Frequently Asked Questions

For most homes in Charlottesville and Central Virginia, we recommend servicing your HVAC system **twice a year**—**once in the spring for air conditioning** and **once in the fall for heating**. These pre-season tune-ups help ensure safe operation, keep efficiency up, and reduce the chance of an inconvenient breakdown when temperatures spike or drop. You may want more frequent checkups if you have an **older system (10+ years)**, **heat pump that runs year-round**, **allergies or indoor air quality concerns**, **pets**, or if you’ve noticed issues like uneven temperatures, unusual noises, short cycling, higher-than-normal utility bills, or weak airflow. Regular maintenance typically includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils and burners, inspecting electrical components, verifying safe venting, and confirming proper airflow—plus catching small problems before they become expensive repairs. Between visits, a simple habit that makes a big difference is **changing your air filter regularly** (often every 1–3 months, depending on the filter type and household conditions) and keeping outdoor units clear of leaves and debris. If you’d like help choosing the right service schedule for your system and home, call **Mack Morris Heating & Air Conditioning at (434) 823-2665** and we’ll be glad to help.