When summer temperatures rise, the air conditioner becomes a lifesaver, providing cool and comfortable air. The air conditioner is made up of many components that work together, such as filters and coils, to keep the air cool. If one of these parts stops working, your air conditioner will not operate properly.
Just like any hero, it requires some attention to maintain its strength. This is where you can save yourself from expensive repairs and hot days by noticing signs such as strange noises or insufficient cooling. To keep the AC functioning properly, you should be aware of how often to service your air conditioner. If you don’t have much knowledge, don’t worry. This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about air condition servicing.
Signs That AC System Needs a Tune-Up
- Reduced Cooling Efficiency
- High Energy Bills
- Weird Noises
- Weak Airflow
- Frequent Cycling
- Leaking or Moisture Around the Unit
- Unpleasant Odours
- Visual Damage or Wear
- Outdated
How Often Should You Service Your Air Conditioner?
AC unit maintenance varies on its different parts. We have mentioned every part, whether it requires repair or replacement, and for how long and how often you should service your AC.
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Filter
Air filters prevent dust, debris, and other particles from entering the unit, but over time, filters stop working properly because of consuming dust particles, which reduces airflow and efficiency. When something blocks the airflow, dirt can go through the air filter and directly onto the evaporator coil.
You may notice some visible signs if your air filter does not work properly, such as ice buildup on coils and unusual noises like rattling, whistling, or banging from the system. This happens when the air handler or blower motor works harder to push air through the clogged filter, causing the coil to lose its ability to absorb heat.
To avoid this, replace a dirty and clogged filter with a clean one, which can reduce the air conditioner’s power consumption by 5% to 15%. Depending on the type of air conditioner, some air filters may be reusable, but others may need to be replaced. Changing the filters every 60 days, if you have allergies or furry pets, stay in a dusty area, and have high usage. However, if the usage is low, replace the filter every 4-6 months.
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Coil
If you notice bad odors from your air conditioning unit, it could be a sign of mold or mildew growth on the coil. These harmful substances thrive in damp conditions, which can happen if the coil is not functioning properly or the condensate drain line is blocked.
The air conditioner has a condenser coil and an evaporator coil. The indoor coil removes heat and moisture from your home, while the outdoor coil cools the refrigerant and sends it back to the indoor evaporator coil. When the coils are dirty, your air conditioning system becomes less efficient.
It happens when water is collected around your indoor unit or drips from the evaporator coil. It is a clear sign of an issue with the coil which occurs due to frozen coil thawing or because of a clogged condensate drain line.
Hence, it’s advisable to clean them atleast once a year for better performance. Replacement is not much needed unless it is damaged, corroded, or leaking refrigerant. However, replacement is done as a part of a larger repair or system upgrade. Also, Coil fins do not need to be replaced easily because these can be restored to their original condition with a handy tool, a “fin comb.
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Ducts
Schedule a duct cleaning service at least every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently, if you see a buildup of dust or debris. This service can help remove contaminants and improve airflow.
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Compressor or Condenser
The lifespan of an AC compressor or condenser varies on several factors such as usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions. However, generally, these components can last anywhere from 8 to 15 years under normal circumstances. You need to replace or repair it when the compressor makes unusual noises, overheats fails to start, has damaged coil fins, has corrosion, refrigerant leak, or frequently trips the circuit breaker.
Even if everything looks fine, it is advisable to get your air conditioning system checked for minor malfunctioning when restarting during summer days. A thorough inspection once a year before restarting ensures uninterrupted cooling during the peak of hot days.
Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance
Lower Energy Expenses:
Regular maintenance for air conditioners can help them work more efficiently for longer periods of time. When your air conditioner is working properly, it won’t require as much effort to keep your space cool, which means it won’t need to run as frequently. This leads to lower energy consumption and can help you save money on your monthly energy bills.
Maintain Your Warranty:
If your air conditioner is under warranty, the company might not fix it for free if you can’t prove that you’ve been taking care of it regularly. It is crucial to have your AC system checked regularly as it ensures the proper functioning of the units. This is also a condition under certain warranties to make your AC eligible for free repair.
Improve Air Quality:
Maintenance removes dust, pet dander, and allergens from the AC, and regular air filter changes can help trap more of these particles. This can help make your home’s air cleaner and healthier.
Safety
Regular maintenance can keep your home safe from unexpected dangers. One possible risk is a carbon monoxide leak from your HVAC unit. During the checkup, the technician will look for any leaks or potential leaks to make sure your home is safe. This is important because it can prevent dangerous situations from occurring.
Conclusion
This blog has covered your query about how often to service your air conditioner. Next, whenever you notice any signs, such as water leakage, weird noises, or high energy bills, in any part of your AC, don’t ignore it! Immediately schedule an appointment with Classic Air Conditioning and Heating to schedule your next air conditioning repair in New Braunfels, TX.
