How Often Should You Get Your Air Conditioner Serviced

Your air conditioner plays a major role in keeping your house comfortable, especially during those hot and sultry summer months. Needless to say, just like any other appliance, regular air conditioner maintenance is of equal importance, without which the cooling capabilities of the machine might take a hit. If you don’t want its efficiency to be impacted, schedule regular appointments with experienced technicians for servicing. 

In addition to the fact that many homeowners don’t realize how crucial it is to have AC cleaning and their AC systems serviced routinely, there seems to be some confusion about how often this should be done. Several variables affect the maintenance plan, but these guidelines should help keep your air conditioner running well. 

Filters: 

This is the cornerstone of AC maintenance, although it is often neglected. Filters may also contribute to poor indoor air quality, so cleaning or replacing them periodically is important. Moreover, it may obstruct airflow to the system, increasing the machine’s workload as it tries to cool the space. If the filters see frequent use, cleaning or replacing them once a month is recommended. Even once every two months is too often if you use the air conditioner regularly.

Coil: 

As the AC unit is used more often, the coils may get clogged, resulting in less effective cooling. The evaporator coil’s capacity to collect heat from the air diminishes when dirt and dust accumulate on it since it is an insulator. At least once a year, get your air conditioner’s coils cleaned by an experienced air conditioning technician. However, if your AC unit is regularly used for a significant portion of the year, you should repeat the process twice yearly. 

Drainage of condensate: 

The condensate drain gets rid of the moisture that builds up in the system when the AC is running. If this line becomes blocked, the effectiveness of your machine will decline. Humidity in the air and the potential for water damage are additional outcomes. 

Professional care: 

Most issues with air conditioners need the attention of educated and experienced AC technicians. Maintenance is impossible without in-depth familiarity with an AC system’s inner workings and components. It is also recommended to have the machine inspected for leaks and the refrigerant levels checked, both of which need the expertise of a trained technician. Therefore, you should occasionally contact an HVAC technician for maintenance.

The technician may clean the coils, check the coolant levels, and examine the belts, ducts, and electrical connections as part of the routine maintenance. 

If you notice these signs, you know it’s time to give a call to your AC repair technician:

• If your unit is noisier than usual, it may suggest clogging of the filters. As a basic measure, you can remove the dust with a vacuum cleaner, but if the noise persists or there’s a chattering or rumbling sound, it might be a mechanical problem. 
• If the AC unit takes longer than usual to cool a room, it may mean that the coolant level has fallen too low. 
• If your energy costs have risen recently, there is a significant possibility that the AC unit is not installed properly and should be checked. 

Summer and Winter Tune-Ups: Not A Good Idea!

During summer, AC usage is at its peak. If you wait till summer to get your AC serviced, you may swelter as you wait for the technician, who is mostly overworked during this season. If the air conditioning repair involves new parts, you may need to wait for days; thus, hiring a pro before summer knocks at your doorstep is much wiser. 

On the other hand, winter is also not a conducive time for AC repair or servicing; running the unit when the weather is cold can damage it. If the external temperature is lower than a certain point, the oil inside the unit thickens due to exposure to such cold, leading to inadequate oil circulation. This, in turn, can lead to malfunctions in the system. 

What Does an Annual AC Service Cover

1. Replacement of air filters
2. Cleaning and inspection of the indoor and outdoor coils
3. Inspection of the condensate pump
4. Checking if the thermostat is working properly
5. Cleaning the condensate pump to remove dirt and debris
6. Visual inspection of the whole HVAC system
7. Cleaning of dust, dirt, and debris from the system 

Why Not Get an HVAC Service Plan?

If you want to save money while keeping the HVAC unit in top working condition, an annual HVAC service plan is feasible. Especially if your warranty period is over, you should look for a cost-effective service plan; just make sure you read the fine print thoroughly. The contract should clearly mention whether it covers repairs and emergency calls and whether you must pay labor charges separately. 

Now that we’ve summed up the importance of getting your air conditioner serviced, you should do the needful before the minor issues escalate. Get a comfortable lifestyle for yourself and your family by keeping your AC running at its best.