Many people ask if regular AC maintenance is really necessary. After all, many home services add up in price, and in today’s economy, every prudent homeowner is careful to cut costs wherever possible. Though you may be tempted to skip this year’s annual maintenance service, we are here to discuss the consequences of doing so. Read on to learn why neglecting maintenance is strongly discouraged by air conditioning technicians.
Is it Necessary to Service the AC Every Year?
Annual AC service is necessary to ensure that the system operates in its most optimal condition. In addition to the annual maintenance, there are also other necessary tasks that must be completed throughout the year, like changing the air filters and ensuring that the unit and its many parts are clean. Below, we outline some consequences of skipping out on annual AC maintenance.
Increased Energy Bills
High energy bills are among the highest prices you can pay for neglecting these services. When the AC unit is not working properly, it requires more energy than required to cool the home. A tune up provided by a local technician ensures that all of the parts are in their correct spot, lubricated, and functioning appropriately. Only at that point will the AC use minimal energy, keeping the energy bills minimal.
Reduced System Efficiency
The lack of maintenance often causes the AC to work harder than it should. As a result, it will take longer for your home to reach the desired temperatures. Not only does this impact your energy bills, but it will also wear out the unit quicker than necessary.
High Repair Costs
Regular maintenance allows air conditioning technicians the opportunity to find and repair minor issues. Any minor issue can grow into a bigger problem that will result in an expensive repair service. Your air conditioning unit will work with minimal need for repairs when serviced at least once a year by a qualified AC technician.
Reduced Lifespan of the AC System
As we previously mentioned, reduced unit efficiency wears out the parts of the AC quicker than usual. In the end, saving on the cost of annual maintenance will end up with you having to pay for a new AC unit. For this reason alone, we strongly discourage you from canceling your annual AC service.
Additional Questions Answered about AC Maintenance
Now that we know the great price one could pay for missing out on regular AC maintenance, we will answer some of the most common questions we get about this service.
What is Included in a Routine AC Maintenance?
An AC maintenance service is a thorough inspection that verifies the unit’s condition. When your technician arrives at your home, you can expect them to take the following steps:
- Clean the condenser coils
- Our technicians will help replace the filter
- Check and adjust the refrigerant levels
- Check and clean the evaporator coil
- Check and tighten electrical connections
- Check and test the thermostat
After the completion of this service, your technician will provide you with a summary that explains the state of your AC. They will also make any recommendations for any needed repairs and may even perform them, if the circumstances permit.
How Often Should AC Filters Be Changed?
Air filters must be changed every six to eight weeks. This is a necessary maintenance step that must be carried out to ensure the indoor air quality of your home and the efficiency of your AC unit.
If your home has a higher number of occupants, numerous pets, or a higher frequency of AC usage, you may need to replace your filters more often. We suggest consulting your AC technician during that annual service to understand how often you should check and replace your AC filters.
Schedule Your Annual AC Maintenance Today!
Is your air conditioning unit ready for a new, hot summer season? Call us today to schedule your AC maintenance visit. Contact us at (719) 204-1809.
