Looking for a way to keep your AC unit in top shape?
When it comes to their air conditioner, most homeowners take a “set it and forget it” approach. They turn on the AC, enjoy the comfort, and assume the system will run itself. But here’s the problem…
That couldn’t be further from the truth. If you want to keep your system running strong for years, it takes a little effort and a whole lot of maintenance. Unfortunately, most people skimp on AC care.
And that is the biggest mistake you can make.
Eighty-nine percent of American households have air conditioning in their home. That means the majority of Americans rely on their air conditioner to function when they need it most. But without regular maintenance and care, even the most reliable air conditioner will fail when the mercury rises. What’s more, even small issues add up to serious money loss.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. With proper AC maintenance and care and quality air conditioning services, you can avoid expensive repairs, lower energy bills, and even add years to your system’s life. Professional air conditioning services make it easy to keep your system in top shape and find small problems before they turn into big ones.
In this ultimate air conditioning maintenance guide, we’ll cover:
- Why you should care about AC maintenance
- Essential AC maintenance tasks
- Warning signs you need a professional
- Things you can do to maintain your own system
- When you need professional maintenance
Ready to get started?
Why Air Conditioning Maintenance Matters
Your AC works hard. During the summer, it might be running for hours each day cooling your entire home. All that work takes its toll.
Eventually, parts wear out, filters clog, and efficiency plummets. And, before you know it, you need an expensive repair and are left wondering where you went wrong.
But that’s not all. Maintenance affects more than just repair bills. An inefficient air conditioner also increases your monthly energy bills. Improperly maintained AC systems lose up to 30% of their efficiency. That’s $500 a year or more down the drain.
AC maintenance is easy. Change filters, keep things clean, and call in a professional twice per year. If you do that, your air conditioner will reward you with long life and low energy bills.
Essential Air Conditioning Maintenance Tasks
Want your AC unit to run like new year after year? Then it’s essential to perform some simple maintenance tasks. Here are the best tasks that make a big difference.
Change Your Filters
Air filters are one of the easiest things you can change yourself. They also one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do.
Dirty filters force your air conditioner to work harder. They reduce airflow, efficiency, and can even cause your unit to freeze up. So what should you do?
Simple. Change them! Regular filter changes help your air conditioner run more efficiently. How often?
Every 1-3 months depending on usage. If you have pets or allergies in your home, change them monthly.
Keep Outdoor Unit Clean
Your outdoor condenser needs room to breathe. Leaves, dirt, and other debris around your outdoor unit impact performance.
Here’s what you should be doing:
- Keep your outdoor unit clear of debris
- Trim back shrubs and plants at least 2 feet away
- Spray down the unit with a hose to remove dirt
- Never cover your outdoor unit while in use
An outdoor unit free of debris will run more efficiently and last much longer. And it really is that simple.
Schedule Tune-Ups
Professional maintenance from a licensed HVAC contractor is also essential for a long-running air conditioner. Trained technicians can catch issues you won’t spot yourself.
Professional tune-ups include checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, coil cleaning, and more. Experts recommend twice per year, one in the spring and one in the fall.
How much does it cost? An annual maintenance cost averages about $200. But it can pay for itself by preventing major repairs.
How Often Should You Give Your AC Maintenance?
Got a question a lot of homeowners ask…
Different air conditioner maintenance tasks have different frequencies. Here’s the ideal schedule:
- Monthly: Filter changes, visual inspection of outdoor unit
- Seasonal: Deep clean of outdoor unit, professional tune-up, test system performance
- Yearly: Professional inspection/maintenance, refrigerant check, electrical system check
Following a simple schedule like this one will help you keep your system running at peak performance year-round. Miss these steps, and you’ll risk major problems down the road.
Warning Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Maintenance
Sometimes your air conditioner will give you signs it needs a little help. If you see these warning signs, it’s time to take action.
Strange Noises. Grinding, squealing, or banging from inside your unit mean something is amiss. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen.
- High Energy Bills. Spikes in your energy bill without explanation usually mean your system is working harder than it needs to.
- Temperature Variances. Rooms that are hotter or colder than others are a sign of duct issues or a failing system.
- Water Around Indoor Unit. Moisture or leaks around the indoor portion of your air conditioner needs immediate attention.
Call a pro if you notice any of these warning signs. Small issues become major repair jobs if you let them linger.
The True Cost of Skipping Maintenance
Think skipping maintenance saves money? Think again.
Neglecting AC maintenance might feel like it saves you money. But it costs you money, time, and energy in the long run. Here’s how:
- Higher Energy Bills. A poorly maintained air conditioner works much harder to do the same job. Energy-efficient air conditioning saves homeowners $500 annually compared to inefficient AC.
- Shorter AC Life Span. An air conditioner with regular maintenance will last 15-20 years. Neglect it, and you might only squeeze out 10 years.
- Expensive Repairs. Air conditioner repairs can cost thousands. Spending $200 on annual tune-ups beats $2,000 on an emergency compressor replacement every time.
Easy Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself
Not all AC maintenance requires a professional. In fact, you can do several simple tasks on your own.
Clear the area around your indoor and outdoor units. Good airflow is important to efficiency.
Regularly clean your vents and registers. Dust and other debris build-up restrict airflow and slow your system down.
Check your thermostat settings. Simple issues like this are often the problem.
Listen for odd sounds during operation. Unusual noises are your system’s way of telling you something is wrong.
DIY Maintenance Is Important, But It Isn’t Free
Easy maintenance tasks you can do at home are important for AC health. But don’t think this replaces the need for professional air conditioning services.
Professional maintenance twice per year keeps your system working at its best. But by performing some of these easy tasks on your own, you can catch small problems early and keep your air conditioner running efficiently.
When To Call In A Professional
At some point, you’ll have to trust a professional to maintain your system. Here are some maintenance tasks and problems you can’t handle on your own.
- Refrigerant Issues. Dealing with refrigerant is a specialized task that only certified technicians should perform.
- Electrical Problems. Don’t try to fix wiring or electrical connections on your own.
- Odd Noises. Strange sounds coming from your system usually mean something is loose or broken.
- Completely Failed System. When your air conditioner won’t work at all, you need a pro to diagnose the problem.
Final Thoughts
Air conditioning maintenance and care isn’t optional. It’s a necessity. Regular care keeps your system running more efficiently, saves you money on energy bills, and avoids emergency repairs.
Change those filters, keep things clean, and schedule professional air conditioning service twice a year. If you do that, you’ll get many years of reliable comfort from your air conditioner. Ignore it, and prepare for expensive repairs.
Your air conditioner works hard to keep you comfortable. Return the favor with a little maintenance and care.
