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What kind of maintenance does my air-conditioning unit need this summer?


May 24, 2018


What kind of a/c maintenance does my air-conditioning unit need this summer?

It is important to make sure both the heating and cooling units in your home are kept clean and well-functioning. One way to do this is to bring in a heating and cooling specialist to inspect your equipment at least once a year. With the hot summer season quickly approaching, now is the time to consider a general air-conditioning inspection to ensure your system is operating safely and effectively. Proper a/c maintenance of your air-conditioner will not only save you money, it will reduce greenhouse emissions and can extend the life of your unit.

Why does your air-conditioning unit need maintenance?

Any number of things can happen throughout the year to cause poor performance of this vital home system. Often times problems that start small or are unnoticeable during low operational times, can cause a system to break down during peak performance when technicians are at their busiest and the price of emergency repair is more costly. It is much more effective to have the system properly inspected before the heat of summer causes problems.

A maintenance check for your air-conditioner will include the following services:

  1. Cleaning of the air-conditioning filters and air flow systems and, depending upon your home’s needs, routine cleaning of the ventilation system that flows the cool air throughout your home. The technician will not only clean out any debris, dust or other matter that has gathered, he or she will check the filter and can inform you of the best schedule for changing it. Clean filters improve the circulation of cool air, and they also eliminate pollens, dust and other allergens, making your home healthier.
  2. In addition to cleaning, the technician will inspect the unit for loose screws and brackets and will look for signs of wear and tear. If needed the technician will replace parts or lubricate any moving part that may be operating less effectively. An inspection of electrical connections to ensure safe functioning of the unit will also be part of the maintenance. One of the key parts to your unit is the blower motor. The technician will pay attention to any potential issues happening with this part and will let you know if it is showing signs of wear or poor performance.
  3. The technician will also make sure your air-conditioner is running effectively by checking the coolant level. Normally this does not change when your unit is operating effectively. However, on occasion, technical problems in the system or poor installation can cause coolant leaks which can lead to poorly functioning units. The technician will ensure your coolant levels are staying optimal to ensure a well-running unit.
  4. Finally, the technician will make sure the area around your air-conditioner is free of debris and can advice you on any outdoor conditions that may be causing poor performance. It is important to keep the area around the unit free of debris, which can clog the airflow and lower performance or even worse, damage the equipment.

As a home owner, you do not need to understand everything about the operation of your heating and cooling system, but you should have a basic understanding of how the system operates and what happens when the system is not functioning properly. You should think of your technician as an expert who is there to help you. Use the technician’s visit as an opportunity to learn about common problems and effective maintenance practices. A little bit of time spent understanding your system before the heat of summer or the cold of winter arrives can save you costly headaches. Also, ask your technician to explain the signs you should be looking for that indicate a poorly operating piece of equipment, and to tell you about maintenance plan that best suits your home’s needs. Enjoy your summer without the worry of a system breakdown by taking the time now to understand your cooling system and ensuring it is operating effectively!

Contact our expert A/C technicians today to schedule your annual a/c maintenance.