How Often Should You Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced?

Summary

The right time to schedule HVAC maintenance isn't just when your heating or cooling system is malfunctioning or experiencing noticeable issues. Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance and efficiency, even if the AC appears to be functioning fine. Some people may overlook maintenance if their AC is cooling adequately, assuming that everything is in good working order. However, neglecting maintenance can result in significant (and costly!) problems.

If you haven't had your air conditioning system serviced in the last 6 months, it’s a good idea to schedule a maintenance appointment today! 

Contents

• What Are Signs That My AC System Needs a Tune-Up?
• What Are Benefits of Air Conditioning Maintenance?
• When Should I Schedule AC Maintenance Service?
• Should I Repair or Replace My AC Unit?
• What Are Some Tips for Maintaining My Air Conditioning System?

What Are Signs That My AC System Needs a Tune-Up?

Recognizing the signs that your air conditioning system requires attention is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and efficiency, especially during the sweltering summer months. It can also help you address issues promptly and avoid costly repairs and electrical bills. Here are several telltale signs that suggest it's time for a tune-up:

• Decreased Cooling Efficiency: If you notice that your home isn't cooling as effectively as it used to, or if certain rooms are consistently warmer than others, it could indicate that your AC system needs attention.
• Increased Energy Bills: A sudden spike in your energy bills without a corresponding increase in usage could be a sign that your AC system is working harder than necessary due to inefficiencies.
• Strange Noises: Unusual noises such as grinding, squealing, banging, or rattling coming from your AC unit could indicate mechanical problems that need to be addressed.
• Weak Airflow: If you feel that the airflow from your vents is weaker than usual, it might indicate issues with the fan or ductwork that require attention.
• Frequent Cycling: If your AC system is turning on and off frequently, it could be a sign of an underlying issue such as a malfunctioning thermostat or improper refrigerant levels.
• Leaking or Moisture Around the Unit: Moisture or leakage around your AC unit could indicate problems with the refrigerant or drainage system.
• Strange Odors: Unpleasant odors emanating from your vents when the AC is running could be a sign of mold, mildew, or other contaminants in the system.
• Visible Damage or Wear: Inspect your AC unit for any visible signs of damage, corrosion, or wear and tear, as these could indicate that it's time for a tune-up.
• Old Age: If your AC system is older and hasn't been serviced in a while, it's a good idea to schedule a tune-up to ensure it continues to operate efficiently.

Hiring a highly-trained specialist to perform AC maintenance is crucial for identifying any potential issues before they escalate into major problems. Your HVAC technician will clean, inspect, and perform the necessary tests to ensure that your system is running smoothly, efficiently, and reliably.

What Are Benefits of Air Conditioning Maintenance?

You know you should schedule air conditioning maintenance, but do you know why? With routine tune-ups, here are some benefits you will enjoy:

• Lower Energy Costs: With regular maintenance, your HVAC system will be able to operate more efficiently. It won’t need to run as hard to cool (or heat) your home, cutting down on the total amount of time the system is running each day. When a system runs less, less energy is consumed. This can translate into noticeable savings on your monthly energy bills.
• Prevent Expensive Future Repairs: Expert HVAC technicians have a lot of training and experience with various systems. As they provide routine maintenance, they’ll also inspect your system it to identify minor problems. Addressing small repairs — such as cracked heat exchangers or blown fuses — can prevent these issues from turning into more extensive repairs in the future. Scheduling regular tune-ups for your HVAC system can reduce the risk of suffering from an expensive breakdown by up to 95%.
• Reliable Performance and Improved Comfort: Since regular maintenance can address small issues before they escalate, it can also help ensure that your system will continue operating as it should. Maintenance can help your system more evenly distribute cool (or warm) air throughout your home. This can regulate your home’s temperature and keep your household more comfortable throughout the year.
• Increase Lifespan: HVAC systems typically last between 10 and 25 years. Keeping up with regular maintenance for your HVAC system will increase the chances that it will continue working for closer to 25 years, rather than just 10 years. Think of HVAC maintenance as equally important as seeing your doctor for regular physicals or scheduling regular oil changes for your car.
• Maintain Your Warranty: If your new system is still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, a repair claim may be denied if you can’t prove that you’ve had your system regularly maintained. HVAC checkups are essential to the proper functioning of the units, and many manufacturers include a clause in their warranty stating that it will be void if the unit is not maintained by a professional. The amount you’ll pay for a tune-up will be worth it if your unit experiences an unexpected and expensive failure while under warranty.
• Improve Air Quality: Tune-ups can also limit the amount of dust, pet dander, or other allergens in your home’s air. Keeping your unit well-maintained and changing the air filter regularly can help catch more of these particles.
• Safety: The certified technician performing maintenance may also prevent something potentially dangerous from happening in your home. For example, HVAC units can sometimes leak carbon monoxide. Part of your HVAC checkup will include checking for any leaks or potential leaks.
• Environmentally Friendly: Deciding to schedule regular HVAC checkups is also an environmentally friendly option. HVAC systems require less fuel and operate more efficiently when they are well-maintained. In addition to the savings on your utility bill, using less energy is better for the planet.

When Should I Schedule AC Maintenance Service?

You should aim to schedule an air conditioner service once a year. Spring to early summer is usually the best time for air conditioner maintenance. The technician will be able to catch and fix any problems before the hottest months of the year. If you wait too long, you could be sweating while you wait for any issues to be fixed or for parts to be ordered.

During the service, you can expect our specialists to clean, remove debris, and check each part of your air conditioner inside and out to detect any possible issues. If we find anything, we will let you know as soon as possible the cost of the repair.

Biannual HVAC maintenance is included with Team Enoch Memberships!
Learn more today!

Should I Repair or Replace My AC Unit?

If a technician found something needing to be fixed during your regular maintenance, you may be asking: does my air conditioner need to be repaired or replaced? There are 2 follow-up questions you’ll want to ask yourself.

The first question is: how old is my air conditioner? Well-maintained units typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years. If your air conditioner is older it might be more cost-effective to have a new AC unit installed. 

The second question is: how much will the repairs cost? A general rule to follow is if the repairs cost more than a new air conditioning system, it might be best to replace it. 

Scheduling regular maintenance checks will help avoid the need for replacing your air conditioner too soon. A detailed service will catch any issues that need fixing.

What Are Some Tips for Maintaining My Air Conditioning System?

Along with regularly scheduled maintenance, there are other things you can do to extend the life of your air conditioner.

FILTER REPLACEMENT

Changing your air filters about every 3 months can help your system run more efficiently and improve the indoor air quality of your home. A clean air filter is a good way to ensure your unit isn’t overworking itself to try and fight through the dust build-up. 

For more information, check out our blog post on the benefits of changing your air filter!

REGULAR CLEANING

In between each air conditioner service you can check your AC coils and compressor to see if they need a cleaning.

The coils are an essential part of air conditioning your home as they remove heat from the AC system to the outside air. Cleaning the coils can usually be done with a garden hose and a few products you can find at your local hardware store. 

Checking to see if the compressor is free of leaves and debris both inside and out will allow for proper airflow and efficiency. 

Team Enoch: Expert Air Conditioning Services and More

If you can't remember the last time you had HVAC maintenance, scheduling a tune-up with Team Enoch should be at the top of your to-do list. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and prolongs your air conditioning system’s life, saving you money in the long run. Make sure your AC unit is working to the best of its ability before summer heat arrives. Whether you have central or ductless air conditioning, it is important to make sure little issues don’t turn into bigger, more expensive problems in the future.

Our highly trained HVAC technicians are ready to assist with any air conditioning repairs or HVAC services you may need. We serve residential and commercial customers in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and other nearby communities. Give Team Enoch a call today if you have any questions about our services!