How Often Should I Have Air Conditioner Service?
Did you know air conditioners in the US are now more common than dining rooms or garages? According to the Energy Information Association, 87 percent of US homes have air conditioning, with 75 percent having central units.
On average, only 42% of homeowners have annual air conditioner service, which can extend the life by up to 40% and a whole lot more…
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If It’s Not Broke Don’t Fix It.
Unfortunately for many, air conditioners fall into that same “put it off” thinking – and eventually end up with an expensive AC repair or higher utility bills. But there’s a better way. And a better time.
The oldest air conditioning maintenance team urges you to order an annual AC safety inspection and energy boosting tune-up. The PDM Clean Team has been maintaining any type of AC for over 100 years.
Manufacturers Know HVAC Systems Can Degrade 3% Per Year.
When components begin to degrade, your system has to work harder to produce the same result. Dirt-related stresses during the thousands of starts every year cause parts to wear out. Worst of all, your air conditioner’s lifespan will be shortened. This is one reason manufacturers require annual maintenance to keep the warranty active.
Your air conditioner can suffer unnecessary wear and tear if dirty air filters and coils are used, debris is present within the unit, and drain lines become clogged. Before the cooling season begins, make sure your air conditioner is regularly serviced so that a technician can thoroughly inspect and clean it.
Your AC and furnace are Dirt Collectors.
Real dirt you can see, and some you cannot, but you definitely need to know about. Dirt compromises your system’s performance and is the #1 cause of AC breakdowns and higher utility bills.
Your HVAC system also develops rust during the winter, fittings can loosen, and electrical components can weaken after starting thousands of times during a season.
80 percent of all emergency HVAC repairs could have been prevented with routine heating and cooling system maintenance. That’s one reason why manufacturers reserve the right to void your warranty if you neglect your HVAC system.
Shine a Light on Dirty Threats.
A knowledgeable, kind-of-a-neat-freak PDM tech will clean, adjust, calibrate, and reset the finer points to factory specs.
Breathe easier. On your thermostat, do you turn FAN ON to filter your air and help keep the temperature steady? If your system runs often or you use 1-inch air filters, inspect your furnace air filter monthly. A dirty air filter can reduce airflow by up to 60 percent and strain your AC’s operation.
Your AC system is like a car. Oil change, tune-up, tires, brakes wear out over time. happens all over town. Then emergency air conditioning repair calls start coming in fast. Learn about air conditioning repair FAQ.
What Does an Air Conditioner Service Tune-up Actually Involve?
EnergyStar.gov says that a typical maintenance check-up for your air conditioning unit should include the following (and we do too):
- Check thermostat operation to ensure comfortable cooling. A faulty thermostat can shut down the cooling system.
- Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty connections can cause unsafe operation and reduce the life of major components.
- Lubricate all moving parts; dirt can cause friction and increase electricity use.
- Check and inspect the condensate drain. A clogged drain can cause water damage, affect indoor humidity levels, and lead to an AC breakdown.
- Check the system controls to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the equipment’s starting cycle to ensure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.
- Clean evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils. Dirty coils reduce the system’s ability to cool your home and cause it to run longer, increasing energy costs and shortening the life of the equipment.
- Check your cooling refrigerant level and adjust if necessary.
- Clean and adjust blower components to ensure proper system airflow for greater comfort. Airflow problems can reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent.
Lastly, if your AC furnace is dirty, what are your air ducts like? Open an air vent. Use a wet white paper towel to wipe the ductwork and see exactly how dirty it is. PDM can clean your air ducts, too.
So now that you’ve got this on your mind, why not schedule your air conditioner tune-up? For quality HVAC repair and maintenance service, call the trusted experts at PDM Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Since 1885. PDM serves the greater Joliet, Channahon, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Homer Glen, Lockport, and New Lenox area.
For Air Conditioner Maintenance Service Near Me Call 815-390-7095.
Annual AC maintenance can lower energy bills, avoid breakdowns at the worst time, extend equipment life, and keep your AC warranty active.
