Should you get your AC checked every year?

Author: Kayley Kuvalis  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Your air conditioner should be inspected by a professional technician at least once every year. Ideally, this checkup should be scheduled twice a year—once in the spring and the once in the fall. However, the reality is that most people don't give thought to annual AC checkup until a major fault develops.

Is it necessary to service AC every year?

Even without noticeable defects, we recommend getting an air conditioner checked at least once a year to ensure it's performing at its best. Here are the signs to be on the lookout for that may indicate an air conditioner needs immediate maintenance. If your unit makes more noise than usual, the filters may be clogged.

How often should AC be inspected?

It is generally recommended to service your AC at least once per year, ideally in the spring. If your AC unit is 10 years or older, consider scheduling twice-yearly inspections to catch potential problems early and extend the system's lifespan, which is typically around 15 years.

Is it normal to have to recharge AC every year?

Should You Recharge Your A/C Unit For Optimal Performance? The short answer is no; you don't need to recharge your AC unit on a set schedule. In fact, most units only need to be recharged once every two to five years – and sometimes even longer than that.

Is annual HVAC inspection necessary?

Skipping an inspection may mean higher utility bills. And on the heating side, a checkup could save your life. Clark says, “The most important aspect of a furnace check is to test for any carbon monoxide leaking into home.”

How Often Should Freon Be Added To AC Unit? How Often Should It Be Checked?

Does AC need to be checked every year?

Your air conditioner should be inspected by a professional technician at least once every year. Ideally, this checkup should be scheduled twice a year—once in the spring and the once in the fall. However, the reality is that most people don't give thought to annual AC checkup until a major fault develops.

How much should an HVAC inspection cost?

HVAC inspections are a good way to spend a little money now to avoid a costly repair bill later. You'll generally pay between $200 and $500 for an inspection, depending on your specific type of HVAC system. We recommend an inspection twice per year.

How much should a AC recharge cost?

The average cost to recharge the Freon levels in an air conditioner unit ranges between $200 and $600. This number can vary, depending on the city you live in, the HVAC provider you choose, and the refrigerant levels in your air conditioner.

How many years should an AC last?

While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.

Does AC increase your electric bill?

Air conditioners can be a big driver of your electric bill in the summer. There are still a few weeks of summer left, which means we'll have to battle against the heat a little longer. It also means higher electric bills. It happens every year: Summer weather starts, the AC kicks on and your electric bill shoots up.

How frequently should AC be serviced?

Air conditioning experts recommend a comprehensive service at least once every 12 months. The best time of the year to service your air conditioner is just before the change of season. If you have a cooling-only unit, spring is the perfect time to service the unit so it is all set for the summers.

How much is a new HVAC system?

An HVAC replacement cost is $7,500 on average. This range could be as low as $5,000 or as high as $12,500, depending on the type and size of your unit, the brand, and labor costs. Your overall cost for a new HVAC unit could reach $22,000 if you add new ductwork and additional features like a HEPA filtration system.

What does an AC inspection include?

During an HVAC inspection, a trained technician will examine your entire system,including the furnace, air conditioner, ductwork, and vents. The technician will clean and test all of the components to make sure they are working properly and check for any signs of wear or damage.

How often should you have your home AC checked?

Though there can be a bit of wiggle room, generally speaking, you should have your air conditioner serviced twice yearly: once in the fall and once in the spring. This is to ensure that it's clean, that its parts are in good shape and that it's operating as optimally as possible.

What happens if AC is not serviced?

The dirt clogs up the system and creates condensation, leading to mold that clogs the draining system. These clogs, when left unchecked, lead to water leaks coming from the interior unit of your AC.

What does AC tune up include?

An air conditioner tune-up typically includes but is not limited to cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, replacing the air filter, checking ductwork for leaks or blockages, testing the thermostat, examining electrical components, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting the condensate drain.

Which AC brand lasts the longest?

Which HVAC Brands Last the Longest?
  • Mitsubishi Electric: Superior Efficiency and Durability. ...
  • Goodman Air Conditioning and Heating: Affordable and Long-Lasting. ...
  • Rheem: Reliable Performance for Decades. ...
  • Honeywell: Smart Home Integration and Durability. ...
  • Lennox: High-End Performance for the Long Haul.

How do I know when my AC needs replacing?

10 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair or Replacement
  1. Air Conditioning System is Blowing Warm Air. ...
  2. AC Thermostat is Not Working. ...
  3. Little Air Blows Out of Vents. ...
  4. Loud Noise Inside of the AC Unit. ...
  5. Strange Odors When AC Turned On. ...
  6. Not Enough Humidity Removed By the AC. ...
  7. Problems with the AC Are Occurring More Often.

How do I know if my home AC needs recharged?

Your AC may be leaking refrigerant if you notice these signs:
  1. The AC runs constantly without cooling the house.
  2. The air from your vents isn't cold.
  3. You have abnormally high energy bills.
  4. There's ice forming on the refrigerant lines.
  5. Bubbling or hissing sounds occur when the AC isn't running.

Is it OK to recharge your own AC?

You should never try to recharge the A/C yourself, even if you have a home air conditioner recharging kit. The refrigerant used can be harmful to you and the environment if it's not handled properly.

Is HVAC inspection free?

A full HVAC inspection costs $300 on average but can range from $150 to $500. Depending on the size of the HVAC system, it usually takes at least an hour for a contractor to conduct an inspection, after which time they'll recommend repairs if needed.

How much does it cost to check the AC?

On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 to $300 for a routine AC maintenance service. This typically includes cleaning and inspecting the AC unit, checking refrigerant levels, lubricating moving parts air filter replacement, and ensuring proper airflow.

How long does an HVAC checkup take?

On average, HVAC maintenance appointments take 1-2 hours to complete. Your appointment may take more or less time than this. How long appointments last varies quite a bit depending on the type of system you have, the condition it's in, the size of your home, and more.

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