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Preventative maintenance is essential for keeping your manufacturer warranty intact and improving the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of your cooling system. All HVAC systems should be tune-up annually by a certified HVAC contractor. On average, you can expect to pay around $70-$120 for a professional AC tune-up.
What does AC maintenance include?
The two most basic maintenance items are 1) regularly scheduled filter changes, and 2) condenser & evaporator coil cleaning. Both of these tasks ensure that you are getting proper air flow in your system, allowing the equipment to work as it is designed.
How often should the AC be serviced?
How Often Is AC Service Needed? Though there can be a bit of wiggle room, generally speaking, you should have your air conditioner serviced twice yearly: once in the fall and once in the spring. This is to ensure that it’s clean, that its parts are in good shape and that it’s operating as optimally as possible.
Is it necessary to service AC every year?
It’s recommended that you service your home air conditioning system at least once every year. While it’s always a good idea to do some regular check-ins and cleaning throughout the year to make sure your system is running smoothly, a once-annual air conditioner service appointment is always essential.
How long do AC units typically last?
Modern air conditioners can last between 15-20 years, and older air conditioners last around 10-12 years. The health and efficiency of your A/C depends on a number of factors, including whether or not you properly maintained the unit throughout its lifetime.
What happens if AC is not serviced?
When homeowners question what happens if they don’t have their air conditioners serviced regularly, the first thing they need to know is that their power bills will rise. However, if the AC unit is not well maintained, will have to work harder to achieve the same cooling results, ending up in higher energy costs.
How do I service my outside AC unit?
Use the water hose spray to clean off loose debris (grass, leaves, etc) on the outside unit. Spray the outside unit with the coil cleaner. Wait 10-15 minutes as the cleaner foams and bonds with the dirt on the coils. Rinse the coil cleaner off with the hose.
How often should you clean your outside AC unit?
How Often Should You Clean the Outside Unit of AC System? For most homeowners twice yearly is sufficient, once before the summer season sets in and you’ll be cooling your home, and once during fall before cold temperatures set in and it’s time to switch to heat mode.
What are common problems with air conditioners?
10 Most Common AC Problems You Could Face AC Running Constantly. AC Not Turning On. No Cool Air Flowing. Hot Air Blowing Out. Refrigerant or Water Leaking. Unit Turning On and Off Repeatedly. Condenser Coil Freezing. Air Conditioner Tripping Circuit Breaker Repeatedly.
Are AC tune ups worth it?
Air conditioning tune-ups provide a valuable service to homeowners. They restore much of the AC unit’s lost efficiency and capacity. Additionally, tune-ups improve reliability by catching problems before they lead to failures. However, the energy efficiency improvements rarely cover the cost of an annual tune-up.
What temperature should I set my AC to cool?
Start by setting your thermostat higher than normal when you are away, and at 78 degrees when you are home. That is the Department of Energy’s recommended setting when you need cooling, but want to save energy.
How do I know if my air conditioner needs to be replaced?
5 Common Signs That You Need to Replace Your AC Unit Lack of Cool Air & Limited Airflow. This is probably the most obvious sign that your AC is experiencing issues. Buildup of Moisture. Strange Sounds. Foul Smells. High Energy Bills.
Should I replace my 20 year old air conditioner?
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 20 years, but as these systems age, they tend to get less efficient. If your HVAC is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient unit, such as one that has earned the ENERGY STAR label.
How many hours should AC run per day?
A central AC cools down the entire house. It is more energy-efficient than other types of air conditioners, and thus, you do not need to run it for as many hours as different types of air conditioners. In general, you should run a central AC for about 8 hours per day to keep you comfortable.
Is it OK to use AC without service?
Although the mechanical parts of the AC will work, the cooling power will be lost and then the system will start to sustain serious damages. These damages will result in higher costs of repairing or even replacement of some parts.
Is it OK to run AC all day?
Running your air conditioner all day is generally safe, as in, it probably won’t cause a fire or other disaster in your home. For many, leaving the A/C on all the time may actually be more efficient than turning it off in the morning and turning it back on when you get home from work.
Can I use my AC without service?
Need for Regular AC Servicing Just like any other appliance, an AC undergoes natural wear and tear and requires regular maintenance to deliver optimal functioning. Whether you use the unit throughout the year or just during summers, air filters of the AC accumulate dust, pollen, and other pollutants.
