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How often should you have your air conditioner serviced?

HVAC experts recommend that homeowners schedule yearly maintenance and inspection service visits for their air conditioner units. It may be easy to take your home’s air conditioning system for granted when it is working properly. However, it’s crucial that homeowners stay on stop of air conditioning maintenance to keep an AC unit humming along at maximum efficiency. An AC filter can get clogged with dirt, dust, dirt, and allergens, which makes the air conditioner work harder. It’s easy to replace the filter regularly to prevent a lot of these problems. Note that it’s important to read the filter installation instructions to avoid bumping the fins.

When in doubt, a pro who specializes in air conditioning maintenance can help keep it running smoothly with regular maintenance. They can vacuum the AC unit’s fins, which can potentially be bent inadvertently. A pro can address common air conditioner issues, fix a sinking air conditioner pad, and find out why your AC unit is suddenly working less efficiently. An HVAC professional will have the experience, tools, and know-how to keep your air conditioner running smoothly, and they can recommend the ideal service and maintenance schedule for your needs.

What is AC maintenance?

Every air conditioner (AC) owner should carry out some level of regular maintenance on their air AC units. Homeowners might be able to change the AC filter fairly easily, cover the unit for the cooler season, and inspect the seal between a window AC unit and the window frame. However, it’s usually smart to hire an HVAC expert or air conditioning pro to do more complex AC maintenance work. Many experts recommend having your air conditioner inspected yearly, and the inspection should include routine AC maintenance. During an inspection and maintenance call, a qualified AC professional will check the amount of the AC unit’s refrigerant, use a detector to locate refrigerant leaks, and capture any leaked refrigerant. They’ll also check the evaporator coil and verify its sequencing, check the electric terminal connections, and check the accuracy of the thermostat. Finally, an AC maintenance service appointment should include oiling the motors and checking belts for wear and tear. Be sure to schedule regular AC maintenance appointment with a pro to keep your air conditioner operating at peak performance and efficiency.

What happens if AC is not serviced?

While it’s recommended that homeowners have their air conditioner inspected and serviced yearly, this isn’t strictly necessary. But the less efficient your AC system, the higher your energy bills will rise. If an AC unit is not serviced, it may start to work less efficiently. The condenser coil in the outdoor part of the unit, and the evaporator coil in the indoor part of the AC unit will collect dust and dirt over time. During yearly maintenance visits, an HVAC pro will wash the coils to keep them clean and operating efficiently.

If an AC unit doesn’t get regular servicing, the electrical connections can loosen and become unsafe, which can detract from the unit’s ability to operate efficiently. The system needs regular lubrication to prevent friction in the motors, which causes higher electricity use. Without regular servicing, the condensate line can clog. A clogged drain line can cause water damage and raise a home’s humidity level. So it’s wise to schedule regular, professional servicing and maintenance for your home’s AC system to avoid headaches and higher costs down the road.

What is an AC maintenance contract?

Homeowners often enter into a maintenance contract or agreement with the company where they purchased their air conditioning (AC) system. This agreement outlines the projected frequency of routine AC inspection and maintenance visits the company do each year. These maintenance visits will include such services as checking the thermostat, checking and cleaning up refrigerant leaks, and washing the AC systems coils. The service call may also include adjusting or replacing parts in order to keep your AC system running as efficiently as possible.

Entering into an AC maintenance contract with a qualified HVAC company or air conditioning professional should result in a number of benefits for the homeowner. Cleaning and adjusting the AC system may result in lower heating and cooling costs. The AC system should have fewer breakdowns when you are relying on it the most. And maintaining a regular AC inspection and service schedule will likely increase the lifespan of your AC unit or system. Be sure to ask your local HVAC professional about what kind of AC maintenance contract will work best for you and your home.

How much does it cost to have your AC serviced?

Experts recommend having a home’s air conditioning system inspected and serviced annually. This annual air conditioner maintenance schedule should increase the overall lifespan of your system. Routine maintenance also keeps the system running efficiently, which saves on energy costs. Ultimately, the cost of having the AC system properly maintained is well worth the money. Homeowners may pay for each servicing visit one at a time, and these maintenance visits may cost between $70 to $100 for each service call. Alternatively, homeowners may choose to have an annual maintenance contract for about $150. Of course, these prices will vary according to where you live, how experienced and in-demand the HVAC company is, and on the size, age, and brand of your home’s AC system.

If a homeowner chooses to enter into a maintenance contract, they may be able to make monthly payments to space out the cost of ongoing air conditioner maintenance. Additionally, some HVAC companies will offer a substantial discount if you hire them when your unit needs to be repaired between regular maintenance service calls. A contract usually also gives homeowners more warranty coverage than just paying for a single maintenance visit. It’s ideal to schedule maintenance visits with a qualified professional in the early springtime to get it ready for the warmer season ahead.

What should I do if my AC unit is not working?

If your AC unit has suddenly stopped working, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take before calling an HVAC pro:

• Make sure the thermostat is set correctly, and check your circuit breaker.
• Check the outside AC unit and clear away any dirt, leaves, or debris that might be clogging the air circulation.
• See if the air filter looks dirty. A clogged air filter can slow down air circulation, which causes the AC unit to run less efficiently.

If nothing else has helped your AC unit begin working correctly, it’s time to call in a pro. Make sure you notice any unusual sounds or smells, or if anything about your AC unit looks odd to you.

An HVAC pro will be familiar with the complicated inner workings of your air conditioning system. A pro will know which coils to check, will be able to make sure seals and connections are tight, and check that nothing is clogging your air conditioning system. A qualified technician has specialized tools — such as a refrigerant leak detector — to get the job done efficiently and safely.