Service your air conditioning once a year in spring and your heating once a year in fall — that's two visits annually for most homes, or two for a heat pump since it runs year-round. Between professional visits, change or clean your filter every 1–3 months. This schedule keeps the system efficient, reliable, and within manufacturer warranty terms.
Quick answer
- AC: a tune-up each spring. Heating: a tune-up each fall.
- Heat pumps: service twice a year because they heat and cool.
- Change or clean filters every 1–3 months year-round.
- Most manufacturer warranties require documented annual maintenance.
The seasonal schedule
Cooling equipment should be serviced in spring before the first hot stretch, and heating equipment in fall before the first cold snap. That timing catches problems before peak demand, when you least want a breakdown. A heat pump both heats and cools, so it earns two visits a year — typically spring and fall — to keep both modes running well.
What a professional tune-up includes
A thorough tune-up checks refrigerant charge, cleans the coils, inspects and tightens electrical connections, tests the capacitor and motors, verifies safe combustion on gas equipment, clears the condensate drain, and confirms the thermostat and airflow are correct. These are the same parameters manufacturers assume when they rate efficiency and lifespan — keeping them in spec is what protects both.
What you can do between visits
The highest-impact homeowner task is filter changes — every 1–3 months depending on filter type, pets, and usage. Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, grass clippings, and debris, and make sure return and supply vents aren't blocked by furniture or rugs. These small habits preserve airflow and keep the system from working harder than it should.
Common mistakes to avoid
Only servicing when something breaks
Reactive-only maintenance lets small issues grow into expensive failures and voids many warranties. Scheduled service is far cheaper than emergency repair and lost equipment life.
Forgetting the warranty paper trail
Manufacturers can deny warranty claims without proof of annual maintenance. Keep records — or join a maintenance plan that documents every visit for you.
How Comfort Central Inc. helps
- Our maintenance-plan members get scheduled, documented tune-ups that satisfy warranty requirements.
- We use a consistent multi-point checklist so nothing is skipped between visits.
- Catching weak parts during a tune-up prevents most peak-season breakdowns.
Frequently asked questions
How often should HVAC be serviced?
Twice a year for most homes: AC in spring, heating in fall. A heat pump should also be serviced twice yearly because it runs in both seasons. Change filters every 1–3 months in between.
Does maintenance really matter for the warranty?
Yes. Most manufacturer warranties require documented annual maintenance, and claims can be denied without it. A maintenance plan keeps those records for you.
How often should I change my air filter?
Every 1–3 months for standard filters, more often with pets, allergies, or heavy use. Thicker media filters can last longer. A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of HVAC problems.
Written by: Merle Vaughn · Last updated: June 17, 2026