Air conditioners should generally be serviced at least once every 12 months. For residential units, servicing every 12 to 18 months is typical, but more frequent servicing (every 6 months) may be advisable if the unit experiences heavy use. Commercial air conditioning systems often require more frequent servicing, such as twice a year or quarterly, due to heavier usage and harsher conditions. Regular servicing helps maintain efficiency, extend the unit's lifespan, and avoid costly repairs. Some signs that immediate servicing is needed include unusual noises, reduced cooling efficiency, water leaks, and unpleasant odors. Basic maintenance like filter cleaning can be done more frequently at home, every few weeks to months, depending on usage.