| Service | Typical range |
|---|---|
| General service and filter clean (per split unit)Bulk price for 3 or more units is usually 15 to 25 percent lower per unit. | AED 80–160 |
| Deep clean with indoor and outdoor wash (per split unit)Worth doing once a year in the UAE, before May. | AED 150–300 |
| Gas top-up (R410A, per split unit)A leak test should come first. Repeated top-ups mean a leak that needs repair. | AED 150–300 |
| Full gas refill after leak repair (per split unit)Includes vacuuming the circuit. Leak welding is often charged separately. | AED 250–550 |
| Indoor or outdoor PCB (circuit board) repair or replacementRepair is cheaper than replacement. Original boards for inverter units cost the most. | AED 250–900 |
| Compressor replacement (split unit, parts and labour)On units older than 8 years, compare against a new unit before agreeing. | AED 700–2,000 |
| Split unit installation, labour only (1 to 2 ton)Piping beyond 3 metres, brackets and a drain extension are billed extra. | AED 250–600 |
| Annual maintenance contract (per unit, per year)Usually 2 to 4 visits a year. Check what is excluded, especially gas and parts. | AED 180–400 |
Indicative market ranges in AED, excluding 5% VAT unless stated. Not government tariffs and not quotes: always ask for a written quote.
What moves the price
- Unit type and age. Inverter units and older systems with obsolete parts cost more to repair than standard split units.
- Brand and parts source. Original manufacturer parts cost 30 to 70 percent more than compatible parts. Ask which one is quoted.
- Time and urgency. Same-day, weekend and after-hours call-outs often carry a premium of AED 50 to 150.
- Access. Outdoor units on high floors or behind glass need a lift or a rope team. Expect AED 150 to 400 extra.
- Number of units. Multi-unit visits are cheaper per unit. Book all rooms together.
- Building rules. Some towers and communities need an approved contractor or a permit, which adds time and sometimes a fee.
How to read these ranges
These ranges are indicative. The Moathaq editorial team compiled them from published rate cards of maintenance companies and typical market prices for residential split units in Dubai. They are not based on a survey of quotes, and a real quote can sit outside them. These are typical Dubai prices; in the other emirates prices are often similar or somewhat lower.
The prices are what a household would typically pay, including labour and ordinary parts, and exclude VAT of 5 percent unless a company quotes it inclusive. They are not government tariffs. No authority sets a price for AC repair in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Always ask for a written quote before work starts.
Repair or replace: a rule of thumb
A new 1.5 ton inverter split unit costs roughly AED 1,800 to 3,200 supplied, plus installation. If a repair quote is more than half of that figure on a unit older than eight years, ask for a quote for a new unit too.
A failed compressor on a unit under five years old is often covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Ask for the purchase date, the model plate and the warranty terms before you pay for any compressor work.
Rental properties add a question. Under the rental rules (in Dubai, the Dubai rental framework), the landlord and tenant divide maintenance responsibility according to the tenancy contract. Read the maintenance clause in your registered contract (Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi) before you book, so that you do not pay for something your landlord owes you.
How to avoid overpaying
Check the company's trade licence first. A technician working for a licensed maintenance company can be held to a written quote. A freelancer who arrives with no quote often cannot. Our guide to verifying a trade licence takes two minutes.
Ask for a written quote that lists the parts, the labour and the visit fee separately, and ask what warranty comes with the repair. Thirty days is common for labour and 90 days for replaced parts at reputable companies.
Keep the invoice with the company's name and licence number, as you will need it for any warranty claim.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an AC gas refill cost in the UAE?
A top-up of R410A on a split unit usually costs AED 150 to 300. A full refill after a leak repair costs AED 250 to 550. Repeated top-ups point to a leak that needs fixing first.
How often should I service my AC in the UAE?
Clean the filters every month in summer, book a general service twice a year and a deep clean once a year before May. Annual contracts bundle these visits.
Is the call-out fee refundable?
Many companies waive it when you approve the repair. Ask this when you book, and get the answer in a message.
