Air Conditioning Service

By Ryan Mayes

An air conditioner service is a comprehensive inspection and tune-up that helps maintain peak performance, improve energy efficiency, and extend the life of your system. During the appointment, a certified HVAC technician will check your thermostat, replace or clean filters, inspect coils and drains, measure refrigerant levels, evaluate electrical components, and run safety tests to ensure everything is operating correctly. Regular service also helps improve indoor air quality and prevents unexpected breakdowns. Learn more about our full lineup of cooling solutions on our air conditioners page.

Schedule an appointment with your local Carrier dealer today to keep your system running efficiently and reliably.

What to Expect During an AC Service Appointment

• Thermostat Check and Calibration – The technician will verify that your thermostat is accurately reading indoor temperatures and properly communicating with the system. Calibration ensures your AC responds correctly to temperature changes, which helps maintain consistent comfort and efficiency.
• System Inspection – A full inspection evaluates all major components, including the compressor, evaporator, condenser, and fan. The technician looks for signs of wear, leaks, or other potential issues that could impact performance or lead to breakdowns.
• Cleaning – Key parts of the system, such as coils and condensate drains, are cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and buildup. This step helps improve airflow, cooling efficiency, and reduces the risk of water damage or mold growth.
• Filter Replacement – Air filters are checked and replaced if needed to ensure proper airflow and maintain indoor air quality. Clean filters prevent strain on the system and help it operate more efficiently.
• Electrical System Checks – The technician inspects wiring, connections, fuses, and capacitors to ensure safe operation. Identifying loose or damaged components early helps prevent electrical failures or safety hazard
• Refrigerant Check – Refrigerant levels are measured and adjusted if necessary to optimize cooling performance. Proper refrigerant charge is essential for energy efficiency and preventing compressor damage.
• Lubrication – Moving parts, such as fan motors and bearings, are lubricated to reduce friction and wear. Proper lubrication helps prolong component life and ensures smooth, quiet operation.
• Performance Testing – The system is run through a full cycle to verify proper cooling, airflow, and responsiveness. This step ensures that all repairs or maintenance work has restored the AC to optimal performance.
• Final Inspection of Repaired Unit or AC installation – The technician completes a last walkthrough to confirm everything is operating correctly, safety standards are met, and any repairs or installations are finished to code. Homeowners are given a summary of the work performed and any recommendations for future maintenance.

Benefits of Regular Air Conditioning Service

Regular AC service and maintenance are essential to keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently, preventing unexpected air conditioner repair, and ensuring your home stays comfortable even during extreme temperature rises. A well-maintained system improves performance, reduces energy consumption, and helps prevent costly repair or replacement needs. Investing in routine AC maintenance services offers several key benefits:

• Improved Energy Efficiency – A clean system that regularly receives air conditioner tune ups uses less energy, lowering cooling bills.
• Extended System Lifespan – Regular care helps prevent premature wear and tear, prolonging the unit’s life. Learn more about the factors and variables of how long do air conditioners last.
• Better Air Quality – Clean filters and coils reduce allergens, dust, and pollutants in your home.
• Lower Repair Costs – Preventative maintenance catches small issues before they become expensive problems.

Fletcher says annual AC service is essential because it’s preventative, not reactive.

“Routine maintenance helps catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs, keeps the system running efficiently, and protects the equipment’s lifespan — ultimately saving homeowners money and stress,” Fletcher said. 

 

By scheduling regular AC maintenance services, you can ensure your system operates at peak efficiency, saving money and keeping your home comfortable year-round.

5 Signs It's Time to Schedule Air Conditioner Service

Some common HVAC system malfunctions that may require air conditioning service include:

1. The AC Is Running Constantly or Not Keeping Up with Cooling Needs

Every AC system will work a little harder on hotter, more humid days. But if your system seems to run constantly with less than adequate cooling, you may have a problem lurking. An undersized unit will struggle when demand is high. Learn more about what size air conditioner do I need?

Low refrigerant levels can cause longer and less effective cooling cycles. A dirty air filter, dirty inside evaporator coil or dirty outdoor condensing coil can reduce efficiency and effectiveness as well. Try cleaning or replacing the air filter or before contacting a professional for air conditioner repair service near me. Learn how often to change air conditioner filters

2. Repeatedly Starting Then Stopping (Short Cycling)

If your system seems to start and then shut off over and over or won’t turn on all together, you may have a system that was oversized during HVAC installation. Low refrigerant levels or a refrigerant leak can also be hard on AC systems, causing them to run erratically. A clogged or excessively dirty air filter and a frozen or dirty evaporator coil can have the same effect. Cleaning or replacing the air filter may help, but air conditioner coil cleaning requires an air conditioning service call.

3. Weak or No Inflow

Two-stage or multi-stage cooling systems often run for longer periods of time on a lower fan setting. If your indoor temperature matches the temperature you set on the thermostat, your system is operating normally. However, if you have weak or no airflow, and the temperature continues to rise inside or hot air is coming out when the temperature is set to cool, you may have an issue. This could signal a dirty air conditioner filter or an issue with the indoor unit’s blower or air conditioner fan not working. Try changing or replacing the air filter before contacting a professional. Learn how to change air conditioner filters.

4. Not Running at All

Air conditioner not cooling? Before calling a Carrier dealer for in-home services or repair, check your thermostat to make sure the system hasn’t been turned off. Then, check your electrical panel to be sure a blown fuse isn’t the culprit or the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Also, check air filters for excessive dirt or clogging. If everything checks out, it’s time to call a professional. Most air conditioners include some built-in sensors that can shut down operation under abnormal conditions to help prevent damage to vital (and expensive!) components like the compressor, evaporator coil and condenser coil.

5. Unusually High Energy Bills

During the heat of the summer your system will work harder and more often, so you may see higher electric bills. If your utility bill seems unusually high compared to the previous month’s (or previous year’s bill for the same month), it might be time to investigate. To ensure that your AC unit is energy efficient, check the air filter and outdoor condenser coil for excessive dirt and clogging. If everything checks out, or if you see buildup of ice on the outdoor coil or the copper refrigerant tubing, call an HVAC technician for professional air conditioner repair service near me.

What to Do Before the Technician Arrives

• Make Sure the Area Is Clear – Remove furniture, storage, or any obstacles near your indoor and outdoor units so the technician can access all components safely and efficiently.
• Be Prepared to Describe Any Issues – Note any unusual noises, inconsistent temperatures, or recent problems with your system. Providing details helps the technician diagnose issues more quickly and accurately.
• Check the Air Filter – Ensure your filter is clean or replace it if necessary. A clean filter allows proper airflow, which helps the technician assess the system under normal operating conditions.
• Ensure Pets Are Secured – Keep pets in a separate area to prevent distractions or safety issues while the technician is working.
• Have Questions Ready – Write down any questions about your system, maintenance tips, or energy-saving strategies to make the most of your service visit.
• Verify Access to Thermostat and Controls – Make sure the technician can easily reach your thermostat and any smart home controls, so they can test performance and make adjustments if needed.

Preparing your home ahead of an AC service appointment can help the technician work efficiently and ensure a thorough check-up. Taking a few simple steps can make the visit smoother, reduce delays, and allow your system to receive a complete ac tune up

These steps help ensure your AC service appointment is thorough, efficient, and delivers the best results for comfort and system longevity.

Find Air Conditioning Services Near You

When your air conditioner stops running, don’t always assume the worst. Before you jump to the “repair or replace” conversation in your head, do a little investigating on your own. You might be surprised that the issue is something you can resolve yourself without having to look up AC companies that offer AC service near me or AC repair near me. But don’t wait too long before calling a Carrier AC company for air conditioner repair service. Even a minor problem can lead to emergency HVAC repair service if it’s not addressed - and replacing HVAC system costs or installation costs can be easily avoided by regular maintenance. Your local Carrier AC company can perform the air conditioning services needed to get you up and running again. More importantly, the longer you wait to find AC repair nearby, the longer it will be before you can enjoy the cool comfort of your home. You may also want to check out our mini split AC repair and troubleshooting guide.

Why Choose A Local Carrier Dealer For Air Conditioning Service