Repair guide · Last updated August 10, 2026
Generator and AC repair in Lagos: fair costs and how to vet the technician
Generators and air conditioners are the two appliances Lagos homes cannot do without — and the two where part-swapping is most common. This guide covers the usual faults, what diagnosis and repair should cost, how to split parts from labour, and how to tell a real repair from a padded one.
5 checks before the technician opens anything
- 1
Describe the symptom precisely
'Won't start', 'starts then dies', 'runs but won't carry load', 'AC blows but not cold', 'AC trips the breaker' each point to different faults. A good technician asks these questions before quoting.
- 2
Agree the diagnosis fee and whether it is credited
Most Lagos techs charge ₦5,000–₦15,000 to come and diagnose, often credited against the repair. Settle it before the visit.
- 3
Demand a parts list with prices
Capacitor, carburettor, AVR, compressor, fan motor — each part should be named with its price, separate from labour. Lump-sum 'repair' figures hide mark-up.
- 4
Ask for the old part back
This single request eliminates most fake-replacement scams. Keep the removed part until the appliance has run reliably for a week.
- 5
Insist on a warranty in writing
14–90 days on labour is standard for honest technicians. If a repair fails inside that window, the return visit should be free.
Typical Lagos repair costs
| Job | Low | Typical | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis / call-out visit | ₦5,000 | ₦10,000 | ₦15,000 | Often credited to the job. Emergency and night call-outs add 20–50%. |
| Small generator service (1–3.5kVA) | ₦8,000 | ₦15,000 | ₦25,000 | Oil, plug, air filter clean, carburettor clean. Consumables usually included at the top end. |
| Generator won't start — carburettor / plug / coil | ₦10,000 | ₦25,000 | ₦60,000 | Labour plus parts. Fuel-system cleaning is cheap; ignition coil replacement is not. |
| Generator runs but won't carry load (AVR / capacitor) | ₦15,000 | ₦35,000 | ₦80,000 | AVR and capacitor faults are common. Alternator rewinding sits at the top end. |
| AC servicing / deep wash (per split unit) | ₦8,000 | ₦15,000 | ₦25,000 | Every 3–6 months in Lagos dust. Bundling multiple units lowers the per-unit price. |
| AC not cooling — gas top-up / leak fix | ₦15,000 | ₦30,000 | ₦60,000 | A top-up without fixing the leak is a 2-month fix. Insist on leak detection. |
| AC compressor replacement (1–1.5HP) | ₦90,000 | ₦150,000 | ₦280,000 | At this cost, compare against a new unit before approving. |
Ranges are guides only — the final quote is always agreed with your pro on WhatsApp before any work starts.
Repair scams to watch for
⚠️ The 'new part' that is a cleaned old part
Ask for the replaced component and, where possible, the new part's packaging. Techs who refuse both are usually reselling refurbished parts at new prices.
⚠️ Gas top-up every few months
Refrigerant does not get consumed — if your AC needs gas twice a year, you have a leak nobody has fixed. Pay for leak detection once instead of top-ups forever.
⚠️ Taking the appliance to 'the workshop' with no paperwork
If the unit leaves your compound, get a written note with the tech's name, phone, the appliance serial and the agreed return date.
⚠️ Quote that grows after dismantling
Some growth is legitimate once a machine is open — but a good tech pauses, calls you, and gets approval before spending. Silent escalation is a red flag.
Common questions
How much does it cost to service a generator in Lagos?
A routine service on a 1–3.5kVA generator typically costs ₦8,000–₦25,000, covering oil change, spark plug, air filter cleaning and carburettor cleaning. Larger diesel sets cost considerably more and are usually quoted per kVA.
Why is my AC blowing air but not cooling?
The most common causes in Lagos are low refrigerant from a leak, a dirty condenser coil choked with dust, a failed capacitor, or a compressor that no longer builds pressure. A technician should measure pressures rather than default to a gas top-up.
How often should an AC be serviced in Lagos?
Every 3–6 months for most homes. Dust and harmattan clog condenser and evaporator coils quickly, which raises electricity use and shortens compressor life long before it stops cooling.
Is it worth replacing an AC compressor?
Compressor replacement on a 1–1.5HP split runs ₦90,000–₦280,000. If the unit is more than about six years old, compare that against a new inverter AC — the newer unit usually pays back through lower power consumption.
Should I pay before or after an appliance repair?
Pay a materials advance if parts must be bought, then settle the balance after the appliance has been tested in front of you. OyaLink's pay-after-service flow completes payment only when you confirm the job, and a written labour warranty covers early failures.
Generator down or AC not cooling?
Get matched with identity-verified generator and AC technicians near you in Lagos. Parts and labour quoted separately on WhatsApp, payment only after the fix is confirmed.
Find a repair technician in Lagos