Why Get AC Maintenance This Spring?
Air conditioner maintenance is key for protecting an air conditioner and helping prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Nobody wants their air conditioning system to fail during a sweltering summer heatwave, so having a maintenance check done in the spring ensures it works efficiently and is dependable during the hottest months. This guide will discuss air conditioning maintenance, including its advantages, what is done, and how often it’s needed.
Benefits of Routine Air Conditioner Maintenance
Regular air conditioning maintenance delivers significant cost savings and performance improvements. The AC system works tirelessly to cool the home, accumulating dust and strain that diminish its efficiency over time. Professional maintenance includes crucial tasks that improve energy efficiency, so the AC unit consumes less electricity to maintain comfortable temperatures. Lower energy consumption translates directly to reduced energy bills.
Another compelling reason for scheduling annual AC maintenance is extending the air conditioner's operational lifespan. Regular care helps prevent and identify issues before they escalate into major breakdowns. Without this preventive approach, minor problems often progress into costly repairs or even premature system replacement. Well-maintained air conditioners last longer and have a lower risk of problems occurring than neglected units, helping homeowners save on AC repair and replacement costs while ensuring reliable cooling.
What Does AC Maintenance Entail?
Professional air conditioning maintenance involves a comprehensive checklist of tasks that keep the cooling system running efficiently and help avoid and catch problems. During a typical AC maintenance visit, a technician performs a thorough inspection of system components. This initial assessment can reveal potential issues, allowing them to be addressed promptly.
The technician can also clean the condenser and evaporator coils, which collect dust and debris over time. Dirty coils force the system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and costs, and can also affect cooling performance. They'll also check the thermostat settings to ensure the thermostat is accurately communicating with the system and works well.
Another crucial aspect of AC servicing includes checking refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant indicates a refrigerant leak that requires immediate attention to prevent system damage. The technician will also inspect electrical connections, tightening them to avoid dangerous short circuits or system failures.
How Often Is AC Maintenance Needed?
Professional AC maintenance should be scheduled at least once annually, ideally in spring before temperatures climb. This strategic timing allows technicians to identify and fix potential issues before the system faces the heavy workload of cooling the home during the hot summer months. Additionally, maintenance in the spring will ensure the air conditioning system is energy efficient for lower cooling costs in the summer when cooling is needed most. Technicians are also typically busier during the summer, often making appointment scheduling more flexible in the spring.
While professional maintenance should be done annually, another important maintenance task that homeowners can perform should occur more frequently. Air filter replacement is an essential maintenance task that is typically needed every 1-3 months, depending on a household's specific circumstances. Some factors that can affect the AC filter replacement frequency include:
- Pets in the home mean more frequent changes are needed
- Allergy symptoms can be reduced with more frequent filter replacements
- Home size and system usage patterns
- Local air quality conditions
- The type and size of the air filter
A good way to know when filters need to be changed is by checking them monthly and replacing them when they appear dirty and caked with dust. This simple maintenance task takes just minutes but delivers substantial benefits in system efficiency, air quality, and equipment longevity. Regularly replacing air filters when needed can improve system efficiency, lower energy consumption and energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and extend the air conditioner's lifespan.
About Atlas Home Service
Atlas Home Service is a family-owned business that has been serving the Alexandria community since 2011. They provide flat-rate pricing, trustworthy technicians, and free in-home quotes. Call them for air conditioner maintenance and repair services in Alexandria, LA.
