In Southern California, your air conditioner may run from May through October — and sometimes longer. That is a lot of hours for one machine. Regular maintenance is the simplest way to keep it cooling well, avoid breakdowns during a heat wave and keep electric bills under control. Here is a practical checklist for homeowners in Los Angeles, the foothills and the San Fernando Valley.
Why AC maintenance matters
- Fewer breakdowns. Weak capacitors, worn contactors, dirty coils and clogged drains cause most summer no-cooling calls — and most are caught during a tune-up.
- Lower energy bills. A dirty coil or low airflow makes the system run longer for the same cooling.
- Longer equipment life. A well-maintained system works less hard and usually lasts longer.
- Warranty protection. Many manufacturer warranties expect regular professional maintenance.
What you can do yourself
Change the air filter
Check the filter every month during cooling season and replace standard 1-inch filters every 1–3 months. Homes with pets, nearby construction or wildfire smoke may need more frequent changes.
Clear around the outdoor unit
Keep at least two feet of space around the condenser. Remove leaves, weeds and debris, and trim shrubs back. With the power off, you can gently rinse dust off the outside of the coil with a garden hose — never a pressure washer.
Check the condensate drain
Find the drain line near the indoor unit and make sure water is draining freely. A clogged drain can shut the system down or cause water damage.
Open vents and returns
Make sure supply vents and return grilles are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains. Closing too many vents does not save energy — it restricts airflow.
Test the thermostat
Switch to Cool, set the temperature a few degrees below room temperature and confirm the system starts within a few minutes. Replace thermostat batteries if needed.
What a professional AC tune-up includes
A proper AC maintenance visit typically includes:
- Cleaning the outdoor condenser coil and checking the fan motor
- Inspecting the indoor evaporator coil
- Testing capacitors, contactors and electrical connections
- Checking refrigerant pressures and temperatures
- Measuring airflow and temperature split
- Flushing and checking the condensate drain and safety switch
- Testing thermostat operation and system controls
- Replacing a standard filter
When to schedule
The best time is spring — March through May — before the first heat wave, when HVAC companies are not yet overloaded with emergency calls. If you have a heat pump, it heats and cools, so service it twice a year. Gas furnaces should be checked in the fall; see our fall furnace maintenance checklist.
Signs your AC needs service now
- Warm air from the vents — see AC blowing warm air? 8 common causes
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the indoor coil — see why your AC freezes up
- Short cycling, loud buzzing or grinding noises
- Water around the indoor unit
- Electric bills higher than usual
If your system is older and needs frequent repairs, read Repair or Replace? How to Decide.
Schedule your AC tune-up
Orion HVAC serves La Crescenta, Glendale, Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge, Tujunga, Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley. Call (323) 736-3737 or book online. You get the price before any work begins, and every repair is backed by our parts and labor guarantee.
