The Importance of Air Conditioner Maintenance
Regular air conditioning maintenance in the spring is crucial for efficient performance and preventing unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs during the hot summer months. This guide will discuss air conditioner maintenance, including its advantages, what it entails, and how often it’s needed.
Benefits of AC Maintenance
Air conditioning maintenance delivers substantial energy efficiency improvements. Scheduling an annual AC tune-up in the spring ensures the cooling system operates at peak performance throughout the demanding summer months. Properly maintained cooling systems will be more energy efficient, consuming less electricity compared to neglected units, which saves money on energy bills.
Beyond energy savings, preventative AC maintenance also helps extend the air conditioner's operational lifespan. The average lifespan of AC units is around 10-20 years, but with regular maintenance, an air conditioner can last several years longer than neglected units. This longevity advantage means air conditioner replacement and the related costs won’t be needed as often.
Regular AC maintenance also helps prevent issues and allows any existing issues to be caught and addressed, reducing the risk of future problems and repairs. This helps households avoid breakdowns and discomfort in the summer heat and helps homeowners save money on air conditioner repair costs.
What Does AC Maintenance Entail?
During a comprehensive AC maintenance visit, HVAC technicians perform multiple critical tasks to keep the air conditioning system energy efficient, prevent problems and breakdowns, and extend the system's lifespan. They start with a thorough inspection of components. This initial assessment can reveal potential issues, so they can be addressed before they become more severe and expensive problems.
Cleaning important components is another crucial part of professional AC servicing. Technicians clean the evaporator and condenser coils and blower components to remove dirt buildup that restricts airflow and reduces cooling efficiency. Additionally, they'll check the thermostat for accuracy and calibrate it if necessary. Checking the refrigerant level is another important task that ensures the system can cool the home efficiently and effectively, and can reveal a refrigerant leak if levels are too low. They also inspect and tighten electrical connections for safety and system longevity, and lubricate moving parts for efficiency.
How Often Is AC Maintenance Needed?
Professional AC maintenance should be performed once annually, ideally in early spring before temperatures soar. This timing ensures the cooling system operates at peak efficiency and is reliable when the household needs it most, and when it’s used most. HVAC technicians also recommend spring servicing because it allows them to detect and resolve potential issues before they develop into costly breakdowns during the year's hottest months.
However, homeowners shouldn't rely solely on annual professional maintenance visits. Air filter replacement is needed more often between professional visits for proper maintenance. Unlike professional AC maintenance, air filters require more frequent attention, typically at least every three months. Checking AC filters monthly and replacing them when they are visibly dirty is a great habit, as homes with pets or high dust levels may need more frequent filter changes to maintain proper airflow. Clean filters improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency, lower energy bills, extend the AC unit’s lifespan, and help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the cooling season.
About B&G Excavation and Plumbing LLC
B&G Excavation and Plumbing LLC is a family-owned and operated company serving the Damascus community for more than 35 years. They provide 24/7 emergency service, quick service, and the lowest prices in the metro area. Call them for air conditioner maintenance and repair services in Damascus, OR.
