Air Conditioner Service and Cleaning: When You Need It and How to Tell It’s Time

Regular air conditioner service is not just about comfort—it helps prevent breakdowns, reduces energy use, and improves indoor air quality. In most homes, a basic checkup and cleaning is recommended at least once a year (ideally before the peak cooling season). If you run your system heavily, have pets, live near traffic or construction dust, or use the AC year‑round, servicing twice a year is a safer schedule. Common signs it’s time for service start with performance changes. If the air feels weaker, rooms cool unevenly, or the system runs longer than usual, restricted airflow or dirty coils may be to blame. A sudden increase in your electricity bill can also indicate the unit is working harder than it should. Pay attention to odors: a musty smell often points to moisture and microbial growth in the indoor unit or drain pan, while burning or electrical smells require immediate shutdown and inspection. Other red flags include unusual noises (rattling, buzzing, grinding), water dripping indoors, or frequent on/off cycling. Ice on the indoor coil or refrigerant lines is a strong indicator of airflow problems or incorrect refrigerant conditions and should be addressed promptly. Professional HVAC cleaning typically includes filter replacement or washing, cleaning the indoor coil and blower area, flushing the condensate drain line, inspecting the outdoor condenser for debris, checking electrical connections, measuring temperature split, and verifying safe, stable operation. With timely maintenance, your AC cools faster, stays quieter, and lasts longer—especially during the hottest weeks when reliability matters most.