Many homeowners understand that an air conditioning service is a key part of owning an AC unit. It ensures the unit runs efficiently and helps them catch problems early on, which can reduce the need for significant repairs. Here is some information regarding how often you should have your air conditioner serviced:
How Often Should You Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced?
HVAC experts recommend AC servicing at least once a year. Especially for units that usually don’t break down often, an annual air conditioning service appointment should be sufficient. However, other factors can influence the frequency of service visits.
Your unit’s age is one such factor. If your air conditioner is older, you may need more frequent service calls. That’s because older units are more likely to have problems. The other factor is usage. If you use your air conditioner heavily throughout the summer, servicing more often than once a year can benefit it. If you’ve noticed your air conditioner isn’t operating as efficiently or effectively as it used to, it’s also a good idea to call a professional AC technician for a tune-up or maintenance.
Why Is It Beneficial to Service Your AC Unit?
AC servicing can be beneficial for four main reasons:
- Efficiency: A serviced air conditioner runs at peak efficiency, meaning it might use less energy and can potentially save you money on electricity bills. As a homeowner, you want to get the most out of your investment, and regular servicing can help.
- Proper functioning and reliability: With regular maintenance, a technician can catch minor problems before they become major issues. Solving these problems can prevent frequent breakdowns, ensuring your unit works when needed.
- Better air quality: If dust and dirt accumulate in the air conditioner, they can be released into the air supply in your home. That can increase indoor air pollution and potentially cause respiratory problems for you and your family. A technician can clean the unit’s filters and coils during a service call, removing any dirt and debris that may be causing air quality issues.
- Increased longevity: Air conditioners do not come cheap, and you want yours to last as long as possible. When you catch issues early and have them fixed, you can prevent a major breakdown that may necessitate a replacement. Your unit can last longer, saving you from shelling out money for a new one.
What Time of the Year Should You Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced?
Spring is usually the best time to service your air conditioner. Early spring maintenance will help you identify any problems. This gives your technician enough time to fix any issues before the heat of summer comes. If there are parts that need replacement, you’ll have enough time to order them before the temperature rises.
There are other advantages of springtime AC maintenance. Some technicians aren’t as busy during this time, so you might find booking a service appointment easier. If you wait until summer, the wait times may be longer because everyone else will be trying to get their units serviced too.
What Happens During an AC Service Visit?
During the service visit, your technician will check your unit from top to bottom. They will start by inspecting the thermostat to ensure it’s working properly. They can also check for any signs of refrigerant leaks, replace the air filters, and inspect the fan blades for damage. Your technician will check the coils for dirt buildup, clean them if necessary, lubricate all moving parts, and inspect the electrical connections. They can also check the refrigerant levels and make sure your unit runs as efficiently as possible.
Each technician has their own unique process, and each visit might look a little different. Their main goal is always the same though, they want to ensure your air conditioner is running smoothly and efficiently.
Book Your Air Conditioning Service Appointment TodayAir conditioning service is a useful step to keeping your unit running efficiently, reliably, and safely. Book your service appointment with a qualified technician today to check that your unit is in tip-top shape. Don’t wait until summer to get the job done — get a technician as early as possible to get ready for the hot weather.