Straight answersto common AC questions.

Most 1 to 2 inch filters need changing every 1 to 3 months. Check yours monthly in summer, and sooner if you have pets, allergies or dust from work nearby. A dirty filter makes the system work harder and can freeze the coil. Thicker media filters can last 6 to 12 months.

Once a year, ideally in spring before the hottest months. A tune-up checks refrigerant, cleans the coils and drain line, tests electrical parts and catches small problems before they become a breakdown on a hot day. Where the AC runs most of the year, some homeowners book twice.

Warm air from the vents, a system that never stops running, new grinding or squealing noises, water around the indoor unit, ice on the lines, or a sudden jump in your power bill. If you notice any of these, call before a small fault becomes a bigger one.

Usually the condensate drain line is clogged. Your AC pulls moisture out of the air and drains it away, and algae or debris can block that line. Many units have a safety switch that shuts the system off when the pan fills. A technician can clear the line and check the pan and switch.

Ice usually means poor airflow or low refrigerant. Check that the filter is clean and the vents are open, then turn the system off and let it thaw. If it freezes again, call for service. Low refrigerant means a leak, and running a frozen system can damage the compressor.

Make sure the thermostat is set to cool, a few degrees below the room, and has power or fresh batteries. Check the breakers for the indoor and outdoor units, replace a dirty filter, and open any closed vents. If it still will not cool, call us.

It depends on age, repair cost and efficiency. Many homeowners consider replacing when a system is 10 to 15 years old, needs a major repair such as a compressor, or has needed several repairs in a few years. Ask for the repair price and a replacement estimate side by side.

Around 10 to 15 years is typical. Salt air near the coast and year-round use can shorten that. Yearly maintenance, clean filters and keeping plants and debris clear of the outdoor unit all help it last longer.

Size depends on more than square footage. Insulation, windows, sun exposure, ductwork and ceiling height all matter. A system that is too big cycles on and off and leaves the air humid, and one that is too small runs constantly. A proper load calculation gets it right.

The technician asks what you have noticed, inspects the indoor and outdoor units, tests the system, and explains what they found and your options before any work starts.