Air Conditioner Service and Cleaning: When It’s Needed and How to Tell It’s Time (Los Angeles)

In Los Angeles, air conditioners often run for long stretches due to heat, coastal humidity, wildfire smoke, and year-round dust. Regular AC service and cleaning isn’t just “nice to have”—it helps the system cool efficiently, protects indoor air quality, and reduces the risk of expensive breakdowns during peak season. So, when is service needed? For most homes, schedule professional maintenance once a year (ideally in spring). If you have pets, allergies, live near heavy traffic, or run the system daily, consider service every 6 months. Ductless mini-splits and heat pumps also benefit from routine cleaning, especially the indoor unit filters and coils. Common signs it’s time to book a visit include: weak airflow from vents, rooms cooling unevenly, the AC running longer than usual, rising electricity bills, unusual noises (rattling, buzzing), musty or sour odors at startup, excessive dust in the home, or water pooling near the indoor unit. Another red flag is the system blowing “not quite cold” air—often linked to dirty coils, clogged filters, or refrigerant issues that require an HVAC professional. What does proper AC service include? A technician typically inspects electrical connections, checks thermostat operation, measures refrigerant pressures, cleans the evaporator and condenser coils when needed, clears the condensate drain line, examines the blower, verifies airflow, and tests overall performance. Homeowners can help by changing or washing filters regularly (every 1–3 months for many systems) and keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris. Timely cleaning and servicing can improve comfort, lower energy use, and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner—especially in the demanding Los Angeles climate.