How often should HVAC be serviced?

Arrange a heating check before the main winter season and a cooling check before summer if the equipment is older, heavily used, or showing symptoms. A maintenance visit should be more than a filter reminder: it should cover electrical connections, safety controls, airflow, condensate, combustion or refrigerant checks as appropriate, and the condition of moving parts. Replace filters on the schedule the equipment and home require, which may be more often with pets, construction dust, or a restrictive filter. Keep outdoor equipment clear of leaves and snow without blocking required clearances. Service does not prevent every failure, but it can catch unsafe operation and small problems before a peak-season breakdown.