Installing an air conditioner system is a pretty significant investment. The last thing you want is that investment to go to waste due to improper care. Neglecting your AC system can lead to several problems that you wouldn’t want to deal with. Let us look at why you should regularly maintain your air conditioning unit.
What does regular maintenance entail?
If you are looking for a professional to help with HVAC system maintenance services, you must know what exactly they will be doing. Most of the time, a technician would focus on the following:
Check refrigerant levels
Your ac contractor will check the refrigerant levels in your heating and cooling system. You wouldn’t want certain parts needing replacement just because there’s no more refrigerant in your unit!
Check compressor for damage/leaks
A trained and qualified air conditioning technician will inspect the compressor for any damage or leaks. If these are found, the technician will know how to resolve the issue. It’s always best to catch these things early on in order to prevent further damage that can be more costly.
Make sure electrical connections are secure
The air conditioner is a sensitive piece of machinery that can be damaged easily with faulty wiring. The technician checks all wires attached to your unit so that you can avoid any potential fire hazards.
Oil moving parts
Though most newer AC models don’t need to be oiled, some older models do require to be oiled periodically.
Check for duct leaks
Duct leaks can reduce your unit’s efficiency by up to 30%. And don’t think that your ducts will only leak in the hot months. Any time of the year, you can experience a drop in performance due to this problem. A technician can catch and even prevent this from occurring.
Why is air conditioner maintenance necessary?
Proper care and maintenance for your air conditioner system results in the following benefits:
Prolongs the life of your air conditioner
Maintaining your air conditioner ensures you get more years of service from it. According to experts, your ac will lose about 5% efficiency for every year you neglect it. This means it will take more effort – and money – to achieve the same results. Furthermore, it is likely to run into redundancy sooner than you expected.
Reduces energy bills
A well-maintained air conditioner unit consumes less energy, translating to cost savings for you. In fact, proper air conditioner tune-up can cut your cooling costs by up to 30%. As such, you won’t have to worry about an increasing monthly electricity bill.
Keeps your system running at optimum performance
When you have your AC system checked and serviced regularly, you guarantee that it is running at its best performance. This means lesser repairs needed in the future and a more comfortable environment for you and your family.
Prevents costly repairs
Regular maintenance is the easiest way to avoid shelling out money for expensive repairs later on. Getting a trained and qualified technician to inspect your system and iron out any issues prevents individual components from failing.
It saves you warranty costs
If you have your air conditioner system serviced and maintained by a professional, it can be documented. This will come in handy when the time comes to activate your warranty. Failure to have a record of regular maintenance will likely mean that your warranty is not valid.
What are the symptoms of a neglected air conditioner system?
If your unit is not properly maintained, it will give off certain symptoms. Here are a few of them:
Unusual noises
Your air conditioner should be fairly quiet while in operation. If you hear unusual fan sounds or loud rattling, something is most likely wrong with either the compressor or the fan, and you should call a technician as soon as possible.
Warm air coming out of vents
If your air conditioner is not cooling the room as it should, there’s a good chance that it needs some TLC. You might also notice ice on the evaporator coil or water dripping from the unit – both are signs that you need to call for maintenance right away.
Inadequate cooling
Poor air quality is another symptom of a neglected air conditioner unit. If you do not feel the cold air blowing out of your vents, it is time to call an expert. Your unit might have a refrigerant leak or a faulty compressor. Either way, work needs to be done!
Frequent repairs
If something breaks on your air conditioner unit every other month, it’s a clear sign that it’s not getting the proper maintenance that it needs. It might also be a sign that you might need a replacement. Air conditioners that are not well-maintained tend to require more frequent repairs. This can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s best to avoid this scenario.
Refrigerant leakage
Refrigerant leakage is one of the most severe problems in air conditioners. This gas is essential for cooling, and if it leaks, your unit will not function correctly. You might notice a decrease in energy efficiency or an increase in utility bills – both are signs that you need to get your HVAC system checked out.
How often do you need to have your air conditioning system checked and serviced?
The frequency of maintenance will depend on how frequently the unit runs, its age, and the environment it’s installed in. Experts suggest that homeowners should get their air conditioners inspected at least once every year if they use it sparingly, every six months if it’s used frequently, or every three months if it’s in a harsh environment. Your technician should be able to provide you with this type of advice after performing a comprehensive inspection of your unit.
Bottom Line
Proper air conditioning maintenance is essential for ensuring that your Air Conditioning system runs at optimum performance, saves you money on energy costs, improves air quality and prevents costly repairs in the future. If you’re not sure how to go about maintaining your unit, be sure to contact us at Desert Air Conditioning Inc! We have trained and qualified contractors who will be able to help you with all your HVAC needs!