As temperatures rise, experts warn that turning on an air conditioner after months of inactivity without servicing can raise costs, risks, and breakdowns.
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| Seasonal AC servicing is emerging as a key factor in reducing energy waste, preventing repairs, and maintaining indoor air quality during extreme heat. Image: CH |
Tech Desk — February 10, 2026:
As winter fades and temperatures begin to climb, millions of households are switching their air conditioners back on after months of inactivity. Yet experts caution that turning on an AC without pre-season servicing is a common mistake—one that can lead to higher electricity bills, weaker cooling, and costly mechanical failures just as summer demand peaks.
The issue lies in what happens while an air conditioner sits unused. Dust, dirt, and microbes gradually accumulate inside the system, particularly in air filters. When these clogged filters restrict airflow, the AC is forced to work harder while delivering less cooling. The result is not only discomfort but also poorer indoor air quality, sometimes accompanied by musty odors that signal bacterial or fungal growth.
The indoor unit is especially vulnerable. Dust-coated cooling coils and blower fans significantly reduce efficiency and increase power consumption. In humid conditions, long periods of inactivity can also encourage the growth of fungus and bacteria, raising health concerns for households that rely heavily on air conditioning during extreme heat.
Outdoor units face a different set of challenges. Typically exposed to open air, they often collect leaves, dirt, and debris—or even bird nests—during winter months. These obstructions interfere with heat dissipation, placing extra strain on the compressor. Over time, this strain can shorten the life of one of the AC’s most expensive components and increase the risk of breakdowns during peak summer use.
Refrigerant gas levels are another critical factor. Small leaks can develop while the AC is idle, and running a unit with low refrigerant reduces cooling performance while overloading the compressor. Similarly, electrical connections that have gone unused for months may loosen or degrade, increasing the risk of short circuits, sudden shutdowns, or remote-control failures.
Water leakage, a frequent early-summer complaint, often stems from blocked drain pipes. Dirt and algae can accumulate in drainage systems during periods of inactivity, causing water to back up into living spaces. Left unaddressed, such leaks can damage walls, furniture, and electrical fittings.
From a broader perspective, pre-season AC servicing is not just about individual comfort—it has wider implications for energy use. Poorly maintained units consume more electricity at a time when power grids are already under stress from rising temperatures. A simple professional inspection, followed by a short trial run to check cooling, noise, and drainage, can prevent emergency repairs later in the season when costs and demand surge.
As summers become longer and more intense, air conditioners are increasingly essential household infrastructure. Treating annual servicing as a necessity rather than an option reflects a growing awareness that preventive maintenance saves money, protects health, and ensures reliable cooling when it is needed most.