Is it necessary to have home AC maintenance service every year? This is a common question many homeowners ask when the warmer months approach. As the top AC maintenance techs, we are here to tell you that the answer to this question is a resounding “Yes!”.
Benefits of Annual Air Conditioner Maintenance
Annual service of your AC is something you never want to miss out on as a homeowner due to the many benefits it provides:
- Enhanced energy efficiency
- Prolonged lifespan of HVAC equipment
- Improved indoor air quality
- Consistent and reliable cooling
- Cost-effective prevention of major repairs
- Warranty compliance
- Environmental impact
All these benefits have a similar underlying theme, which is peace of mind for homeowners who will know that their HVAC system is reliable and will operate at optimal levels. This blog will discuss some of the telltale signs that your AC needs maintenance and provide insight into what points during the year this must be done.
Signs Your AC Needs Maintenance
As with everything mechanical, maintenance helps ensure that the equipment serves you well for many years to come. When it comes to the air conditioning unit, it isn’t always obvious that maintenance is needed. Learn about Air Pros AC Troubleshooting Tips and how to look out for some common AC issues before scheduling your annual service:
Irregular Cooling Patterns
If your AC isn’t performing consistently or producing cool air where you expect it, it may be time for a maintenance check. Irregular cooling patterns may be a result of dirty components like air filters, ducts, and vents. However, it may also signify a bigger issue like a refrigerant leak.
Unusual Sounds or Odors
Are you hearing odd sounds or picking up a weird odor when your AC is working? These are signs that it is time for a maintenance service. Unusual sounds and odors could be a sign of AC parts that need to be adjusted or cleaned.
Increased Energy Bills
If you notice a spike in your energy bills, it may be time for a maintenance check. Increased energy bills are a sign of decreased AC efficiency which is normally attributed to malfunctioning components, dirty air filters, or cracks in the ductwork.
Poor Air Quality
Another indicator that it is time for an AC annual service is poor air quality. If your home appears to be muggy, stuffy, dusty, or even smelly, your AC probably needs a bit of TLC. A little cleaning and adjusting of AC components will go a long way to improving the quality of air you breathe.
Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
Maintaining the air conditioning system at home is not a one-time task. It requires year-round commitment which will ensure optimal performance and longevity of the HVAC unit’s lifespan. Though this may seem overwhelming, we outline a seasonal maintenance schedule with the essential tasks that must be performed to keep your AC unit running smoothly.
Spring: Preparing for the Summer
As the weather warms up, it is time to get your AC ready to deliver that much-needed reprieve during the demanding summer months. The essential tasks of springtime AC maintenance include:
- Cleaning or replacing air filters: The HVAC system was hard at work keeping you warm during the winter months. It accumulated a lot of dust which must be cleared from the filters to ensure safe indoor air quality.
- Checking refrigerant levels: Insufficient refrigerant levels can compromise your AC’s ability to cool effectively. A professional AC maintenance tech will be able to check if this fluid is at the appropriate levels to perform reliably throughout the summer.
- Inspecting ductwork or seals: Leaks or damaged ducts can lead to energy wastage and reduced cooling efficiency. A thorough inspection by an AC tech ensures that the ductwork is in good, working condition.
Summer: Mid-Season Checkup
The AC works very hard throughout the summer to provide you with the comfort required to make it through the sizzling, summer days. Here’s what must be done mid-summer for your AC to ensure it continues to carry out its important work:
- Monitoring thermostat settings: Ensure that your thermostat is set to your desired comfort level. Accurately calibrating the thermostat will make a difference in how well your AC performs.
- Lubricating moving parts: Friction in moving parts can lead to increased wear and decreased lifespan. It will be important to lubricate any parts that have this friction to prevent the need for early replacement.
- Assessing overall performance: Evaluate your AC‘s general performance to ensure that the airflow and temperature consistency are at their best. Also, take the time to determine any unusual sounds or odors produced by the AC to ensure that repairs aren’t needed.
Fall: Post-Summer Inspection
Now that those scorching temperatures are dying down and the tree leaves are changing colors, it is important to check the AC for any signs of wear and tear. Here are the key tasks of fall AC maintenance:
- Cleaning condensing coils: This is important to remove accumulated dirt, debris, and dust which reduces HVAC efficiency.
- Verifying thermostat accuracy: Check the thermostat’s accuracy to avoid energy waste and ensure a comfortable indoor environment.
- Assessing the condition of the blower motor: This is an essential component that is responsible for circulating air throughout the home. It will be important to verify that it is in good condition after working tirelessly all summer long.
Winter: Preparing for the Cold Months
When you start to notice that the temperatures are dropping and the winter season is approaching, it will now be time to get the AC ready for another busy winter season of keeping your home warm and cozy. Prepare your AC system for the colder months with these tasks:
- Checking insulation: Well-insulated ducts will be crucial for conserving heat inside a house and maintaining energy efficiency.
- Inspecting and cleaning heat exchanger: The heat exchanger must be in the best condition to provide optimal levels of warmth without overheating.
- Testing the heating function: If applicable, the heating function will need to be tested to ensure that it is ready for use during the colder months
Don’t Skip Air Conditioning Annual Maintenance
Just because AC maintenance is essential, doesn’t mean you have to do it yourself. You should leave it to the pros at Air Pos.
Contact an Air Pros USA branch near you to schedule your annual service today.
