Regular air conditioner maintenance is crucial so that the system remains in peak operation. Even when your AC is relatively new and in good condition, servicing is required to maintain its efficiency. Some property owners find it challenging to decide the right time to schedule a maintenance appointment and how frequently they should do it. Air conditioners are in maximum use during the summer. In this period, they are likely to develop issues, and that’s why the demand for HVAC technicians is highest. To keep your AC in reliable working condition throughout the summer, schedule maintenance appointments during the spring. You can expect flexible scheduling and adequate time to order replacement parts.
Factors Influencing Frequency of AC Maintenance
Though most HVAC technicians recommend servicing your air conditioner at least once every year, there are factors that can increase the number of maintenance calls. Here are five factors that indicate you should schedule a maintenance appointment.
1. Manufacturer Recommendations
Each air conditioner has a user manual with specific maintenance guidelines from the manufacturer. There is information on how often you should have the system maintained by a professional technician. Following these guidelines can help prevent potential warranty issues. Most systems have a manufacturer warranty that covers repair and replacement costs if the equipment fails because of errors made during manufacture. Failure to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule can void that warranty, and you will have to bear the costs if the system breaks down.
2. Age of System
Air conditioners have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. As the system nears the end of its life, it develops issues more often, including inconsistent cooling and unexpected failure. You may also notice increased energy consumption due to excess wear and tear on components, leading to inefficiency. Old ACs can cause health issues if they quit on a very hot day. The indoor environment has high heat and humidity levels that can cause heat stroke. Therefore, they require more checks and tune-ups. If your AC system is over 10 years old, it’s wise to schedule maintenance services twice a year.
3. Intensity of Use
With more use, your air conditioner will accumulate more dirt and debris. The AC has air filters that trap airborne particles from the air flowing to the system. Over time, the particles accumulate on the filters and can block the air pores. This results in restricted airflow, and the system has to overwork to draw in air. Due to the extra force, the particles can pass through to the system, or the filters can get damaged. The dirt can accumulate on internal components or flow to the house, compromising indoor air quality. If you live in a hot climate and use your AC heavily throughout the year, your system may require more frequent maintenance than one operating in a milder climate.
4. Reduced Indoor Comfort
Your air conditioner is prone to issues that disrupt your indoor comfort. Your AC can emit a burning smell the first few days of using the unit, which dissipates after some minutes. This is common if the system has been unused for a long period and has accumulated dust. If the smell does not die after about 20 to 30 minutes, it may be due to a compressor, fan motor, or wiring issue. You may also notice a musty smell every time your unit is working. This smell is due to mold and mildew growth in the system. Not only do they reduce indoor air quality, but they can cause health issues because they produce spores that can trigger allergies and respiratory complications.
You may notice strange noises when the air conditioner is working. Banging sounds indicate issues with the compressor. This can be caused by loose parts that are hitting the exterior frame. There may also be screeching sounds, which often occur when a fan motor malfunctions. If the blower fan has loose or misaligned blades, they may drag over other components and produce rattling sounds.
These issues can indicate various problems, from minor to more severe concerns. You need to schedule maintenance services promptly so that the technician can identify the cause and fix it before it escalates. The solution could be fixing or replacing the loose parts, lubricating the motor, or cleaning the system.
5. Sudden Spike in Energy Bills
If you notice a spike in your cooling bills without a corresponding increase in usage, it may signal that your system is working harder than necessary to maintain the desired temperature. A maintenance visit can help identify any efficiency issues and make necessary adjustments. Technicians can check the house for gaps and inspect the ductwork for damage. These faults allow conditioned air to leak into places where it is not needed. They can also recommend improving your home’s insulation to keep the system from straining.
What Happens During Air Conditioner Maintenance?
Here are some of the maintenance and troubleshooting activities an HVAC professional does when they visit your home.
Examine the Coils and Fins
Air conditioners have evaporator coils in the indoor unit and condenser coils in the outdoor unit. These can accumulate dirt, often grime, which inhibits heat transfer. These fins are made of aluminum, which can bend easily, preventing the air from flowing through properly. The technician will check the cleanliness of the coils and fins. They will remove loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner and stubborn grime with a coil cleaner solution before rinsing. If the fins are bent, they can rearrange them to the proper working position.
Check Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant is responsible for removing warmth from the air inside your house. It is contained in the evaporator and condenser coils. If the refrigerant level is reduced, you may notice warm air coming from the air vents or ice building up on the evaporator coils. The technician will check the refrigerant level and refill to the required amount. Since a reduced level is often due to leakage, they will inspect the lines and repair any defects.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is the control center for the AC. During maintenance, the technician will check if it is correctly calibrated by comparing its reading with an accurate instrument. If there is a significant variation, they will recalibrate it.
Clean the Condensate System
When warm, moist air flows over the evaporator coils, the moisture condenses, and the water collects in the condensate pan. It normally flows away due to gravity, but some systems have a pump to force the water out. The high temperature in summer and the moist conditions in these systems encourage the growth of algae and mold, which can block the drain line and cause water leaks inside the house. The technician will check the system and clean it if there are blockages.
Regular air conditioner maintenance is vital to keep your unit at peak performance and ensure it meets or exceeds its expected lifespan. Our qualified technicians at Southland Heating & Air Conditioning are dedicated to conducting thorough inspections and tune-ups during maintenance appointments. We also provide HVAC system installation, repair, and replacement services for residents throughout Newbury Park, CA. Contact us at Southland Heating & Air Conditioning today for reliable services all year round.
