Why Is Regular AC Maintenance So Important?
TL;DR: Regular AC maintenance is crucial for efficiency, longevity, and air quality. It prevents minor issues from escalating, saves on energy bills, and avoids costly repairs or replacements. Annual check-ups, preferably before the cooling season, are recommended. Maintenance includes cleaning, inspecting, adjusting, and replacing worn-out parts, best done by professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness. Gee Heating and Air in Flowery Branch, GA offers expert AC maintenance services for optimal performance and comfort.
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a sweltering Georgia summer day with a broken AC? It’s not something you want to happen very often. You can prevent it from happening just by maintaining your AC system, which includes setting an upkeep schedule and having someone check it now and then.
But why is regular AC maintenance so important? Regular upkeep of your AC ensures it stays efficient and lasts longer. It also helps to keep your home’s air quality up to par, which is a must for those with allergies or asthma. By taking care of your AC, you’re taking care of your comfort, wallet, and health. So, let’s see why regular AC maintenance is a habit you should get into.
Why You Need to Maintain Your AC
Regular AC maintenance can catch any minor problem before it escalates and ruins your system. You might not think of it this way, but your AC system works hard for you, especially during the hot summer months in Georgia. To keep working well, you must maintain it regularly. Here’s more on the benefits of regular AC maintenance:
Longer Lifespan
A central AC unit typically lasts for about 15-20 years. If you want it to reach and even surpass this estimate, you have to ensure it has regular upkeep, or it can lead to problems like:
- Clogged-up filters: The AC filters catch dust, dirt, and allergens, keeping the indoor air clean. When these filters get clogged up, your AC has to work harder to push air through, which can lead to overheating and eventual breakdown.
- Corroded condenser coils: These components are responsible for gathering the heat from your house and releasing it outside. Over time, the coils can rust due to weather exposure. Any sign of rust can make your AC run less efficiently, forcing it to work harder and wear out sooner.
- The system could lose the refrigerant charge: The refrigerant cools the air from your vents. If your AC system has an inefficient refrigerant charge, it won’t be able to cool your home efficiently. That could be due to a leak or other problem that a regular maintenance check could identify and fix.
These issues can cause your system to run less efficiently or even break down entirely, and you’ll have to pay $2,500–$8,000 for installing a new AC. Keeping your system in good condition can prolong its life and avoid expensive repairs and replacements.
Energy Efficiency
Regular maintenance also keeps your AC running efficiently. An efficiently running AC cools your home while using less energy. More efficient AC systems use 30%-50% less electricity to cool down your home at the same rate. Without regular maintenance, your system’s efficiency can decrease substantially. A less efficient system also doesn’t cool your home as effectively, which can make those hot summer days even more uncomfortable. But with proper maintenance, you can at least ensure that your energy bills are not sky high.
How Often Should You Maintain Your AC?
Regarding the frequency of AC maintenance, the most common recommendation is to do a checkup at least once a year. But, the frequency can depend on various factors such as the age of the AC and how much you use it. If your AC runs all day, every day, or it’s an older model, twice a year would be a good idea.
It would be best to get your AC checked before the start of the cooling season, like in spring or early summer. That ensures that your AC is in top shape to cool your home during the hot months. Mid-summer or early fall are also good times for a checkup.
It’s better late than never because an unchecked AC can lead to unexpected breakdowns, leaving you sweating in the summer heat. The goal of regular checkups is to prevent issues, not to wait until you have a problem. Even if your AC seems to be working well, don’t skip the annual maintenance.
What Does Regular AC Maintenance Include?
The regular maintenance of your AC unit includes a series of standardized procedures that keep it running smoothly while preventing potential issues from escalating. Even if you feel like you’re handy around the house, this task must be done by an HVAC specialist who knows what to do and check.
Cleaning
Your AC unit can get dusty and collect debris over time. During a routine maintenance check, an AC technician will meticulously clean various components of your unit. That includes the condenser coils, evaporator coils, filters, and other essential parts. That way, they can ensure your AC unit is free from any gunk that can hamper its performance.
Inspecting and Adjusting Parts
Even the slightest misalignment or loose component can significantly affect the performance of your AC unit. During this procedure, the technician will inspect every part of your AC unit, from the thermostat to the fan motor. They will tighten loose components, adjust out-of-place parts, and calibrate your thermostat if necessary.
Replacing Worn-out Pieces
Over time, certain parts of your AC unit, such as the filters or the belts, can wear out. That can lead to an inefficient AC at first, while possibly also leading to a complete AC breakdown. A professional AC technician will be able to tell which parts need to be removed, while also installing the new ones. Your AC unit will continue working smoothly and efficiently, saving you from unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Why You Should Hire A Professional To Maintain Your AC
Having a professional maintain your AC can save you a lot of stress and money. These people know what they are doing, so they will prevent damage to your AC and ensure it is working to the best of its ability. Moreover, due to their extensive training and experience in the field, they will be able to quickly solve your issues with the AC.
An AC that’s not maintained correctly has to work harder to cool your home, using more energy and driving up your bills. A professional can clean and tune your system to run smoothly and efficiently, keeping your home cool without breaking the bank.
Also, AC units have electrical components, and you risk placing yourself in danger if you’re not sure what you’re doing. A professional knows how to work with these safely, reducing the risk of injury or damage to your home. So, while it might seem like an extra expense, hiring a professional for your AC maintenance is an investment. It can save you money, keep your home comfortable, and give you peace of mind.
Schedule Regular Maintenance in Flowery Branch, GA
All of the reasons mentioned above explain exactly why is regular AC maintenance so important. Remember – regular maintenance keeps your system running smoothly, reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, and helps increase the unit’s longevity. You’ll even see better energy efficiency, which means lower utility bills. A small investment in upkeep can pay off big time in the future.
So why wait? Call the experts at Gee Heating and Air in Flowery Branch, Georgia, and we will give your AC system a good once over. Our company has over 30 years of experience in the HVAC field, and our technicians can help you maintain, repair, or even replace your AC system.
Book an appointment right now and get your free estimate for your AC needs!
FAQ’s
How often should I schedule maintenance for my AC unit?
It’s generally recommended to schedule AC maintenance at least once a year. However, factors such as the age of your unit and its usage can influence the frequency. Gee Heating and Air in Flowery Branch, GA suggests bi-annual check-ups, especially for older or heavily-used systems, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
What does AC maintenance entail?
AC maintenance involves a comprehensive series of tasks to keep your unit running smoothly. Gee Heating and Air technicians clean essential components, inspect and adjust parts for proper alignment, and replace worn-out pieces as needed. This thorough approach ensures efficiency and prevents unexpected breakdowns.
Why should I hire a professional for AC maintenance?
Hiring a professional like Gee Heating and Air for AC maintenance offers numerous benefits. Our experienced technicians possess the expertise to spot potential issues early, saving you from costly repairs down the line. Additionally, they ensure safety when working with electrical components, optimizing your system’s performance and longevity.
How does regular AC maintenance save money in the long run?
Regular AC maintenance is a wise investment that pays off over time. By keeping your system clean and well-tuned, Gee Heating and Air helps it operate efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. Moreover, proactive maintenance prevents major malfunctions, sparing you from expensive repairs or premature replacements.
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