AC units need regular servicing because they use a lot of energy and must be kept in good condition for them to work correctly. If you fail to do this, you end up paying more for your electricity bills in the long run, which will add up quickly if you don’t do anything about it. The best way to keep an AC unit running smoothly is by making sure to have a technician check it regularly so any issues can get fixed before they become too serious.
That being said, “regularly” means a lot of different things, depending on who you talk to. You should change your air filter at least every 90 days, if not every month, but does that also go for your AC’s maintenance routine?
How Often Should Your AC Unit Be Serviced?
You should generally get your air conditioner serviced twice a year: once in the fall and once in the spring. There’s a little bit of leeway, though, depending on when you last had your AC serviced, the condition it’s in, its age, and what the conditions have been like in your area.
Generally speaking, newer models don’t need to be serviced quite as often as older models. As your AC ages, its parts will begin to wear down, which is why it will likely need more servicing than one that’s brand new. HVAC professionals focus on your heater or furnace in the fall to get it as ready as possible for the chilly weather. HVAC experts plan tune-ups for air conditioners in the spring after warm weather to prepare for the humidity and heat.
If you do your part, you might be able to extend that time between maintenance appointments. Make sure to change your air filter at least every 90 days, and inspect your outdoor AC unit regularly so you can remove any debris that may have accumulated near it. The more intricate aspects of AC servicing should be left to the professionals, though. It may be worth investing in a maintenance plan so you know that its parts are being inspected on a regular basis.
What Does AC Service Include?
Here’s what AC service includes:
1. Drain Cleaning
Your air conditioning unit has a drain at the bottom, allowing condensation to flow out of the unit when it’s not in use. It can lead to rust, which is harmful to your AC unit and can cause damage if left unchecked. After every three months or so, you should have your drain cleaned out by a technician.
2. Checking and Changing Filters
AC units are built with filters that help remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the air circulated throughout your house. These filters must get replaced regularly to ensure they’re working correctly. Otherwise, they can clog up over time and stop cooling your home properly. Our technicians will check these filters each time they service your system, ensuring they’re working properly and removing any debris that may have accumulated within them during usage.
3. Replacing Any Parts That Are Worn Out, Broken, or Missing
Replacing parts is the most common service performed by a technician in your area. If you don’t see any problems with the components immediately, it can be challenging to know when they will fail, which is why you need a professional on your side. The best way to prevent any potential issues is to have your system checked once per year at a minimum.
Cleaning And Lubricating Your AC Unit
Your AC unit should be cleaned and lubricated every two years as part of its routine maintenance schedule, which includes cleaning the filters and vents on each component. You should also have technicians check for any loose parts or debris that may be causing issues with cooling efficiency or airflow rate within the unit itself.
Suppose you do notice something wrong with one of these components. In that case, you should have them repaired immediately so that the issue doesn’t worsen over time due to improper maintenance procedures followed by yourself or an authorized technician.
How to Perform Your Own AC Maintenance
Even if you regularly schedule an annual air conditioner service, your AC still needs some upkeep from time to time. Most AC maintenance procedures should be done by licensed technicians to keep your warranty valid, but there are things you can do year-round to maximize your AC’s efficiency and keep it operating at its peak performance.
Here are some suggestions for DIY AC system repair and upkeep:
1. Clean All Vents
Vent cleaning should be done as frequently as every 90 days and is an essential but often forgotten operation. Cleaning is a relatively straightforward process. Unscrew, remove, and clean the vents to eliminate any accumulation that can lower performance.
Then, vacuum as much dirt as possible out of the ducts, going as far as possible. Additionally, maintaining AC performance decreases the number of dust and allergy particles circulated throughout your house.
2. Replace or Clean the Air Filter
While many people leave the air conditioning filter in the hands of their HVAC technician, you should change it at least once every 90 days. Consider having children, pets, or family members that suffer from allergies or asthma. If so, you should choose a filter with a MERV 13 rating, which filters out minuscule allergen particles, including pollen, bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and more. Make sure to replace it every 60 days or more.
Air filters can quickly become clogged, significantly affecting your air conditioner’s effectiveness and making it more challenging to cool your home.
3. Clean Your Unit
Once the filter has been cleaned, check that every indoor vent is neat and clean, brush off any visible dust or dirt, and remove any debris. After that, flush the exterior drain with a mixture of water and bleach. It will help to stop mold or fungus from growing in your ducts. In addition, make sure your unit is level with the surface it is on, that nothing is obstructing it or accumulating in its ducts, that there is a three-foot clearance all around it, and that the refrigerant lines are properly insulated.
4. Examine Its Performance
It is crucial that you thoroughly evaluate your unit’s functioning after you have cleaned it properly. You can accomplish this by setting it to its highest power and allowing it to run. You may have a problem observing any stuttering or other issues as it runs. However, you shouldn’t be concerned if your unit usually functions smoothly.
Get Professional Servicing!
If you fail to take care of your AC unit regularly, it might start to break down and stop working correctly. It could cost you a lot of money on repairs or replacements at some point.
Therefore, you mustn’t wait too long before having your AC serviced because then you will have to pay for something that was supposed to be free!
BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair is here for you! Contact us anytime to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians. We offer plumbing, drain cleaning, and HVAC servicing in Las Vegas and its environs.
