How Often Should Air Conditioning Units Be Serviced? Top Tips for You

Summertime brings on warmer days, and nothing is worse in the middle of July than a broken-down central air conditioner.

To avoid this unpleasant scenario, you must get your central air conditioning system serviced at regular intervals.

If you’ve already waited too long, and are facing a repair or replacement situation, it is time to call your professional HVAC (Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning) company.

How often should air conditioning units be serviced? And when is it time to call your pro? Read on for answers to these questions, plus other tips to keep your AC running.

Annual AC Maintenance By a Pro

To avoid major problems with your HVAC system, it is important to have a regular inspection/tune-up of that system at least once a year. Experts tend to agree that you should schedule this tune-up in the springtime, before summer hits.

Here is a partial list of things your HVAC company will do during a tune-up visit:

Check the refrigerant level, as well as for leaks in and around the unit.
Check all airflow and electrical connections, cleaning and tightening them when needed.
Replace the air filter if needed, and clean compressor coils.
Check all equipment for wear and tear, and recommend any repairs.

Preventative maintenance keeps your AC clean and efficient, is better for the environment, and maintains high air quality in your home. In some cases, the warranty on the AC unit will depend on whether such maintenance was done on a broken system.

Problems grow when you neglect your AC unit, especially during off-seasons, when AC is not as needed. Once winter is over, start thinking about your annual AC tune-up, and call your professional to schedule.

Preventative Maintenance You Can Do

There are some preventative moves you can make to make sure your HVAC unit functions throughout the winter months too. This is important if you live in a climate where both heating and cooling play equal parts in your weather.

Check and Replace Air Filters

You should examine, clean, and replace the air filters in your system once a month. Failing to do this will cause buildup in the old filter, and cause your unit to clog. Set a day of the month, such as the 1st, to take care of this chore, so it’s never forgotten.

Your HVAC professional can guide you in choosing the proper air filter size and model for your system.

Clean Around the Unit and Vents

Make sure that plants, dirt, and yard waste have not accumulated around the outside AC unit. Keep the area around the outside free from any kind of debris, so that animals or bugs are not tempted to nest there.

Check all vents in and outside your house, and make sure they are free from dust and mold.

Take a look in your attic and areas around the inside unit for any signs of rodents and their damage, such as nicks in the wiring. If you see evidence of damage, call your HVAC company right away.

Reset the Temperature and Registers

If your thermostat is programmable, reset it appropriately for the weather outside. Make sure that all registers are open and directed correctly for optimal airflow.

You can save money by lowering the thermostat when you are not home, and by closing registers in rooms that do not need heat/AC.

Many professional HVAC companies offer annual service contracts that will guarantee regular maintenance calls once or twice a year. These contracts can offer you savings on preventative work.

Taking care of simple items like these above will save you money in costly and frequent repairs down the road. You can partner with your AC pro to keep yearly maintenance current on your HVAC system, which will increase its longevity and efficiency.

When Its Time to Call the Professionals

Despite maintenance, and especially with an older ac system, there will be times when you must call your professional heating and air conditioning company.

Here are a few situations that require a pro’s expertise:

AC or Heat Does Not Turn on at All

If the batteries in your thermostat are fresh, and there are no blown fuses or circuits in the house, call your pro immediately. This might be considered an emergency repair, depending on when it happens.

House is Generally Too Hot, or Too Cold

If you have changed your air filter regularly and still have this issue, your problem could be within the ductwork or your temperature sensor on the outside unit.

Odd Noises Coming From the Unit

This may not be a problem unless the noises grow worse, or if there is an accompanying temperature deficiency in the house. Keep track of these noises, and call your pro when they increase.

Bad Airflow

Weak airflow from the vents could be caused by low refrigerant or problems with the thermostat, and need immediate attention.

Leaks

If you see leaks or pools of water around the unit, which might be a sign that the coils on the outside unit have frozen up.

Your System Smells Odd

If there is an unexplained smell coming from the unit, which might be mold or leaking refrigerant.

Old Unit

If your system is 13-15 years old and requiring more and more repair, it is time to consult the pro to discuss a replacement. Make sure your HVAC pro is accessible 24/7, and if possible, find one that doesn’t charge extra for off-hours.