How Often Should You Service Your AC?

Why Regular AC Service Matters in Northern Virginia

If you live in Manassas or anywhere in Northern Virginia, you know how brutal the summers can be. With temperatures regularly climbing into the 90s from June through September, your air conditioning system is your lifeline. But how often should you actually have it serviced?

The short answer is at least once per year. The longer answer depends on several factors specific to your home, your system’s age, and how much you rely on it during our hot Virginia summers.

At HVAC of Virginia, we see the consequences of neglected AC systems every single week. Homeowners who skip annual maintenance often end up calling us for emergency AC repairs during the hottest days of the year, when repair schedules are packed and wait times are longest.

The Recommended AC Service Schedule

For most Northern Virginia homes, we recommend this maintenance schedule:

Annual Professional Service (Spring) Schedule your professional AC tune-up every spring, ideally in March or April before the cooling season begins. This gives technicians time to identify and fix problems before you actually need your system running at full capacity.

During a professional service visit, our technicians will:

• Check refrigerant levels and test for leaks
• Clean evaporator and condenser coils
• Inspect and tighten electrical connections
• Lubricate all moving parts
• Test thermostat calibration
• Check the condensate drain line
• Measure airflow through the system
• Inspect ductwork for leaks or damage

Monthly Homeowner Tasks Between professional visits, there are several things you can do yourself to keep your system running well:

• Replace or clean air filters every 30 to 90 days depending on the filter type
• Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of debris, leaves, and vegetation
• Check that all vents and registers are open and unobstructed
• Listen for unusual sounds when the system cycles on and off

How Virginia’s Climate Affects Your Service Schedule

Northern Virginia has a unique climate that puts extra stress on HVAC systems. Our humid subtropical climate means your AC is not just cooling the air but also removing significant moisture. This dual workload means more wear and tear compared to homes in drier climates.

In the Manassas area specifically, pollen seasons can clog filters faster than expected. The combination of tree pollen in spring and ragweed in fall means you might need to change filters more frequently than the manufacturer recommends.

If your home is surrounded by mature trees, as many properties in Prince William County are, falling leaves and debris can accumulate around your outdoor condenser unit. We recommend checking and clearing the area around your outdoor unit at least once a month during fall.

When You Might Need More Frequent Service

Some situations call for more than just an annual tune-up:

Older Systems (10+ Years) If your AC unit is more than ten years old, consider scheduling service twice a year. Older systems are more prone to component failures, and catching problems early can extend the life of your equipment by several years.

High-Usage Households Families who run their AC constantly from May through October, or homes with pets that shed heavily, should consider biannual professional checkups. The extra strain on the system accelerates wear on components like the blower motor and compressor.

After Major Weather Events Northern Virginia sees its share of severe storms, particularly during summer thunderstorm season. After any major weather event, check your outdoor unit for damage from fallen branches, hail, or flooding. If you notice anything concerning, call us at (703) 555-0123 for an inspection.

The Cost of Skipping AC Maintenance

Many homeowners skip AC service to save money in the short term. But the numbers tell a different story. According to the Department of Energy, a well-maintained AC system operates up to 15 percent more efficiently than a neglected one. For a typical Manassas home, that can translate to $100 to $200 in annual energy savings.

Beyond energy costs, regular maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive repairs. A loose electrical connection found during a tune-up might cost nothing extra to fix. But left unaddressed, it could cause a compressor failure that costs $1,500 or more to repair.

The average AC system lasts 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Without it, you might be looking at a full replacement after just 10 to 12 years. Given that a new AC installation can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000, the math strongly favors regular maintenance.

What a Professional AC Service Includes

When you schedule your annual service with HVAC of Virginia, here is what you can expect. Our certified technicians arrive on time and perform a comprehensive 20-point inspection of your entire cooling system. We check every component from the thermostat to the condenser, documenting our findings and making recommendations for any needed repairs.

We also provide a written report of our findings so you have a record of your system’s condition over time. This documentation is valuable if you ever need to make warranty claims or are planning to sell your home.

Schedule Your AC Service Today

Do not wait until the first heat wave hits Northern Virginia to discover your AC needs attention. Contact HVAC of Virginia at (703) 555-0123 to schedule your annual maintenance visit. We serve homeowners throughout Manassas, Centreville, Gainesville, Bristow, Woodbridge, and all of Northern Virginia.

Our HVAC maintenance plans start at competitive rates and include priority scheduling, discounts on repairs, and peace of mind knowing your system is ready for whatever Virginia’s summer throws at it.