Some people might wonder why AC maintenance is important, even if their unit is running great. Do you really need to improve a machine that’s still doing its job? Is annual AC maintenance necessary?
In short, yes! The age-old adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” does not apply to your AC unit. Parts like the fins, coils, and filters need care in order to keep your AC energy-efficient and long-lasting. Small problems can easily turn into bigger ones, so catching any issues early is the best way to keep your AC running and your house cool for many years to come.
Why AC Maintenance is Important
Here are the biggest reasons why you should never neglect your unit or skip your yearly AC checkup:
- Maintenance provides the best indoor air quality for your comfort and health
- Tuning up your AC saves you money in the long run
- A well-functioning AC prevents small issues from becoming big ones
Without proper maintenance, you won’t be able to catch and fix your AC malfunctioning.
For example, your AC might be vulnerable to power surges from extreme weather and storms. This would stop it from working when you need it the most. On some days, a busted AC is just a minor inconvenience, but in the event of a heatwave, you’ll need a way to stay safe and cool. Regular AC checkups can prevent this from happening.
Refrigerant leaks are also an AC problem that can be prevented, found, and fixed at your regular AC tune-up. These are dangerous because they can be hard to detect, especially if your unit isn’t making a noise. Higher humidity, higher cooling bills, and a slow AC can all be signs of refrigerant leaks. Leaks can be dangerous, especially if the unit uses Freon, so it’s important to address these quickly and prevent them from compromising your indoor air quality.
AC Maintenance Improves Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Did you know that air pollutants concentrate inside your home? Oftentimes, pollutants are 2-5 times more concentrated indoors than they are outdoors. And with the average American spending about 90% of their time inside, vulnerability is widespread.
Short-term air pollutant exposure can cause things like headaches and discomfort. Long-term exposure can lead to numerous health conditions, like respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and even cancer. Maintaining your AC unit is one of many things you can do to optimize your IAQ and breathe healthier air.
One of the most important parts of your AC to maintain are the filters. In addition to blocking airflow and reducing efficiency, dirty filters release pollutants into your home that can mess with your health and comfort.
Always replace or clean filters according to your unit’s instructions. This is typically every month or so during the season you use your AC, or more frequently depending on your number of pets, level of dust, etc.
Not only do the filters get dirty, but so do coils, the general area around your indoor/outdoor units, and the units themselves. Professional maintenance plans can include cleanings.
Your unit’s condensate drains may also get clogged, reducing humidity control. A too-humid environment also leads to bad indoor air quality as it can encourage mold and bacteria. High humidity is also less comfortable and can cause discoloration on your carpet and walls. Keeping the drain channels clear is another great way that AC maintenance promotes better IAQ.
Maintenance Saves You Money
The price of energy is soaring with each day, leaving many homeowners overwhelmed. Luckily, there are options that can shield you from this surge in costs.
The first thing you should do when trying to lower your energy bills is to simply use less power. The best way to do this is to ensure your appliances are energy-efficient, and this includes your AC. Cooling accounts for 16% of energy used in U.S. homes.
Annual maintenance is key to saving money on air conditioning in the long run. If your unit is not well-maintained, its efficiency will drop over time, leaving you with high energy bills.
On top of a simply dirty machine, there are other problems that are costing you big-time. Central air systems can have leaky ducts that allow cool air to escape before they reach the desired rooms without you even knowing it. On average, most homes leak anywhere from 10-25% of their cool air. This is something a professional can find and fix.
Another part of your AC unit that may be awry is your thermostat. If it’s inaccurate, you might be inadvertently setting temperatures that cause higher bills each month. A professional checkup on your entire AC unit before summer starts each year can help you spot problems like these before they get financially out of hand.
Don’t Let Small Issues Become Big Ones
Frequent check-ins with your AC can help you prevent small problems from getting worse. When questioning why AC maintenance is important, one of the clearest answers is safety and peace of mind. Refrigerant leaks can be very dangerous and hard to detect. Storms and harsh weather can lead to power surges.
To keep yourself both cool and safe every summer, annual tune-ups ensure your AC is ready when you need it the most. Live Free Heating Cooling Electric helps New Hampshire homeowners achieve this with our annual maintenance plans. Our 15-point maintenance service includes system cleaning and these checkpoints:
- Cycling the unit and operating the thermostat
- Replacing the filter
- Blower motor inspection
- Condenser fan motor inspection
- Condensate drain inspection
- Testing the condensate discharge pump
- Inspecting 240Volt and 24Volt circuits, voltage check
- Condenser coil inspection and wash if necessary
- System amperage and compressor check
- Refrigerant charge check
- Quantify degrees of cooling to ensure your system is working properly
- Capacitor testing
- Schrader core and service valve testing
- 240Volt or 24Volt contractor coil and electrical terminals inspection
- Safety control testing and overflow cutout switch inspection
Is your cooling system ready for hot weather? Contact Live Free today for a free estimate (terms apply) to keep your AC long-lasting and start the journey to clean and comfortable air!