Mandatory air conditioning servicing: the law in 2026

Yes, air conditioning servicing is mandatory for any system rated between 4 kW and 70 kW: under French decree 2020-912, it must be carried out by a professional at least every two years. The vast majority of home systems are concerned. An annual leak-tightness check is added for systems holding more than 2 kg of refrigerant.

Who is affected by mandatory servicing?

The rule is simple: any air conditioner or air-to-air heat pump from 4 to 70 kW must undergo periodic servicing by a professional. This covers almost every home installation with a split, multi-split or ducted system.

Only portable air conditioners (with no fixed outdoor unit) and some very small units below 4 kW escape this legal obligation for professional servicing.

What frequency: every year or every two years?

The law requires servicing at least every two years. In practice, annual servicing is recommended, especially on the Riviera where summer use is intensive: it keeps performance up, reduces consumption and prevents breakdowns in peak season.

The refrigerant leak-tightness check

Systems holding more than 2 kg of refrigerant must additionally undergo a regular leak-tightness check. This operation detects leaks, both to preserve performance and to limit the environmental impact of refrigerants.

Who can service it? The F-Gas certificate

Regulatory servicing and any refrigerant handling can only be carried out by a professional holding the capacity certificate (F-Gas). It’s a guarantee of seriousness: without this qualification, an operator has no right to open the refrigerant circuit. Our technicians hold the required qualifications.

The Aircadia tip: keep the servicing certificates. They prove your compliance and are often required by manufacturers to honour the warranty.

What happens if I don’t service my AC?

Beyond the compliance risk, a lack of servicing mostly costs in performance: rising consumption, less healthy air, premature breakdowns and a potentially voided manufacturer warranty, since most brands make their warranty conditional on regular servicing.

What about the F-Gas rules on refrigerants?

The European F-Gas regulation is accelerating the phase-out of high-impact refrigerants. R410A (still present on many older units) is gradually giving way to R32, more efficient and less polluting. If your AC is old and runs on R410A, a replacement may become worthwhile over time.

A maintenance contract so you never think about it

We offer maintenance contracts that cover the legal obligation, include an automatic visit reminder and keep your AC efficient all year. Free quote on request. Get your free quote.