Arizona air conditioners work harder than most in the country. Long, hot summers mean many systems run for months with few breaks, and dust adds wear on filters, coils and moving parts. So how often should you have your AC serviced here?

Quick answer

Have your AC professionally serviced at least once a year, ideally in spring before the summer heat arrives. If you use a heat pump for both heating and cooling, a second visit in the fall is a good idea. Check your air filter monthly and replace it whenever it looks dirty.

Why spring is the best time

A spring tune-up catches weak parts before your system faces its hardest months, and it’s easier to schedule than in the middle of a heat wave. Problems found in April are usually cheaper and less stressful to fix than a breakdown in July.

What a professional tune-up covers

Our HVAC tune-up inspects both the indoor and outdoor parts of your system, including:

• Refrigerant levels, to confirm the system is cooling efficiently
• Capacitors and contactors, the electrical parts that start and power the unit
• Coils and temperature readings, to spot airflow or performance problems early

What you can do between visits

• Check the filter monthly. Dust and pet hair can clog filters quickly in Arizona homes.
• Keep the outdoor unit clear. Leave open space around it and keep plants trimmed back.
• Keep supply and return vents open and unblocked. Closing vents can create pressure and airflow problems.
• Watch for early warning signs such as weak airflow, new noises, short cycling or rising bills.

Signs you shouldn’t wait for the next scheduled visit

• The system runs but the house isn’t reaching the set temperature
• Ice on the refrigerant lines or water around the indoor unit
• Grinding, squealing or buzzing sounds
• The breaker trips when the AC starts

If you notice any of these, see why an AC runs but doesn’t cool or schedule AC repair.

Make maintenance automatic

If you’d rather not keep track of service dates, our SmartCare+ maintenance plan includes connected system monitoring, priority service and preventive care for one monthly price.