Routine maintenance is not optional; it is necessary if you want your air conditioner to work well, keep your house comfortable, and avoid high repair costs. A lot of people who own homes want to know how often they should have their air conditioning serviced and if it truly needs to be done every year. The truth is that one of the best methods to keep your system running longer, avoid malfunctions, and keep your energy bills down is to get regular maintenance.
Below, we explain how often you should service your air conditioning system, why hiring a professional is so important, and what you can do to keep your unit functioning at its best as a homeowner.
How Often Should You Schedule AC Maintenance?
Most HVAC experts say that you should have a comprehensive tune-up of your AC system once a year, preferably in the spring before the summer heat hits Arizona. Annual maintenance makes sure that your unit is checked, cleaned, and tested before it gets a lot of use. If you live in a hot place like Arizona, not getting yearly service can shorten the life of your system.
However, some homes benefit from more frequent maintenance. You may want to schedule semi-annual checkups if:
- Your AC runs year-round
- You have pets that shed
- Someone in the home has allergies or asthma
- Your home is older or poorly insulated
- You live in a dusty environment
- Your unit is more than 10 years old
Most homeowners can stick to a maintenance schedule once a year, but Arizona’s intense heat makes it even more necessary to have preventative care. One breakdown in July might cause days of pain and a costly emergency repair.
Why AC Maintenance Matters
The belts, motors, capacitors, coils, refrigerant lines, and electrical contacts in your air conditioning system will all wear down over time. Cleaning, oiling, testing, and making changes to how well the car works are all part of a tune-up. There are a number of important benefits to regular maintenance:
- Longer system lifespan
- Lower energy bills
- Reduced risk of breakdowns
- Improved indoor air quality
- Better cooling performance
- Validated manufacturer warranty
- More consistent temperature control
If you don’t do maintenance, dust, dirt, and wear will build up, making the system work harder than it has to. This causes things to break down too soon and costs more to run.
What Happens During Professional AC Maintenance?
A licensed HVAC technician will typically:
- Inspect and clean evaporator and condenser coils
- Check refrigerant levels and pressure
- Test the capacitor and electrical components
- Inspect the blower motor and fan
- Check the thermostat for accuracy
- Flush the condensate drain line
- Lubricate moving parts if necessary
- Measure overall system efficiency
- Identify worn parts before they fail
You can’t get this kind of service just by cleaning your own home. Professional maintenance involves tools and testing equipment that homeowners don’t have, therefore it’s very important to hire a competent HVAC expert once a year.
What You Can Do Between Service Visits
Homeowners may help keep their AC in good shape between service calls, but yearly expert maintenance is also important.
- Change air filters every 1–3 months
- Keep outdoor units free from weeds, leaves, and dirt
- Clean supply and return vents
- Maintain proper thermostat settings
- Listen for unusual noises or smells
- Do not block airflow around indoor vents or equipment
Just replacing a clogged air filter can improve efficiency by up to 15 percent.
The Bottom Line
In Arizona, you have to have your AC serviced once a year at the very least to keep it operating well. Scheduling servicing once a year, preferably before summer, maintains your unit running well, lowers your energy bills, stops it from breaking down, and saves you money in the long run. For older systems or residences that get a lot of use, it might be worth it to get checkups every six months. Your AC can last 15 to 20 years or more if you take care of it.
For reliable and affordable HVAC service in Phoenix and surrounding communities, Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling provides expert maintenance plans, repairs, and full system replacements tailored to desert conditions.
Tru Comfort Heating & Cooling In The Phoenix Valley
At Tru Comfort Heating & Cooling, we deliver reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions to enhance comfort and water quality. Whether you need HVAC installation, repair, maintenance, or water treatment solutions, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.
Contact us today for exceptional service from an insured and bonded HVAC company. Experience reliable and efficient solutions that exceed your expectations.
