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You should plan to change your AC unit's filter every one to three months, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. You should also clean the coils at least once per year, but if you have pets or someone in your household has allergies, you might need to clean them more often. Fortunately, many pros will clean the coils and change the filter for you during an inspection, which you should schedule once or twice per year.

Deciding whether to replace just the AC coil or the entire system depends on the age of your unit and the overall cost. Replacing a coil is less expensive than a full system replacement, but it can still be a pricey repair. If your HVAC system is relatively new and still under warranty, or if the replacement cost is significantly lower than a new system, replacing the coil can be a worthwhile investment that restores efficiency and extends the unit's life. However, for older systems (nearing the end of their 10-15 year lifespan) or those with extensive damage, it is often more cost-effective to replace the entire AC unit. Mismatched coils in an older system can lead to inefficiency and future breakdowns, so a full replacement ensures optimal performance and avoids further costly repairs.

When your AC contactor goes bad, you might hear chattering or buzzing noises coming from your air conditioner. You may also notice that your AC is running but isn’t cooling your home. In some cases, your air conditioner might not even turn on at all. There could also be physical damage, discoloration, or corrosion around the contactor.

An AC drip pan may stop draining if there’s a clog where the drip pan connects to the drain line. Clogs can form from a lack of cleaning or from rust or corrosion buildup. Cleaning the drip pan at least once per month lowers the chances of debris clogging the drain line.