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Air Conditioner Maintenance Timeline

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Keep Your AC Unit In Peak Condition By Following This HVAC Maintenance Checklist

In sports, there’s the off-season, regular season, and the playoffs. Although most athletes only compete a few months out of the year, they must maintain a healthy diet and train year-round. Otherwise, their performance may fall short when it matters most.

Your air conditioner operates on a similar schedule, with winter representing the off-season. When it’s snowing or icy outside, your air conditioner is the last thing on your mind. But starting in the spring, the days get consistently warmer, with the hottest days occurring in July.

Summer is like the playoffs for your HVAC’s cooling component. If your air conditioner hasn’t been properly maintained during the off-season, it may underperform or break down when it matters most.

You can avoid interruptions in your home’s comfort by following our HVAC maintenance checklist. Keep reading to learn what services you need and the best time to get them.

How to Maintain Your HVAC’s Air Conditioning

Your home’s air conditioner requires regular maintenance to stay in good working order. Most HVAC technicians recommend having your central cooling system serviced at least once a year, ideally in the spring before the heat fully ramps up. A well-maintained air conditioner is better equipped to handle extreme heat and less likely to experience mechanical failures.

A standard HVAC maintenance checklist for central air conditioning usually includes:

  • Comprehensive safety inspection.
  • Air filter inspection and replacement.
  • Refrigerant level check.
  • Evaporator coil and condenser coil inspection and cleaning.
  • Blower motor and belt inspection and cleaning.
  • Thermostat check and recalibration.
  • Electrical connection and components check.
  • Condensate drain line clearing.
  • Moving part lubrication.
  • Airflow and air quality check.

Your air conditioner requires comprehensive maintenance services at least once per year. However, there are simple tasks on the list that don’t require an HVAC technician. For example, checking and changing the air filter every 30 to 90 days makes a big difference in system performance.

For more complex tasks, contact an HVAC company with North American Technician Excellence (NATE) -certified technicians, as these professionals have received the highest level of training.

Why Following the HVAC Maintenance Checklist Is Worth It

Your HVAC’s air conditioning system requires a long list of services, but is it really worth it in the end? Here’s what you can expect when you properly maintain your AC unit.

  • Lower energy costs: A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and uses less energy, meaning you’ll spend less on your monthly utility bills.
  • Fewer big repairs: Regular inspections can catch small issues before they turn into major problems. This helps you avoid unexpected repair costs down the road.
  • Enhanced comfort: A properly maintained AC unit performs at its best, providing consistent, even cooling throughout your home.
  • Longer equipment life: Routine service helps reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner, meaning it will perform longer than equipment that doesn’t receive maintenance. A well-maintained air conditioner can last up to 20 years.
  • Improved air quality: Clean filters and coils mean cleaner air circulating through your home. This can reduce allergens and create a healthier indoor environment for your family.
  • Peace of mind: When you’ve had a professional HVAC technician inspect your system, you can feel confident knowing your AC is ready to perform when you need it most.

When to Call an HVAC Technician

The best time for air conditioning maintenance is in the spring. This gives you plenty of time to resolve any potential issues before the summer heat ramps up.

If you haven’t had your air conditioner serviced in the last 12 months, immediately schedule an appointment – no matter what time of year it is. AC units that are behind on service are high-risk for parts issues and sudden breakdowns. Watch for these red flags.

  • Your AC unit is blowing warm air.
  • Strange noises or smells are coming from the unit.
  • Your AC unit is cycling on and off more than normal.
  • Liquids are pooling near your blower unit.
  • Your air conditioner condenser or evaporator coil has frost or ice on it.
  • Your energy bills have suddenly increased with no change in usage.

A trained HVAC technician can inspect your system, identify any issues, and help you get your air conditioner back to peak performance.

Final Thoughts On HVAC System Maintenance

Remember, keeping up with regular HVAC maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns. It’s about creating the most energy-efficient and comfortable home possible.

You should only need two appointments per year to keep your HVAC in good working order. To ensure it doesn’t slip your mind, set one reminder in the spring to schedule AC service and one reminder in the fall to schedule heating system maintenance.

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