You depend on your air conditioner to provide consistent cool air throughout the hot Virginia summer without drastically increasing your energy costs. The best way to give your cooling system peak performance at the lowest cost is routine air conditioner maintenance. Regular care can extend the life of your AC and minimize AC repairs.
In addition to hiring an HVAC company in Ashburn, Virginia, you can also perform some small DIY tasks to take care of your air conditioner during the summer months. Below, we look at five AC maintenance tips to enhance your unit’s performance. If you have any questions, contact Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air.
1. Schedule AC Maintenance Before Summer
Before you do anything else this summer, contact an AC company to come in and perform AC maintenance. A licensed technician can run a point-by-point inspection and tweak your system to run at peak performance all summer long. What can you expect from AC maintenance service?
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Test safety controls
- Check refrigerant level and refrigerant pressure
- Check electrical wiring and connections
- Inspect the AC motor outside
- Clean elements, drains, and coils
- Inspect and calibrate the thermostat
If the technician discovers any problems, they can perform air conditioner repair on the spot, so your system is fully restored. If it has been a while since anyone has looked at your system, now is the time to schedule maintenance. Doing so ensures that you have an AC you can rely on.
2. Replace the AC Air Filter
Although you need to rely on a licensed technician for most AC repair and maintenance jobs, there are some things you can do yourself around the house. One simplest and most effective tasks are changing the AC air filter. The filter traps contaminants and air particles as they pass through the system. There are four types of AC filters available today.
- Media filter: Disposable, low-cost, pleated filter that offers excellent filtration
- Fiberglass filter: Disposable, affordable, flat-panel filter with low filtration
- Reusable filter: Reusable but expensive and offers low filtration, attracts mold
- HEPA filter: Expensive but customizable, offers the highest filtration, 99.7% of particles
While there are plenty of options for AC filters, the best option for your system is the one recommended by the manufacturer. Do a Google search or look at your AC owner’s manual to determine which filter the manufacturer recommends. If you hire a company to perform AC installation services in Weatherford, Texas, the technician can help you choose the right filter.
3. Purchase a Programmable Thermostat
For new homes or systems, programmable thermostats have now become the standard. There are several benefits that programmable units have to offer, such as savings, consistent temperature, comfort, improved user control, and efficient performance. When choosing a programmable thermostat, we recommend considering the following features.
Wireless Control
One of the most useful features of programmable thermostats is controlling the unit from virtually anywhere inside or outside the house. Today’s products offer supplement apps that you can download to your phone. Having an app allows you to control the system at work, on vacation, or at the gym.
Smart Thermostats
Another popular feature of modern thermostats is what is called the smart feature. Smart thermostats often receive the ENERGY STAR seal of approval because they give your system optimal performance. It is a WiFi-enabled device that automatically adjusts the cooling temperature. It also offers a nearly endless string of features you can control from your app.
Zoned AC Control
An AC with zone control has multiple thermostats that connect to the main control panel. The panel opens and closes vents or dampers, allowing the system to direct cool air to different parts of the house. Best of all, you can control the entire smart system from your app.
4. DIY AC Maintenance
Professional AC maintenance services are vital to the life of your AC system. However, there are some DIY jobs you can do yourself. DIY jobs are great when you need to do some quick work and save a few pennies along the way.
Some of the jobs you can do on your own include checking for air duct seals, loose wires, water leaks, and proper airflow through the vents. You can also clean all vents, condenser coil, drain pipe, AC blower, and outside unit. Last, you can always change the air filter yourself.
5. Get an HVAC Replacement
Is your AC getting old? Do you keep pouring money into AC maintenance or repair only to get no results? If so, it may be time for HVAC replacement services. A brand-new AC system can provide improved comfort when hot outside. Newer systems are more efficient and can help you save money on your monthly energy bill.
A professional HVAC installation includes a comprehensive inspection of your home and an assessment to determine what type of system you need. You can choose from a wide range of features to enhance the comfort of your home environment. A new system may be what you need to stay cool in Virginia this summer.
Schedule AC Maintenance Services in Ashburn, Virginia
Whether you have a new air conditioner or an older unit, AC maintenance, Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air can help with your cooling needs this summer. We offer complete AC maintenance, repair, installation, and replacement services in Weatherford, Texas. To schedule AC services, fill out the contact form or give us a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
I scheduled an AC tune-up, but the technician seemed to rush through it. How do I know if it was actually thorough?
A thorough AC tune-up should include checking refrigerant pressure, measuring airflow across the coil, inspecting electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, and cleaning the condenser coil — not just a quick visual walkthrough and filter swap. Ask for a written summary of what was checked and any readings taken. If the visit was very short without documentation, it’s reasonable to ask specifically what was included.
My AC seems to be running fine, but my energy bills this summer are noticeably higher than last year. Could that be a maintenance issue?
Yes — dirty coils and a slightly low refrigerant charge are two of the most common reasons an AC becomes less efficient without obvious symptoms. When the system works harder to move heat, it runs longer cycles to reach the same setpoint, and that shows up on your utility bill. A tune-up that includes coil cleaning and refrigerant verification often brings energy usage back down noticeably.
Is there anything I should do to get my outdoor AC unit ready before a maintenance visit?
Clear any debris, overgrown plants, or clutter from around the unit — there should be at least 18 inches of clearance on all sides. If you want to rinse off loose dust from the coils beforehand, that’s helpful but not required. Most importantly, note any unusual sounds, smells, or performance changes you’ve observed so you can describe them accurately to the technician.
I skipped AC maintenance last year and nothing went wrong. Do I really need to do it every year?
Skipping one season rarely produces an immediate problem, but the effects build up over time. Coils accumulate grime, drain lines develop algae, and small refrigerant leaks grow — none of which show up obviously until the system underperforms or fails on a hot day. Annual maintenance catches these issues while they’re inexpensive to address; deferred maintenance tends to compress itself into one expensive repair or an untimely breakdown.
My AC is only four years old. Does it really need professional maintenance, or can I just change the filter and call it good?
Even new systems benefit from annual professional service. During the first several years, maintenance confirms the refrigerant charge is still correct, the coils aren’t fouling up, and nothing in the electrical system is running hot or loose. Some manufacturer warranties also require documented maintenance to stay valid, so keeping up with service protects your coverage as well as the equipment.
When is the best time to schedule AC maintenance in Virginia so I am not stuck waiting when summer arrives?
Spring — ideally March through early May — is the sweet spot. You beat the summer rush and have time to address anything the technician finds before temperatures climb. Fall is also a worthwhile second check, but spring is the higher priority for a system that works hard through a hot Virginia summer.
Last Updated: 04/27/2026
