Air-conditioning technician visit: how to prepare your home, and what you are left with afterwards

You have booked your air conditioner service. On the day, a few minutes of preparation are enough for the visit to run without wasted time: a clear path, access to the outdoor unit arranged in advance, the right documents to hand.

This guide goes through, in order, what helps before, during and after the air-conditioning technician's visit, whether you live in a flat or a house.

When booking: the right information

The more precise the booking, the better the technician can plan. Remember to state:

• the number of units: how many indoor units (the appliances in the rooms) and how many outdoor units. The price depends on it: €130 including VAT for one indoor and one outdoor unit, €40 per additional indoor unit, €70 per additional outdoor unit;
• where the outdoor unit is: balcony, terrace, garden, courtyard, façade or roof. A unit mounted high on a façade or sitting on a roof sometimes needs special access, which is best mentioned from the start;
• the make and model, if you know them: they appear on a label, often on the side of the indoor unit or on the outdoor unit's rating plate;
• the age of the property: in France, VAT is 10% for a home completed more than two years ago and 20% otherwise, as set out on service-public.fr.

You choose a morning or afternoon slot. The day before or on the day, you receive a message before the technician arrives.

Clearing access to the indoor units

The technician works from a stepladder, facing the unit, and fits a collection sheet underneath. So a little space is needed.

• Clear about one metre in front of and below each unit: light furniture, plants, picture frames, fragile objects.
• Move electronic devices sitting directly underneath (television, computer, speaker), even though protection is fitted.
• If the unit is above a bed, remove the duvet or cover it.
• For a ducted unit or a ceiling cassette, locate the access hatch and check that it opens.

There is no need to wash the filters the day before. Their condition helps the technician understand how the unit is used and advise you on the right cleaning frequency.

Arranging access to the outdoor unit

This is often where time is lost. Depending on the location:

• on a balcony or terrace: move furniture and planters away from the unit;
• in a garden or courtyard: plan the way through, and the key to the gate or store if it is locked;
• on a flat roof in a shared building: let the caretaker or managing agent know, and get the key or access approval before the visit;
• on a façade, with no access from your home: say so when booking so that a solution is planned.

Cleaning requires water. An accessible tap (kitchen, bathroom or outdoor tap) and a nearby socket make the job easier.

Electricity, pets, remote control

• The consumer unit must be accessible: the air conditioner is switched off during the work. If the breakers are not labelled, that is fine, the technician will identify them with you.
• Pets are calmer in another room with the door shut: rinsing, vacuuming and coming and going unsettle them.
• The remote control, with working batteries, makes it possible to test the unit in all its modes after cleaning.