Like most machines, air conditioner (AC) units need regular maintenance and upkeep. Even if your system is running properly, you may be asking yourself, “How often should air conditioning units be serviced?”
That is a good question, and one with many different answers. Especially if you are not having issues with your system, it can be difficult to know what level of maintenance is smart and what is overkill.
Continue reading below for some tips on how to put in place an AC maintenance plan. It will help you limit potential problems, keep your system running efficiently, and be within your budget.
How Often Should Air Conditioning Units Be Serviced?
There are many reasons to make sure your AC system is not neglected. Keeping it running properly means greater efficiency. This also means it is not working as hard, which will lengthen its life. Efficiency also translates to greater energy savings and a lower utility bill.
Here are three categories of maintenance that you can implement today.
DIY Maintenance
There are a few things you can do without the help of a technician. Changing your AC air filter is one of them.
Clogged filters mean your system has to work harder. And changing them out can go a long way toward keeping the air in your home clean and free of dust. This can even help filter out pet dander and reduce allergies.
A good rule-of-thumb is to change filters every month. But this will depend on the type of filter you have and how often you are using your AC unit.
You can also do some basic cleaning of your external AC unit. It can accumulate leaves and other debris around the sides.
Be sure to turn the unit off at your breaker box. Then remove any materials you find, especially around the intake vents, and wipe the unit down with some soapy water.
One final DIY task is cleaning out condensate drains. Clogged drains keep your unit from removing humidity from the air. Simply run a stiff wire up the drain to remove any debris.
Routine Professional Maintenance
It is worth the effort and money to schedule AC maintenance by a professional about once a year. The technician can clean the air conditioner coils and check refrigerant levels. They can also look for leaky ducts and other potential inefficiencies in the system.
Spring is a good time of year to schedule this. It will ensure that your system is functioning at full capacity going into warmer months. And it will reduce the risk of it breaking down in the middle of a sweltering summer.
If you have a heat pump, you may consider a checkup before the harsh winter months as well.
Consider a Service Plan
Many companies offer service plans for AC maintenance. These allow you to pay a base fee for regular service. And it is a great preventative measure for ensuring that your system continues to function at peak capacity.
Many companies provide free consultations and quotes to service AC units, as well as reasonable service plans. These also eliminate the need for you to remember when to do check-ups on your system.
Read more about the convenience and other advantages of these types of programs here: www.allcaretx.com/hvac-rockwall/
Get Your AC System up to Speed
Now that you know the answer to the question, “How often should air conditioning units be serviced,” and know a sense of what you are able to do yourself, you can make a plan to ensure that your system is running well and is not in danger of breaking down. You will save on energy and prolong the life of your AC unit.
We hope that this information helps you better plan for routine AC unit upkeep. Be certain to check out our other blog posts on home, health, travel, finance, and many other topics.