The Importance of Air Conditioner Maintenance
Your air conditioner works hard to keep your Florida home comfortable all year. Do you give it the attention it needs to continue working reliably year after year? Like getting routine oil changes for your car, maintaining your air conditioner regularly is the key to efficient, dependable performance. Learn the importance of air conditioning system tune-ups, how to maintain your AC unit yourself, and reasons to hire a professional for yearly inspections.
Benefits of Air Conditioner Maintenance
Planned maintenance visits take a little time and effort, but they are well worth it. Here are the many benefits of yearly AC tune-ups:
- Save energy: Electricity rates keep climbing, but you can lower your cooling costs with regular maintenance. After all, a clean, lubricated, properly charged air conditioner runs more efficiently than a neglected one.
- Boost home comfort: Your air conditioner operates at its peak when you prioritize routine tune-ups, helping it keep up with demand on the hottest summer days. Other home comfort benefits include strong airflow, comfortable humidity, and consistent temperatures from room to room.
- Prevent breakdowns: Air conditioner problems often develop slowly. For instance, a fraying fan belt may take a few months to completely snap. An inspection from a knowledgeable technician is the perfect chance to catch and repair such problems early before they escalate into a more expensive repair.
- Extend your equipment’s lifespan: Your air conditioner should last at least 10 to 15 years. Regular tune-ups promote season after season of uninterrupted performance for a longer-than-average lifespan, saving you on premature replacement costs.
- Improve indoor air quality: Replacing the filter, patching ductwork leaks, and cleaning internal AC components keep the indoor air fresh. Everyone wants to breathe easier, but this benefit of AC maintenance is especially impactful for people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.
- Increase safety: With a technician testing your HVAC system once a year and correcting any problems they find, you can feel confident that your equipment is operating safely.
DIY AC Maintenance Tips
It’s important to leave formal AC maintenance tasks to a licensed technician. Even so, here are the steps you can take to care for your HVAC system between annual tune-ups:
- Change the air filter: Check the AC filter once a month and change it when it becomes clogged with dust, hair, and other debris. Basic filters only last one to three months, but higher-end versions may stay in place for a year or more without compromising performance.
- Tidy up around the outdoor unit: The condensing unit sitting outside your home exhausts hot air. Any obstructions could impede the heat exchange process, making your AC work harder than necessary. To prevent this, gently hose down the outdoor unit as needed and keep nearby bushes trimmed at least 24 inches back.
- Open all air registers: Your air conditioner functions at its peak when the airflow in and out of the system remains balanced. If too many vents are closed or blocked, the imbalance could cause problems and cause premature failures on the system. As a rule, close no more than one-sixth of your supply registers and make sure all return registers are unblocked by furniture, curtains, and rugs.
- Adjust the thermostat: Choose a setting that keeps you comfortable when you dress for the season. Then, set the temperature back as you leave home for the day and go to sleep at night. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to incorporate these energy-saving setbacks without sacrificing comfort.
Prioritize Professional AC Maintenance
Professional AC service involves much more than the simple DIY steps outlined above. Due to the complexity of home cooling systems, it’s best to hire a qualified technician with access to the proper tools, experience, and know-how.
A Signature 24 Point Tune-Up from Certified Climate Control includes the following services:
- Check the refrigerant charge.
- Inspect and clean the condenser coil.
- Check and tighten all low-voltage electrical connections.
- Inspect the relays for wear and tear.
- Clean the drain line and condensate pump.
- Check the home for proper air pressure balance.
- Check the temperature for proper cooling and heating.
- Inspect the capacitors.
- Check the heat amperage and operation.
- Inspect and change the filter (if the customer provides a replacement).
- Check the airflow.
- Inspect the service valves for visible leaks.
- Inspect the evaporator coil for restrictions and cleanliness.
- Inspect the blower wheel for balance and cleanliness.
- Check the fan motor amp draw.
- Check the thermostat for accuracy and calibrate it if needed.
- Inspect the ductwork for leaks or damage.
- Check and tighten all high-voltage electrical connections.
- Check for attic insulation and inform the homeowner of any deficiency.
- Inspect the air handler for bio-contaminants.
- Inspect the circuit board for corrosion and proper operation.
- Ensure all fan blades are secure.
- Check the safety controls.
- Check the compressor amp draw and operation.
Consider an HVAC Maintenance Plan
The purpose of an HVAC maintenance plan is to help you keep up with regularly scheduled heating and cooling tune-ups. Certified Climate Control offers a yearly service program called the Certified Protection Plan. Sign up for just $14.95 per month per system to enjoy the following benefits:
- Two Signature 24 Point Tune-Ups per year
- 10% discount on parts, services, and accessories
- $100 system replacement credit for each consecutive year you remain a member, up to $1000
- Discounted after-hours emergency service
- Priority service
- Antimicrobial spray with every tune-up
Keep in mind that your air conditioner benefits the most from a springtime tune-up before the weather heats up. When you prioritize this service, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing that your air conditioner is tuned up and ready for another Florida summer. Remember to also maintain your heating system in the fall to prepare it for winter.
Schedule Air Conditioner Maintenance in Orlando or Orange City, FL
If it’s time for your next AC maintenance visit, turn to Certified Climate Control for the job. Our friendly, knowledgeable technicians will maintain your air conditioner to prevent problems and conduct repairs as needed. Our team is also trained to perform professional AC installation when the time comes to upgrade your system. To schedule services, please contact us at if you live in Orange or Seminole County, or call if you’re a Volusia County resident.
