Find Out Why Cooling System Maintenance is Vital to the Life of Your Air Conditioning System
In the dead of winter, your air conditioning system is probably the last thing on your mind. But the heat of summer is never as far away as you think.
Is your air conditioner ready for those 90+ degree days? Or will you turn on your air conditioner, only to discover a problem when you need your system most?
The truth is, scheduling annual maintenance service for your air conditioning system now is one of the best things you can do to ensure a problem-free summer season. If you’ve been avoiding scheduling annual service because of the cost, you might be surprised to learn just how much time and money annual system maintenance can save you.
How Cooling System Maintenance Saves You Money
You’ll Lower Your Energy Costs
Just because your air conditioning system doesn’t appear to have any problems, doesn’t mean everything is working as it should. Over time, your air conditioning system becomes less efficient at cooling your home, making it work harder. This means more wear and tear on the system and higher energy costs for you. Getting regular maintenance ensures that any change in efficiency can be identified and corrected before it becomes a bigger problem or seriously impacts your fuel costs.
You’ll Spend Less on Repairs
Getting your air conditioning system serviced regularly will translate to fewer repairs over the life of your system. Just like cars need regular oil changes to run properly, your air conditioning system functions better with regular maintenance that includes cleaning, lubrication and system inspections.
You’ll Avoid Costly Breakdowns
Regular air conditioning maintenance also helps you catch problems early, before they lead to catastrophic breakdowns. For example, replacing a frayed belt before it snaps could save you hundreds of dollars in future repairs. Your maintenance service should also include lubrication of moving parts, which reduces friction that can lead to over overheating and breakdowns.
Your System will Last Longer
When your air conditioning system is maintained properly, not only is there less chance of a major breakdown, but your system will actually last longer and run more efficiently, saving you money and providing you and your family peace of mind.
Things You Can Do on Your Own:
While you’ll want to call in the professionals for scheduled annual air conditioning system maintenance, there are some things you can do to ensure your system runs properly in between checkups.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
A clogged air filter blocks airflow causing your system to work much harder than it needs to. Be sure to replace your air filter at regular intervals recommended by your system’s manufacturer.
You can also ask your HVAC maintenance technician for recommendations on when to change your filter.
Remove Leaves and Debris That Accumulate Around Your Outdoor System
Leaves and other debris can diminish air flow and put a strain on your system, so be sure to remove them in early spring before you start your air conditioner for the first time.
Hose off Dirt on Outdoor Units
After removing the leaves and debris, be sure to hose off your outdoor unit to remove accumulated dirt and dust. This keeps the airways clear, improving efficiency.
Trim Foliage around Your AC Unit to Increase Air Flow
Be sure to inspect plants and foliage growing near your air conditioning unit and trim accordingly.
The best time to do this is in early spring, before the leaves grow in. Make sure all plants are at least 18″ away from the AC unit to increase airflow around your unit.
Make Sure Supply and Return Registers Aren’t Blocked
Inspect the supply and return registers throughout your home to ensure they aren’t blocked by rugs, furniture, curtains, etc. Blocked registers can make it harder for your system to circulate cool air throughout your home, causing you to turn down your thermostat and make your system work harder.
Schedule Annual Maintenance Service from an Experienced Technician
Don’t try to perform system maintenance on your own, even if you are the do-it-yourself type.
HVAC system maintenance requires special skills, tools and experience. Instead, find an HVAC contractor with the right experience to handle the maintenance for you.
Your annual maintenance service will likely include:
- Inspecting and tightening electrical connections
- Lubricating all moving parts
- Inspecting condensation drains
- Inspecting / testing system controls
- Cleaning and adjusting the blower
- Evaporator and condenser coil cleaning
- Checking / charging refrigerant
If you’re not sure what services are included in your maintenance plan, be sure to ask your HVAC service provider.
Now that you understand how important regular maintenance can be to the life of your air conditioning system, we hope you won’t put it off another day.
At Comfort Aire Heating and Cooling, we’re here to help you stay cool through the summer heat. Schedule your air conditioning maintenance now and receive a comprehensive cleaning and inspection, as well as a 10% discount on all parts. We service all make and models of residential and commercial cooling systems and have been serving the Lancaster County community since 1995.
