AC Maintenance FAQ

Question 1

How often should I have my AC serviced?

Accepted Answer

In South Florida, we recommend a professional tune-up at least once a year — ideally in the spring before peak cooling season. If you run your AC year-round (which most Floridians do), twice a year is even better. Regular maintenance extends equipment life and keeps your energy bills lower.

Question 2

What is included in a Florida Air Services tune-up?

Accepted Answer

Our 26-point inspection covers: checking refrigerant levels and leak testing, cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, inspecting and lubricating the blower motor and bearings, testing capacitors and contactors, checking thermostat calibration, inspecting the suction line and all fittings for oil or leakage, measuring supply/return temperature differential, checking electrical connections and exposed wiring, inspecting the air filter, checking isolation pads and time delay relay, and providing a written performance report.

Question 3

How much does an AC tune-up cost?

Accepted Answer

A single tune-up is $195. Our annual maintenance plan includes two tune-ups, priority scheduling, and a 10% discount on any repairs needed during the plan year. Most customers find the plan pays for itself in energy savings alone.

Question 4

Can I do AC maintenance myself?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners can handle a few things: replacing the air filter every 1–3 months, keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris, and making sure vents are not blocked. Everything else — refrigerant checks, coil cleaning, electrical testing — requires professional equipment and certification. DIY attempts on these components can void your warranty.

Question 5

How often should I change my air filter?

Accepted Answer

1-inch standard filters should be replaced every 30–60 days in Florida due to humidity and dust. Thicker 4–5 inch media filters last 6–12 months. If you have pets or allergies, change more frequently. A clogged filter is the single most common cause of AC problems we see.

Question 6

What happens if I skip annual maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Without regular maintenance, coils accumulate dirt and restrict heat transfer, refrigerant levels can drift, drain lines clog (causing water damage), and small electrical issues go undetected until they cause a breakdown. Systems without maintenance typically fail 3–5 years earlier and cost significantly more to operate.

Question 7

My AC seems to be working fine. Do I still need a tune-up?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most AC problems develop gradually and are not obvious until they cause a breakdown. A tune-up catches issues like a failing capacitor, a slow refrigerant leak, or a partially clogged drain line before they become expensive emergencies. Think of it like an oil change: you do not wait for the engine to fail.

Question 8

Will maintenance help lower my electric bill?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A dirty condenser coil alone can increase energy consumption by 30%. Clean coils, proper refrigerant charge, and a well-lubricated blower motor all contribute to peak efficiency. Most customers see a noticeable drop in their FPL bill after a tune-up.

Question 9

What is the AC drain line and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The condensate drain line removes the moisture your AC pulls from the air. In Florida's humidity, this line can clog with algae and mold within months. A clogged drain causes water to back up into the air handler, leading to water damage, mold growth, and a tripped float switch that shuts the system off. We flush and treat the drain line on every maintenance visit.

Question 10

Does maintenance extend the life of my AC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, significantly. A well-maintained system in Florida typically lasts 15–18 years. A neglected one may fail in 8–10 years. Regular maintenance also keeps your manufacturer warranty valid — most warranties require documented annual service.

Question 11

Do you offer a maintenance plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our annual maintenance plan includes two full tune-ups, priority scheduling (you go to the front of the line), and a 10% discount on any repairs during the plan year. We also send you reminders so you never forget to schedule.

11 AC Maintenance Questions Answered

Ready to schedule your tune-up?

AC Maintenance Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Air Services

AC Maintenance FAQ

11 AC Maintenance Questions Answered

Ready to schedule your tune-up?