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Why February is the most critical month for your AC. Learn why smart Denver homeowners schedule AC maintenance now to avoid summer breakdowns and save money.
It's 25 degrees outside. Snow covers your lawn. Your air conditioner hasn't run since October. And we're telling you that right now—mid-February—is the single most important time to think about your AC.
Sounds crazy, right?
Here's the thing most Denver homeowners don't realize: The decisions you make in February directly determine whether you'll be comfortable in July, or sweating through a 95-degree heatwave while waiting three days for an emergency repair appointment.
At MoJo Home Services, we've been serving Denver Metro homeowners for 16+ years (formerly Technic Air Mechanical). Every single summer, we get desperate calls from homeowners whose AC fails during the first heat wave. And almost every time, we trace the problem back to something that could have been prevented with February maintenance.
This isn't a sales pitch. This is insider knowledge from technicians who've seen this pattern repeat for nearly two decades. Let's talk about why February matters so much—and what you should do about it.
Why February? The Three Converging Factors
Factor 1: The HVAC Industry's Perfect Storm is Coming
Here's what happens every year without fail:
Late March through April: Denver sees its first 70-75 degree days. Homeowners turn on their AC for the first time. Half of them discover problems. Call volume at HVAC companies triples overnight.
May: Temperatures hit 80s. Everyone who postponed spring maintenance now desperately needs it. Appointment wait times stretch to 7-10 days.
June-July: First serious heat wave (95+). Systems that barely limped through May finally give up completely. HVAC companies are slammed with emergency calls. Wait times for non-emergency service: 2-3 weeks. Emergency repairs: $500-$1,200 instead of $150-$300 for preventive fixes.
The February advantage: Right now, HVAC companies have capacity. Technicians aren't rushed. Appointments are available within 24-48 hours. Service prices are standard rates, not premium emergency fees.
Schedule preventive AC maintenance now, and you're done before the rush even starts.
Factor 2: Denver's Unique Climate Creates Hidden AC Damage
Denver isn't Phoenix. We don't run AC 8 months a year. And that creates specific problems:
5+ months of dormancy: Your AC sits idle from October through March. During this time:
Seals dry out and crack
Lubricants thicken and congeal
Moisture accumulates and freezes, then thaws repeatedly
Small animals nest in outdoor units
Dust and debris settle into components
Extreme temperature swings: Denver can hit -5°F in January and 75°F in March. These temperature extremes stress metal components, cause expansion/contraction cycles, and accelerate wear.
High altitude effects (5,280 feet): Thinner air affects refrigerant pressure, motor performance, and cooling efficiency. Systems calibrated at sea level struggle at elevation.
Dry climate + forced air: Denver's humidity often drops to 10-15% in winter. This dries out rubber seals, gaskets, and O-rings faster than in humid climates.
All of these issues develop while your AC sits dormant. A professional diagnostic inspection in February catches these problems before they cause mid-summer failures.
Factor 3: The Financial Math Only Works in February
Let's run the numbers:
February preventive maintenance: $120-$180
Clean coils
Check refrigerant
Test capacitor
Inspect electrical
Verify operation
July emergency repair after preventable failure: $500-$1,200+
Emergency service fee: +$150-$250
After-hours/weekend premium: +$100-$200
Failed capacitor (could've been caught): $300-$450
Compressor damage from dirty coils (preventable): $1,500-$2,500
Lost food from outage: $100-$300
Hotel costs if home is uninhabitable: $150-$300/night
The February service literally pays for itself the moment it prevents one emergency call. And statistically, preventive maintenance prevents 3-4 service calls over the AC's lifespan.
What Actually Happens During February AC Maintenance?
This isn't just "look at your AC and leave." Here's what our technicians do during a comprehensive pre-season AC maintenance visit:
Outdoor Unit (Condenser) Inspection
Remove debris: Leaves, cottonwood seeds, dirt, and yes—sometimes critter nests
Clean condenser coils: Dirty coils reduce efficiency by 20-30%. We deep clean using specialized coil cleaners
Straighten bent fins: Even small dings restrict airflow. We use fin combs to restore proper spacing
Check refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant means reduced cooling and possible compressor damage
Test capacitor: This $20 part fails more than any other component. Testing takes 2 minutes and prevents $400 emergency calls
Inspect fan motor: Check for wear, lubricate bearings, test operation
Verify electrical connections: Tighten loose connections that cause arcing and failures
Indoor Unit (Evaporator) Service
Inspect evaporator coils: Check for dirt buildup, corrosion, or damage
Clear condensate drain: Clogged drains cause water damage and system shutdowns. We flush with algaecide
Test blower motor: Verify proper speed, check for worn bearings
Inspect ductwork: Look for disconnections, damage, or excessive leakage
Replace or clean filters: Start the season with fresh filtration
System Performance Testing
Measure airflow: Verify CFM (cubic feet per minute) meets specifications
Test temperature split: Return air vs supply air temperature difference should be 14-20°F
Check refrigerant pressures: High and low side pressures must meet manufacturer specs
Verify thermostat calibration: Ensure accurate temperature sensing and response
Test safety controls: Pressure switches, float switches, limit switches
The Hidden Value: What We Find
In a typical February, here's what we discover during pre-season maintenance:
40% of units: Need coil cleaning (efficiency loss: 15-25%)
25% of units: Have capacitors showing early failure signs (prevents mid-summer breakdown)
15% of units: Show refrigerant leaks (slow leaks go unnoticed until system fails)
30% of units: Have clogged or partially clogged condensate drains
10% of units: Have electrical connection issues that will cause failures
Every one of these issues is fixable for $100-$400 in February. Left until summer? You're looking at $500-$2,500 emergency repairs.
The Denver-Specific AC Problems We See Every February
Problem 1: Cottonwood Seed Catastrophe
Denver's cottonwood trees release seeds April through June. These fluffy white seeds are AC unit killers. They clog condenser coils so thoroughly that airflow can drop 60-70%.
February maintenance clears last year's accumulation and prepares the unit. We also recommend scheduling a mid-May cleaning during peak cottonwood season.
Problem 2: Altitude-Induced Refrigerant Issues
At 5,280 feet, refrigerant behaves differently than at sea level. Pressure-temperature relationships change. Systems need altitude-specific charging.
Many AC units in Denver are incorrectly charged because technicians don't account for altitude. February is when we verify and adjust refrigerant levels for optimal Denver performance.
Problem 3: Dry Air Seal Damage
Denver's winter humidity often drops to 10-15%. This extreme dryness dries out rubber seals, O-rings, and gaskets. When you first turn on your AC, these dried seals can crack or fail, causing refrigerant leaks.
February inspection catches deteriorating seals before they fail. Replacing a $15 seal now prevents a $600 refrigerant leak repair later.
Problem 4: Ice Damage from Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Denver winter temps swing wildly. Your outdoor unit experiences repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Water gets into small cracks, freezes, expands, and widens the cracks.
By February, we can assess winter damage and make repairs before cooling season. Waiting until May means discovering cracked components when you desperately need your AC working.
Real Stories from Denver Homeowners Who Learned the Hard Way
The Lakewood Meltdown (Summer 2025)
"I meant to schedule maintenance in spring, but life got busy. First 90-degree day in June, our AC wouldn't turn on. Called around—every HVAC company had 5-7 day waits. We suffered through a week of heat with two kids under 5. Finally got a tech out. Bad capacitor. $450 emergency repair. The tech said, 'This would've been $180 if you'd done spring maintenance.' Lesson learned. I'm scheduled for February this year." – Sarah M., Lakewood
The Highlands Ranch Disaster (Summer 2024)
"Skipped maintenance for 3 years. 'It's working fine,' I thought. July 2024 heatwave, system started making horrible noises. Shut it down. Got quoted $2,200 for compressor replacement. Tech showed me the condenser coils—completely clogged with cottonwood seeds and dirt. He said years of dirty coils overworked the compressor until it failed. Now I do February maintenance religiously. Cheaper than a new compressor." – Mike D., Highlands Ranch
The Aurora Emergency (Summer 2025)
"I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I'd never had our AC serviced in 8 years of homeownership. It worked every year, so why bother? Wrong. August 2025, refrigerant leak caused the whole system to ice up. Had to get emergency service on a Saturday. $1,800 to fix the leak, recharge refrigerant, and repair damage from the ice. The tech found a tiny crack that developed slowly over years. Said if I'd done annual maintenance, they'd have caught it when it was a $200 repair. Expensive lesson." – James K., Aurora
What If You've Never Done AC Maintenance?
First: Don't panic. But also, don't wait.
If your AC is 3+ years old and has never been professionally serviced, you're essentially gambling. Here's what likely needs attention:
Years 3-5 without maintenance: Coils are probably dirty, reducing efficiency 15-20%. Capacitor may be weakening. Drain line likely has algae buildup.
Years 5-8 without maintenance: Coils are severely restricted. Capacitor is living on borrowed time. Refrigerant may be low from slow leaks. Blower motor bearings are wearing.
Years 8+ without maintenance: You're one hot day away from failure. Multiple components are past their service life. Compressor is stressed from dirty coils and low airflow.
The good news? February maintenance can still save you. We'll assess everything, prioritize repairs, and get your system ready for summer. You might need more than just a tune-up—but that's better than discovering it in July.
Schedule a comprehensive diagnostic if your system hasn't been serviced in years. We'll tell you exactly what it needs.
The February Action Plan: What to Do Right Now
Step 1: Schedule Your Maintenance (This Week)
Don't wait. February appointments fill quickly as word spreads. Book your AC maintenance now while we have availability.
Call (720) 807-4050 or request a free estimate online.
Step 2: Do a Quick Visual Check (Today)
While you're waiting for your appointment, check these things yourself:
Walk outside and look at your AC unit. Is it covered in leaves, dirt, or debris? Clear obvious obstructions.
Check your indoor return vents. Replace filters if they're dirty (they probably are).
Look for standing water near your indoor unit. Indicates drain line issues.
Verify your thermostat turns on when you switch to "cool" mode (you don't need to run it, just verify the display activates).
Step 3: Consider a Maintenance Plan
If you're tired of remembering to schedule maintenance, our preventive maintenance plans handle it automatically:
Annual AC tune-up (spring)
Annual furnace tune-up (fall)
Priority scheduling
15% discount on repairs
No overtime fees
Plans start at $199/year. Most members save money by avoiding just one emergency call.
Step 4: Plan for Replacement (If Needed)
If your AC is 12+ years old, think strategically. Even if maintenance gets it through this summer, how many more summers do you realistically have?
February is also the best time to plan AC replacement:
Better equipment pricing (manufacturers offer winter rebates)
More installation availability (not competing with emergency repairs)
Time to research and compare options (not making panic decisions in July heat)
Qualify for tax credits and utility rebates
If your technician recommends replacement during your February maintenance visit, get a detailed AC installation estimate. You'll have months to plan instead of days to panic.
Common February AC Maintenance Questions
Q: Isn't it too cold to test my AC in February?
A: We can test AC systems in any outdoor temperature above 60°F. On warmer February days (Denver often hits 60-70 in Feb), we can run full operational tests. On cold days, we perform complete inspections and diagnostic tests without actually running the cooling cycle. We verify everything is ready, then schedule a quick follow-up test when temps warm up if needed.
Q: What if my AC is brand new?
A: New systems still need annual maintenance. In fact, most manufacturer warranties REQUIRE annual professional maintenance. Skipping maintenance can void your warranty. Plus, new systems can have installation issues that only show up when thoroughly inspected.
Q: Can I just do it myself?
A: You can handle basic tasks: changing filters, clearing debris from outdoor unit, ensuring vents aren't blocked. But refrigerant work requires EPA certification (it's federal law). Electrical work is dangerous. Proper testing needs specialized gauges and tools. DIY maintenance is fine for basics, but professional service catches problems you'll miss.
Q: How long does maintenance take?
A: Comprehensive pre-season AC maintenance takes 60-90 minutes. If we find issues requiring repairs, additional time depends on what's needed. We'll discuss options and get your approval before extending the appointment.
Q: What if you find expensive problems?
A: We'll never pressure you. We'll explain what's wrong, why it matters, what happens if you wait, and give you options with honest pricing. Some repairs are urgent (refrigerant leaks, electrical hazards). Others can wait. We'll help you prioritize based on budget and risk tolerance.
The Bottom Line: February is Your Window
You have about 4-6 weeks before the spring rush hits. During this window, you have:
Appointment availability (scheduling within days, not weeks)
Unhurried service (technicians have time for thorough work)
Standard pricing (no emergency premiums)
Time to plan repairs (not panicking during a heat wave)
Peace of mind (knowing you're ready for summer)
After mid-March, this window closes. Appointments get scarce. Technicians get rushed. You're gambling that your AC will make it through summer without the preventive care that prevents 85% of breakdowns.
At MoJo Your Homes, we've been serving Denver Metro homeowners for 16+ years. We've seen this pattern hundreds of times. The homeowners who schedule February maintenance sail through summer comfortably. The homeowners who skip it end up on our emergency call list in July.
Which group do you want to be in?
Ready to prepare your AC for Denver's 2026 summer?
Or call us at (720) 807-4050 to book your February pre-season service.
Serving Denver, Wheat Ridge, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, and all Denver Metro communities from our Wheat Ridge location at 4000 Newman Street.
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