We recommend having your air conditioner professionally serviced at least once a year, preferably in the spring before the hottest weather hits. Homes with pets, lots of dust, or heavy AC usage may benefit from semi-annual maintenance.

Check your filter at least monthly during heavy use; replace or clean it every 1-2 months, depending on the type of filter, the presence of pets, air quality, or dust. Dirty filters reduce airflow, force the system to work harder, increase energy bills, and may shorten the lifespan of the unit.

Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency (higher energy bills), increased wear and tear, more frequent repairs, reduced cooling capacity, premature system failure, and potentially health issues (if mold or mildew grows due to condensation or blocked drains).

Regular maintenance helps:

• Improve efficiency (lower energy bills)
• Prevent unexpected breakdowns during peak use
• Extend the life of the system
• Maintain comfort (consistent temperatures, better airflow)
• Improve indoor air quality

Watch for signs like weak or uneven airflow, warm air blowing instead of cool, unusual noises (buzzing, grinding, rattling), musty or unusual smells, excessive humidity indoors, frequent cycling on and off, or rising utility bills. If you notice any of these, schedule a tune-up sooner rather than later.

Yes, there are a few tasks homeowners can do safely: changing or cleaning the filter regularly, ensuring the outdoor unit is free from leaves, dirt, or debris, cleaning around the condenser (outdoor unit) so airflow isn’t blocked, and making sure thermostat settings are correct. But more complex tasks (electrical checks, refrigerant, coil cleaning, moving components) should be done by a licensed professional.

Here are a few checks: make sure there’s at least two feet of clear space around the unit; check that the fins/coils are clean and free of bent fins; listen for unusual noises; check that the fan is spinning freely; feel for strong airflow; note whether the unit is cycling on excessively. If anything seems off, schedule professional inspection.