I am also one of those who sees no value in paying for an annual service. Change the filter regularly, keep the outside unit clean, and pour vinegar followed by hot water down the condensate pipe every couple of months. Listen for strange noises, etc.

I googled "Should you pay for annual air conditioner service". Almost every link was for a service company warning that a costly repair awaits anyone who does not pay them to come out once a year. Here is the one neutral opinion that I could find.

When to Service Your Home Air Conditioner | Home Matters | AHS

Avoid Absolute A/C , they don’t stand behind the products they sell!

Have used Chuck Ferrell for over 8 years they are the best!

Vinegar eats away the pipe cement over time. Use a gallon of plain hot water which you may add 2-3 drops of Dawn if you want once a month.

Sun Kool reliable, honest

HVAC Cleaning
 

DeSantis. Had them clean my HVAC. They do a great job and are very reasonable.

If you bought a new home, the company who installed it will service it. If it is a pre-owned home, you could ask the previous owner also.

All of the names listed for service are good Being new here I would suggest you contact one of them and start with a service call to check it out

Chuck's Main Guy just did the one year maintenance on our unit and gave it his blessing and showed me where the Capacitors are in case it breaks on the weekend. I can handle it I think. If I stop posting then you know I was wrong. Ordering them was simple on Amazon. Finding them when needed may be another issue.

Good luck. Anyone trying to replace their own HVAC capacitor needs to be very careful. Replacing a capacitor is not difficult, but it can be risky if you don't discharge it correctly. It is not typically a DIY project.

Sunshine

Chuck Farrell

Munn's does a great job.....