It is a
simple fact that heating and cooling
units need service to perform optimally and extend their lifespan. Like the
adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, similarly, air conditioner maintenance today keeps replacement at bay.
HVAC Maintenance Frequency
Many people
ask “how often should I get an air
conditioner and heater "tune-up"?” When done annually, heating
and air conditioning maintenance can
ward off unnecessary heater and air conditioning repair costs, conserve
energy and reduce utility bills. With accumulated dust and dirt hindering the efficiency
of heating and cooling units 5 to 10
percent, experts suggest an air
conditioner service before summer temperatures climb and a central heater service before winter
chill sets in.
Change
Your Filter
Dirty air filters are the main cause of heating and air conditioning breakdowns. Replacing air filters
every three months will help prolong the life of your heater and air conditioner while those with allergies or
respiratory issues may benefit from changing filters every other month.
With air filter costs ranging from $4 - $25, depending on the size and quality,
this is a minimal investment to prevent a potential home ac repair and improve the quality of the air you breathe. Not handy? Schedule a HVAC company to come out quarterly to save a bundle down the road,
while maintaining your health.
Check It
Out
Air conditioning contractors advise homeowners to turn a home AC on in the spring to see how it
performs before temps heat up. If some rooms get cooler than others or your
home doesn’t cool down as quickly as you like, air conditioning service or home
ac repair is in order.
Factors that
reduce cool air output include coils freezing up, compressor failure, refrigerant
leaks, or dust and dirt on home ac return
vents, condensing air coils or outdoor fans. A professional air
conditioning troubleshooting can determine what is to blame.
An air conditioning service should include
cleaning and removing dust, dirt, and debris from the home ac return, condensing air coils and outdoor fan unit to
improve cool air output. Think of it as a “deep cleaning” for your teeth or
“detail” for your car.
Plan
Ahead
Once summer
is in full swing, air conditioning
contractors are at their busiest and in high demand. This is why a reputable HVAC contractor will suggest scheduling air conditioning services early. Even if your home ac seems to function satisfactorily, planning ahead ensures
your family’s comfort and avoids the inconvenience of having no AC. At that
time, a HVAC company can perform any
needed air conditioning repair service.
Caution: The
elderly and those with medical conditions cannot tolerate extremes of heat and
cold. Make sure their home ac units
are serviced as well – their life may depend on it!
