“If you are wondering how many times AC should be serviced, this comprehensive guide breaks down the servicing timeline according to your needs.”
You go for a health check-up at least four times a year. You take your car in for regular maintenance to make sure it stays on the road. You hit the gym four times a week to stay fit.
But, I can promise you that you are forgetting something: your Air conditioning system. It is normal to get caught up in the assumption that your air conditioning system is in good shape, but what if it isn’t?
What if that foul smell yesterday was a result of a dead animal in your AC, or what if the burnt wire smell was from a melting wire in your unit?
Most air conditioning Sarasota Florida companies will tell you that many people tend to overlook routine maintenance for their air conditioning systems, often until a problem arises. This neglect can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and potentially costly repairs or even a complete system failure.
In this post, we will discuss how many times AC should be serviced and get some helpful tips on scheduling servicing and maintenance. Let’s get into it.
How Often Should You Service Your AC
Generally, air conditioners should need maintenance at least annually, though this depends on the model and lifespan of the AC. Some units may need more frequent servicing if they are used a lot or situated in dusty or dirty surroundings.
A professional AC service should be done at least once a year, ideally before the start of the cooling season. A check-up by a technician is recommended at least once a year to ensure the system is running efficiently and to identify potential problems before they become major.
Before an annual AC service, you can take several steps to prepare your system and improve its efficiency. These include:
1. Change the Air Filter: A clogged air filter restricts airflow, making your AC work harder and potentially leading to overheating or freezing. Replacing it before the service ensures proper airflow for the technician to assess and optimize your system.
2. Check the Thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is functioning correctly and set to the desired temperature. This helps the technician verify that the thermostat is accurately communicating with the AC unit.
3. Clear the Area Around the Outdoor Unit: Remove any leaves, debris, or vegetation that may be blocking airflow to the condenser unit. This allows the technician to easily access and inspect the outdoor unit without needing to clear the area first.
4. Clean the Exterior of the Unit: Wipe down the exterior of both the indoor and outdoor units to remove dust and dirt. This provides a cleaner workspace for the technician and can prevent some minor build-up from affecting performance.
5. Check for Visible Damage or Unusual Noises: Inspect the unit for any visible damage, like cracks or loose parts, and listen for any unusual noises, such as rattling or humming. Document these observations for the technician.
6. Consider Checking Refrigerant Levels: While this is often best left to a professional, if you are comfortable doing so, you can check for any obvious leaks or low refrigerant levels. However, refrigerant handling should be done by a qualified technician.
By completing these tasks before the service, you ensure the technician can focus on the core maintenance and diagnostics, leading to a more thorough and efficient service.
When is the Best Time to Schedule AC Servicing?
The best time to schedule AC servicing is in the early spring, ideally around March or April, before the peak summer heat and high demand for AC maintenance.
An AC maintenance in the spring allows technicians to thoroughly inspect and optimize your system before the intense summer heat arrives. This can help prevent breakdowns and ensure your system runs efficiently during the hottest months. I bet you don’t want to experience what summer feels like without an air conditioner.
If you reside in an area with extremely high temperatures, it’s advisable to service your AC at least twice a year for optimal functionality. Also, if you operate your AC frequently, it will need to be serviced more often. A useful guideline is to have your AC serviced every six months if you use it for more than six to eight hours a day.
Some HVAC companies also recommend scheduling maintenance during the winter, that is, if you have an AC unit that is used throughout the year. This can be a good option if you live in an area with mild winters and prefer to have your AC checked during a less busy period for the HVAC company.
While running an air conditioner in cold weather, servicing can reduce costs, but it can also cause significant damage to the compressor and other components. The cold temperatures can cause the oil in the compressor to thicken, leading to insufficient lubrication and potential failure. Also, the evaporator coils can freeze, restricting airflow and reducing efficiency.
While it’s true that winter can be a good time for AC servicing for some people due to reduced usage and potential cost savings, spring is generally considered the best time for a great servicing.
What Does Air Conditioning Servicing Entail?
Air conditioning servicing involves a thorough inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of your AC system to ensure it operates efficiently and reliably. This includes:
- Checking the compressor, condenser, and evaporator coils for any signs of damage or wear.
- Inspecting for leaks or damage that can reduce performance.
- Checking wiring, connections, and the thermostat for proper function and safety.
- Ensuring proper refrigerant charge and checking for leaks.
- Inspecting the blower motor, fan blades, and belts.
- Cleaning or replacing air filters to ensure proper airflow.
- Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils to remove dust and debris that can hinder performance.
- Ensuring proper drainage to prevent water damage and mold growth.
- Lubricating moving parts like the blower motor to reduce friction and wear.
- Tightening and cleaning electrical connections to prevent shorts and improve conductivity.
- Verifying the thermostat’s accuracy and functionality.
- Measuring airflow across the evaporator coil to ensure optimal performance.
- Addressing minor issues like loose belts or faulty wiring to prevent future problems.
Conclusion
Now, I hope you can agree with me that a professional maintenance visit has a great impact on your air conditioner’s condition and efficiency, because it ensures optimal performance, extends its lifespan, and prevents costly repairs.
If you haven’t scheduled air conditioning maintenance yet, it’s never too late for servicing, and Tropic Air has got you covered.
Over the years, our business has provided exceptional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions in Sarasota, prioritizing the comfort and welfare of our customers.
Based in Sarasota, we specialize in duct cleaning, replacement, installation, and maintenance. Regardless of your need, we are dedicated to improving the indoor air quality in Sarasota through expert heating and cooling services.