Imagine it’s going to be unexpectedly hot 85˚ day in April, and you decide to turn on the air conditioning before you leave for work. When you get home, looking forward to a perfectly balanced indoor temperature, you find the air conditioner isn’t working. Yikes.
Regular maintenance of your unit twice a year (spring, fall) will ensure this situation will not happen to you! Cleaning and/ or replacing your air conditioning system’s filters every other during the cooling season helps your unit run the most efficiently. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have furry pets in the house. Your
What does a technician do during a pre-season maintenance call?
This hands-on call is an opportunity for a certified HVAC technician to professionally evaluate your air conditioning system to make sure that any problems are addressed before you rely on your unit.
Your technician will:
- Check for the correct amount of refrigerant and capture any that must be evacuated.
- Check the accuracy of the thermostat.
- Test for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector.
- Check for and seal duct leakage in central systems.
- Measure airflow through the evaporator coil.
- Verify the correct electric control sequence, ensuring the heating system and cooling system cannot operate simultaneously.
- Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten the connections, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary.
- Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear.
Should you turn on the air conditioning before spring service?
Most HVAC technicians recommend you turn on your unit in the spring when you know you’ll be home for the day prior to your technician’s visit. This will give you a chance to test your HVAC system and catch any problems that require repairs. Schedule an air conditioning maintenance appointment sooner than later, since often homeowners don’t call until there’s a hot day.
When should you schedule AC maintenance?
Ideally, you should have your air conditioner serviced twice a year: once in the fall in preparation for the winter and once in the spring to prepare for the heat. This is to ensure that it’s clean, that its parts are in good shape and that it’s operating as optimally as possible.
Are air conditioning checkups worth it?
A twice-annual check-up of your home’s air conditioning system can extend its life by several years. A tune-up can save you 15% on monthly energy bills. Spring is the best time to perform maintenance before usage increases during the summer. A well-cared-for air conditioning unit will last about 15 years.
