In the Costa del Sol heat, a broken air conditioner is urgent. Knowing what to check before you call, and how to prepare a new installation, saves time and avoids misunderstandings.
Before you call: three simple checks
Make sure the unit has power and the remote has batteries. Check that the mode and temperature make sense: a unit set to fan mode will not cool. Look at the filters too: if they are clogged with dust, airflow is weak and the unit works harder. Cleaning them is usually easy and described in the manual.
Signs you need a professional
If the unit makes new noises, leaks water indoors, smells bad, switches itself off or cools poorly even with clean filters, have a technician look at it. A refrigerant leak or a failing compressor cannot be fixed by hand, and the gas should only be handled by an authorised professional.
What to tell them to get accurate offers
Note the brand, model and age of the unit (usually on a label on the indoor unit), describe the symptom and add a photo or short video. Say whether it is a split, a ducted system or a portable unit, and whether you can reach the outdoor unit. The clearer the problem, the more precise the offer.
Installing a new unit
Before buying, choose the capacity according to the size, orientation and insulation of the room: a unit that is too small cannot keep up, and one that is too large keeps switching on and off. Ask the professional where the outdoor unit will go, how the pipes and drain will run, and whether you need permission from the community of owners or the landlord.
What a good offer includes
Ask for labour, materials (pipes, brackets, wiring), removal of the old unit if there is one, and commissioning to be listed. A price agreed before work starts avoids surprises at the end. With DomiloApp you agree it with the professional before you pay.
Maintenance to make it last
Clean the filters regularly, keep the outdoor unit clear and have the system checked before the first hot days. We explain this in our guide to air conditioning maintenance before summer.
Find a technician near you
See professionals for air conditioning in Marbella, in Benalmádena, in Málaga or in Fuengirola. Describe what you need, compare offers and book with secure payment. A professional can be with you within 2 h: we do everything we can.