual handling.
Check if any work‑at‑height permit or safety rail is needed for mezzanines.
Keep pets and children away from the work zone until the service is complete.
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