It’s a good idea to have it inspected, serviced and cleaned once a year — ideally in the spring — to ensure it operates at peak energy efficiency and is ready to cool your house during the months you need it most.
As your HVAC system runs, it accumulates dust and dirt in key areas that affect its efficiency, like the condensing coils and air filters. Left unchecked, your A/C system can lose 5 percent of its operating efficiency each year because of this buildup, meaning it can’t cool your house as capably as it could if it were clean.
Why should I get my A/C inspected?
Inspections pay for themselves through improved energy efficiency, which saves money on utility bills, and a longer-lasting air conditioning unit. A yearly maintenance check by a licensed HVAC expert can help reduce your monthly energy bill by up to 15 percent and help prevent earlier-than-normal breakdowns.
Replacing your air conditioner, by contrast, will cost several thousand dollars. Even small repairs can run several hundred dollars. A qualified technician can often find and address small problems with A/C units through a regular inspection that, left unnoticed, could grow into larger, more expensive issues.
An air conditioning maintenance inspection should include checking the motor, blower, drain line, coils, operating pressures and temperatures, the return and supply lines, refrigerant levels, and connections.
How Does Your Heating and Air Conditioning System Work?
If you hire an HVAC company, make sure its technicians are licensed to perform HVAC work and that the company carries workers’ compensation and liability insurance. The Coolest LLC can help you address your air conditioning needs while keeping safety and service quality in mind. Proper credentials and insurance help protect you if an injury or property damage occurs during the work.
If your A/C system seems to be working properly but a technician recommends expensive repairs or a full unit replacement, consider getting a second opinion from other HVAC companies before authorizing the work. With proper maintenance, most air conditioners can last around 15 years.