Quotes and aftercare · independent publisher, not a contractor
How often should a new AC be maintained?
Check the filter monthly in the cooling season and change it at least every three months, keep the outdoor unit clear, and have a contractor service the system once a year before the hot season. A heat pump that heats as well is worth a check before winter too.
Reviewed · 2 named sources · No named reviewer yet; see our editorial policy.
- The schedule at a glance
- The filter: the job that matters most
- What you do through the year
- What a yearly service covers
- When to book it in Los Angeles
- Coastal homes
- By system type
- Signs to call before the yearly service
- What maintenance costs, and why we do not quote it
- A year of care, in order
- Keeping the records a warranty asks for
- Maintenance and the warranty
The schedule at a glance
Fire season: wildfire smoke filtration on a new AC.
| When | You | Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly, cooling season | Look at the filter; replace if dirty | — |
| At least every 3 months | Replace the filter (ENERGY STAR minimum) | — |
| Spring, before the hot season | Clear debris around the outdoor unit | Yearly service |
| After wildfire smoke | Check the filter; it loads fast | — |
| Fall (heat pumps) | Clear leaves; check the filter | Optional heating check |
| Any time | Watch for water, ice or new noise | Service call |
Filter and tune-up guidance: ENERGY STAR, "Heat & Cool Efficiently", retrieved 2026-10-18. Follow your equipment manual where it differs.
The filter: the job that matters most
ENERGY STAR's advice is to check the filter every month and "At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months." A dirty filter cuts airflow, which reduces cooling and makes the system work harder.
Smoke season
Wildfire smoke loads filters fast. Check it after a smoky week even if it is not due. If you want better filtration, ask the installer which filter rating your system's blower can handle.
What you do through the year
- Outdoor unit: keep plants and fences back, clear leaves and debris, and never stack things on top.
- Condensate drain: after heavy use, check that it drips where it should.
- Registers and returns: keep them open and clear of furniture.
- Mini-splits: rinse the washable filters in each indoor head as the manual says.
- Thermostat: replace batteries if it uses them.
Leave these to a contractor
Refrigerant, electrical parts and coil cleaning beyond a gentle rinse. Turn the power off at the disconnect before touching the outdoor unit.
What a yearly service covers
- Refrigerant pressures and the temperature split.
- Capacitor, contactor and electrical connections.
- Indoor and outdoor coil cleaning.
- Drain line and pan.
- Blower, belt (if any) and airflow.
- Thermostat operation.
ENERGY STAR says a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort. Ask for the readings in writing and compare them with the start-up readings from the installation.
When to book it in Los Angeles
Book it before the first run of hot days, when contractors are least busy. In the Valley that means spring. On NOAA normals:
Coastal homes
Near the ocean, salt air can speed corrosion on the outdoor coil. A gentle rinse of the outdoor coil, with the power off and as the manual allows, and a look at the coil at each service are worth adding.
Fewer hot days also mean the system may sit idle for long spells; run it briefly before the first heat wave so problems show up early.
By system type
| System | You | Yearly service focus |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC with gas furnace | Filter; clear the outdoor unit | Cooling side in spring; furnace safety check before winter |
| Ducted heat pump | Filter; clear the outdoor unit year-round | Both cooling and heating modes; defrost operation |
| Ductless mini-split | Rinse head filters; keep heads and outdoor unit clear | Coil and drain cleaning in each head |
Signs to call before the yearly service
| Sign | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Water around the indoor unit | Blocked condensate drain |
| Ice on the refrigerant lines | Low airflow or a refrigerant problem |
| Short on-off cycles | Sizing, thermostat or a fault |
| New rattles or buzzing | Loose parts or an electrical issue |
| One room stops cooling | Duct or airflow problem |
| Bills jump with no change in use | Efficiency loss; dirty coil or filter |
Turn the system off and call if you see ice or water; running it can make either worse.
What maintenance costs, and why we do not quote it
None of the Los Angeles price sources this site uses publishes a maintenance or tune-up price, so we do not print one. Ask any contractor for the price and the checklist in writing, and compare what is included rather than the headline.
Compare the checklist, not just the price
A service that measures refrigerant pressures, cleans both coils and clears the drain is a different job from a filter change and a look. The written checklist tells you which you are buying.
A year of care, in order
- Late winter: book the spring service before the rush.
- Spring: the yearly service; clear the outdoor unit; new filter.
- Summer: filter check monthly; keep returns and registers open.
- After any smoke event: check the filter even if not due.
- Fall: clear leaves; heat pumps get a heating check if you want one.
- Winter: keep the outdoor unit clear; a heat pump runs year-round.
Keeping the records a warranty asks for
| Record | Keep |
|---|---|
| Installation invoice and permit | For the life of the system |
| Equipment registration confirmation | For the life of the warranty |
| Start-up readings | As a baseline for every later service |
| Each service invoice with readings | For the life of the warranty |
Read your manufacturer's terms for exactly what they require.
Maintenance and the warranty
Manufacturer warranties often require registration and can require proof of maintenance. Read the terms that came with your equipment, keep every service invoice, and see equipment vs labor warranties.
- Register the equipment if the installer has not.
- File the invoice, permit and start-up readings together.
- Keep each yearly service record with its readings.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR, "Heat & Cool Efficiently" (retrieved 2026-10-18)
- NOAA NCEI, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, annual/seasonal (stations USW00023174, USW00093134, USW00023152, USC00049785) (retrieved 2026-09-29)
Questions
Does a new AC need servicing in its first year?
A first check before the first full summer is sensible, and some labor warranties include it. Ask the installer what is included.
How often should I change the filter?
ENERGY STAR says check it monthly and change it at least every three months. Follow your filter and equipment maker, and check more often during wildfire smoke.
How often should a heat pump be serviced?
At least yearly. Because it heats as well as cools, some owners add a quick check before winter.
Can I clean the outdoor unit myself?
Clearing debris and a gentle rinse with the power off are usually fine; follow the manual. Leave refrigerant and electrical work to a contractor.
Does skipping maintenance void the warranty?
It can, depending on the manufacturer. Read your warranty terms and keep service records.
What does a tune-up cost in Los Angeles?
None of the LA sources we use publishes a maintenance price, so we do not quote one. Ask for the price and checklist in writing.
How do I maintain a mini-split?
Rinse each indoor head's washable filter as the manual says, keep the outdoor unit clear, and have it serviced yearly.
What signs mean I should call before the yearly service?
Water around the indoor unit, ice on the lines, new noises, rooms that stop cooling, or short on-off cycles.
Is a maintenance plan worth it?
It depends what it includes and costs. Compare the plan's checklist and visits with paying for one yearly service.
Should the ducts be cleaned regularly?
Duct cleaning is a separate service and not part of a standard tune-up. Ask why it is recommended before paying for it.
Next step
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- Compare what comes back. Line the written quote up against the published ranges and the quote checklist.
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