It’s probably time to service your air conditioner if you’ve been wondering, “How often should I service my air conditioner?” Make sure your air conditioner is maintained by a local HVAC technician before summer arrives and you start melting in the sweltering heat. By attempting to repair it yourself, you risk voiding your warranty and incurring a large repair charge. Instead, keep cool all summer by getting your air conditioner serviced at least once a year.
Is it really necessary to have your air conditioner serviced once a year?
Yes, you do, in a nutshell. There are numerous benefits to having your air conditioner serviced on a regular basis, not the least of which is that it will save you money. You might not realize there’s a problem until it’s much worse and more expensive to correct if you don’t get the unit serviced.
When Should Your Air Conditioner Be Serviced?
You should have your air conditioner serviced at least once a year, in the early to mid-spring. However, it is in your best interest to get your unit serviced in the fall for optimal performance. An HVAC contractor will focus on your furnace to ensure that it is ready to handle increased heating demands when the weather cools.
Why Should You Avoid Tune-Ups in the Summer and Winter?
Summer is a busy season for air conditioner repair. If you wait until hot weather hits, you may end up sweating while waiting for the HVAC technician to diagnose and repair any problems they find. And if they need to order new parts, you could be without air conditioning for days. Before summer arrives, contact a local air conditioning expert.
It’s also not a good idea to schedule service during the winter months because running the unit in cold conditions can harm it. When exposed to cooler external temperatures, the oil inside your device thickens, and the ensuing loss of oil circulation can cause the system to fail.
If you’re having a hot spell in the winter and need to cool down, it’s best to open the windows and let the fresh air in. Alternatively, you can use a fan to enhance the effect of a breeze coming in through an open window.
What Does Annual Air Conditioning Service Include?
Regardless of how frequently you have your air conditioner serviced, the technician will complete the same set of duties to ensure that your system is in good working order.
The following are some of the AC service tasks:
- Replace the air filters as needed.
- Indoor and outdoor coils cleaned and inspected.
- The condensate pump is inspected.
- Check the thermostat.
- Remove any dirt or debris from the condensate pump.
- Examine the entire HVAC system visually.
- Clean the system of any dust, grime or debris.
