How often should AC be serviced in real life?
For most homes, one professional AC service visit per year is the baseline. Spring is usually the best time because it gives a technician a chance to inspect, clean, and test the system before peak summer demand hits.
That said, once a year is not the right answer for every property. Some systems need service every six months, especially if they run almost nonstop, serve a larger home, cool a commercial space, or have a history of repairs. If your unit is older, exposed to dust, or already struggling to keep up, waiting a full year can be risky.