Scheduling regular maintenance for your home air conditioner is important for several key reasons:
1. Improves Efficiency
Routine maintenance ensures your AC system runs at peak efficiency by cleaning coils, replacing air filters, and checking refrigerant levels. A well-maintained system cools your home more effectively, which reduces energy consumption and lowers your utility bills. Over time, this can save you a significant amount on energy costs.
2. Prevents Major Breakdowns
During maintenance, a professional technician can identify small issues before they become major problems. For example, they might find a worn-out part or a refrigerant leak that, if left unchecked, could lead to costly repairs or a complete system breakdown. Preventative care keeps your AC running smoothly and minimizes the risk of unexpected failures, especially during peak summer months.
3. Extends the Lifespan of Your System
Regular maintenance helps reduce wear and tear on key components of your AC, prolonging the life of the unit. A well-maintained air conditioner can last years longer than one that’s neglected, saving you the cost of premature replacement.
4. Maintains Air Quality
A clean air conditioning system helps maintain good indoor air quality by preventing the buildup of dust, mold, and allergens in your ducts and filters. This is especially important for those with respiratory conditions, as a dirty system can circulate pollutants that aggravate health issues.
5. Preserves Warranty Coverage
Many AC manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep the warranty valid. If your system breaks down and you haven’t followed the recommended maintenance schedule, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for repairs that would otherwise be covered under warranty.
Overall, regular maintenance keeps your AC efficient, reliable, and long-lasting, while ensuring your home stays comfortable year-round.
Regularly Clean or Replace Air Filters
Clogged or dirty filters restrict airflow, making your AC work harder and reducing its efficiency. By cleaning or replacing the filters every 1-3 months, you can prevent excess strain on the system and keep the air circulating freely.
Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance
Having your AC unit inspected and serviced by a professional once a year is essential. During the maintenance visit, the technician will clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and ensure all components are working efficiently. This prevents small issues from becoming costly repairs and helps maintain the system’s longevity.
Keep the Condenser Unit Clean
The outdoor condenser unit can accumulate dirt, leaves, and debris that block airflow. Make sure to regularly clear the area around the unit and clean the coils to help it function efficiently. Keeping the condenser unit in good shape reduces wear and tear and ensures optimal performance.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable or smart thermostat allows you to set your AC to run only when necessary, reducing unnecessary strain on the system. Setting your thermostat to higher temperatures when you’re not home can significantly reduce wear on the unit and extend its life.
Seal and Insulate Your Home
Properly sealing doors, windows, and any gaps in your home prevents cool air from escaping and keeps the AC from overworking. Additionally, insulating your attic and walls ensures your home stays cool longer, reducing the demand on the air conditioner.
Give Your AC a Break
On cooler days, use fans or natural ventilation instead of constantly relying on your AC. This reduces the system’s workload and extends its lifespan.
By following these steps, you can ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently, reduces the need for repairs, and lasts longer.
If you’ve bent the coil fins on your AC unit, it’s important to address the issue, as bent fins can restrict airflow, reducing the system’s efficiency and causing the unit to work harder than necessary.
If a large portion of the coil fins is bent or you’re concerned about causing more damage, it’s best to call us and let one of our certified AC technicians come take a look. We have the tools and expertise to straighten the fins properly without damaging the system. Additionally, our technician can inspect your unit for any other damage that may have occurred as a result of the bent fins.
When our AC technician performs maintenance on your home air conditioning system, we will typically follow a comprehensive checklist to ensure every component is functioning optimally. Here’s what you can expect when you hire us for your AC maintenance and cleaning
Inspect and Replace Air Filters
Our AC technician will check the air filter and either clean or replace it, depending on its condition. A clean filter is crucial for proper airflow and energy efficiency.
Clean the Condenser and Evaporator Coils
Dust, dirt, and debris accumulate on both the indoor (evaporator) and outdoor (condenser) coils over time. Our AC technician will clean these coils to improve heat exchange efficiency, which helps the system cool your home more effectively and reduces strain on the unit. DO NOT TRY AND DO THIS YOURSELF
Check Refrigerant (Freon) Levels
Our AC technician will measure refrigerant levels to ensure they are within the manufacturer’s specifications. If levels are too low, they will look for leaks and recharge the refrigerant if necessary. Correct refrigerant levels are crucial for the system’s cooling performance.
Inspect Electrical Connections and Components
All electrical connections, wiring, and components such as capacitors and contactors will be inspected for wear, corrosion, or damage. Loose or damaged connections can cause the AC system to fail, so our technician will tighten or replace them if needed.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Moving parts like the blower motor, fan motor, and other mechanical components require proper lubrication to minimize friction and prevent wear. Our AC technician will lubricate these parts to ensure smooth operation.
Check and Clear the Condensate Drain
The condensate drain is responsible for removing the moisture collected from the air. Our AC technician will check for any blockages that could cause water to back up into your system or your home. If necessary, they will clear the drain line to prevent leaks and water damage.
Inspect Thermostat Settings and Calibrate if Necessary
Our AC technician will test the thermostat to ensure it’s working correctly and communicating with the air conditioning system properly. They will calibrate the thermostat if necessary to ensure accurate temperature control.
Test the AC System’s Performance
After completing all necessary tasks, our AC technician will run the system to test its overall performance, including checking airflow, temperature output, and system efficiency. They will look for any signs of trouble and confirm that the unit is operating as expected.
Provide Recommendations
If our AC technician identifies any parts that are showing signs of wear, damage, or inefficiency, they will provide recommendations for repair or replacement. They may also offer advice on how to improve system performance or enhance indoor air quality.
Hiring our professional AC technicians to perform your AC maintenance and cleaning ensures that the job is done thoroughly, safely, and effectively. Our AC technicians are trained to spot potential problems early, such as refrigerant leaks, worn-out parts, or electrical issues, that can lead to costly repairs or even system breakdowns if left unaddressed. By allowing professionals to handle your maintenance, you ensure that every component, from the air filters to the coils and condensate drains, is properly cleaned and serviced, optimizing the performance and efficiency of your system.
Additionally, our professional technicians have the tools and expertise to clean hard-to-reach areas and handle sensitive components like coil fins and refrigerant levels without causing damage. Regular AC maintenance performed by our AC technicians also helps extend the lifespan of your unit and improves indoor air quality by eliminating contaminants like dust, mold, and allergens from your ductwork and system. Trusting the experienced team at ensures your AC runs efficiently, safely, and reliably, giving you peace of mind and saving you money on energy bills and future repairs.
