You’ve probably heard that you should have your air conditioner serviced regularly or yearly. HVAC Contractors in the United States make it a norm to provide preventive maintenance every spring, just before the warm weather begins. Your system works 24/7 to keep you cool, much like a car, it needs regular care/maintenance to perform properly at or near manufacturer intended specifications.
Benefits Of Air Conditioner Maintenance
When you treat your cooling system to regular maintenance, it will keep you comfortable and save you money. Here are some advantages of a yearly tuneup:
- Longer Air Conditioner lifespan. The average lifespan of an air conditioner is from 10 to 20 years, but some can last up to 30 years. How long your system lasts will depend on how well it’s maintained. Cooling systems that receive little or no care may not even last for 10 years. Even though your air conditioner lasts more than the expected lifespan, an older air conditioner much like a car becomes less efficient in this case the air conditioner uses more energy costing you more in the long run to operate an older air conditioner.
- Lower Electricity bills. When an HVAC system is serviced regularly, it performs more efficiently as intended. The more efficiently it performs, the less you’ll spend on utilities.
- Peace of mind. With regular service, you’ll know your air conditioning system is in good working order. Parts can be replaced before they wear out and damage your equipment while a technician is out there
- Fewer repair bills. Any condition that could potentially cause a breakdown can be caught early and corrected by your service technician.
- Greater indoor comfort. An air conditioning system that’s not maintained may still work, but it won’t work as well as it will with regular preventive care.
Keeping Your Cooling System Healthy Between Tuneups
In between annual maintenance visits you can do these things to keep your AC running smoothly:
- Periodically inspect the outdoor unit for damage, and keep the area around the unit free of gunk, debris, weeds, leaves.
- Turn up the thermostat when you’re not home or on vacation. This will lessen the load on your system, and it will last longer.
- Make sure indoor air vents are free of obstructions
- Call for AC repair if you notice weird noises, water leaks, air temperature that doesn’t match the thermostat
Replace Air Filters Every Month
If your air filter gets clogged with dust and dirt, the air conditioner will have to work harder to produce cool air. This can be hard on the system, raise utility bills and possibly damage the motor. A dirty filter can also hold contaminants that blow into your indoor air. Clean or replace filters every month unless you are told otherwise or monitor your air filter regularly. If you live in a very dusty area or have pets, you may need to change the filters more frequently. Check filters visually and change when it is time to change.