Your central air conditioner works hard. From late May through September, it may run for eight to twelve hours a day — or more during heat waves. Without regular servicing, small issues compound into bigger ones, efficiency drops, energy bills climb, and the system's overall lifespan shortens.

Here is what happens when maintenance is skipped:

• Dust and debris accumulate on coils and filters, forcing the system to work harder to move the same amount of air.
• Refrigerant levels drop undetected, causing the system to underperform and overwork the compressor.
• Electrical connections loosen over time, creating safety risks and erratic operation.
• Drainage lines become clogged, leading to water damage and mould growth inside your home.
• Minor issues that would cost $100 to fix become major repairs costing $500 or more — or require full system replacement.

Annual maintenance is not just about peace of mind — it is about protecting a significant investment. A well-maintained central air conditioner lasts 15 to 20 years. A neglected one may fail in 8 to 10.

Our maintenance visits are thorough, not a quick look-and-go. Every central air conditioner tune-up performed by our certified technicians includes a complete inspection and service of your system from top to bottom.

Outdoor Condenser Unit

• Clean condenser coils to remove dirt, grass, and debris buildup.
• Inspect and straighten condenser fins.
• Check refrigerant levels and inspect for leaks.
• Test the capacitor and contactor for wear.
• Inspect the fan motor and blade for damage or wobble.
• Clear vegetation and obstructions around the unit.

Indoor Evaporator and Air Handler

• Inspect and clean evaporator coils.
• Check and clear the condensate drain line to prevent water backup.
• Inspect the blower motor and belt (if applicable).
• Check the air filter and replace or advise on replacement schedule.
• Test the thermostat for accurate calibration.

Electrical and Safety Checks

• Inspect all electrical connections and tighten where necessary.
• Test the starting components for proper operation.
• Measure voltage and amperage on all motors.
• Run a full system cycle test to confirm smooth operation.

System Performance Report

At the end of every visit, our technician provides you with a written summary of your system's condition, any concerns identified, and recommendations for keeping it in top shape. No surprise upsells — just an honest assessment.

You can book a one-time AC tune-up with us at any time, and we encourage every homeowner to do so at minimum once a year. However, enrolling in our annual maintenance plan comes with meaningful advantages:

• Priority scheduling — plan members are booked ahead of the general queue, ensuring you get your tune-up before the summer rush.
• Discounted service rates — plan members receive preferred pricing on any repairs needed beyond the tune-up.
• Annual reminder notifications — we reach out to schedule your service so you never have to remember to book it.
• Consistent technician history — our team builds a service record for your system, making it easier to spot patterns and catch issues early.
• Extended equipment life — systems on regular maintenance schedules consistently outperform and outlast those that are serviced sporadically.

Our maintenance plans are available individually for your central AC or bundled together with furnace maintenance for whole-home coverage all year round.

The ideal time to schedule your central AC maintenance is in the spring — typically March through May — before the cooling season begins. This ensures your system is fully inspected and ready before the first hot stretch of the year.

That said, our technicians service air conditioners year-round. If you missed your spring tune-up or recently purchased a home and do not know the last service date, do not wait until there is a problem. Call us today and we will get you on the schedule.

Pro tip: The spring season books up fast across Toronto and the GTA. Enrolling in a maintenance plan ensures your spot is secured well before the rush.

Homeowners sometimes put off maintenance to save money in the short term. However, the numbers tell a different story:

• A standard AC tune-up costs a fraction of what even a minor repair costs. Replacing a capacitor or contractor — two of the most common failure points — typically runs $150 to $350 per repair.
• A refrigerant recharge, which is often needed when a slow leak goes undetected, can cost $200 to $600 depending on the amount needed.
• Compressor failure — often caused by running a system low on refrigerant — is one of the most expensive AC repairs, frequently costing $1,000 or more.
• A full system replacement, which becomes necessary years earlier than expected without maintenance, runs $3,500 to $8,500 installed.

Skipping your annual tune-up is never actually the cheaper option.

An air conditioner that has not been serviced runs less efficiently than one that is well maintained. Dirty coils, clogged filters, and low refrigerant all force the system to work harder to produce the same cooling output — which means it runs longer, draws more power, and costs you more every month on your hydro bill.

Industry studies consistently show that a properly maintained central air conditioner operates 15 to 25 percent more efficiently than one that is neglected. For an average Ontario home, that translates to real dollars saved each summer. Over the lifetime of your system, the cumulative savings can easily exceed the total cost of your maintenance visits.

Many central air conditioner manufacturers, including Lennox, Daikin, American Standard, and Bosch, require documented annual maintenance as a condition of their warranty. If your system develops a fault and you cannot demonstrate that it was properly maintained, your warranty claim may be denied.

Every maintenance visit completed by Constant Home Comfort is documented. Our team keeps records of your service history, which can be referenced if you ever need to make a warranty claim on your equipment.

Our maintenance plan is ideal for:

• Homeowners with a central air conditioner that is two or more years old.
• Anyone who has purchased a new AC system and wants to protect their investment from day one.
• Homeowners who recently purchased a property and do not have records of the system's last service.
• Anyone whose AC has not been serviced in the past 12 months.
• Homeowners are looking to maximize efficiency and reduce monthly energy costs.
• Those who want priority access to technicians during peak summer months.

Ontario homeowners have trusted Constant Home Comfort for heating, cooling, and home comfort services for years. When it comes to maintenance, here is what sets us apart:

• Certified, experienced technicians trained to service all major AC brands including Lennox, American Standard, Daikin, Bosch, and more.
• Thorough, documented tune-ups — not just a filter check and a handshake.
• 24/7 availability for emergency repairs if something unexpected comes up.
• Honest assessments with no pressure upsells.
• Service across Toronto, GTA, Hamilton, Ottawa, Barrie, Waterloo, London, Burlington, and all of Ontario.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

How often should I have my central air conditioner serviced?

Once a year is the standard recommendation, ideally in the spring before the cooling season begins. If your system is older or you have had recurring issues, twice-yearly service can be beneficial.

What happens if I skip my annual AC maintenance?

Without annual maintenance, efficiency drops, energy bills rise, and the risk of unexpected breakdowns increases significantly. Minor issues that are easy to catch during a tune-up can develop into costly repairs or premature system failure if left undetected.

Does my AC warranty require annual maintenance?

Many manufacturers do require documented annual maintenance to keep your warranty valid. This is one more reason to keep your service records current. Constant Home Comfort provides written documentation for every maintenance visit we perform.

Can you service any brand of central air conditioner?

Yes. Our technicians are trained to service all major central AC brands, including Lennox, American Standard, Daikin, Bosch, Carrier, Trane, and others. You do not need to have purchased your system through us to book a maintenance visit.

What is the difference between a maintenance plan and a protection plan?

A maintenance plan covers scheduled annual tune-ups — the preventive care your system needs each year. A protection plan (also called a warranty extension or service agreement) covers the cost of repairs if something breaks down. Both can work together to give you comprehensive coverage for your equipment.

How do I book an AC maintenance visit with Constant Home Comfort?

Simply call us at 1 (888) 675-5907 or use the booking form on our website. Our team will find a time that works for you and confirm your appointment. If you are enrolling in an annual plan, we will set you up with automatic annual reminders so you never have to remember to call.

Do not wait for a breakdown to discover your air conditioner needed attention. A small investment in preventive maintenance today protects your comfort, your system, and your wallet all summer long.

Constant Home Comfort serves homeowners across Ontario with professional, dependable AC maintenance you can count on. Call us today at 1 (888) 675-5907 or book online. Our team is ready to schedule your tune-up and get your system performing at its best before the heat arrives.