Why Regular Maintenance From An AC Contractor Can Extend The Life Of Your AC Unit

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A functioning air conditioner is essential to maintaining indoor comfort levels in South Florida’s hot and humid climate. Like any other complex appliance, your AC unit requires regular maintenance to perform at its best.

Many factors affect AC functioning and lifespan and to ensure any issues are fixed in a timely manner, homeowners should make sure to schedule routine maintenance and learn the early signs of an AC system failure.

Routine maintenance from a qualified AC contractor will not only extend the air conditioner’s lifespan, but also ensure it operates reliably and efficiently, and prevent minor issues from escalating into major breakdowns and repairs.

Factors That Affect AC Function

Several factors affect how an AC unit operates:

• Environmental conditions – high humidity, dust, debris, and pollution clog filters and coils and reduce the AC’s efficiency
• Usage frequency – Units that are used extensively experience more wear and tear. Units that are used sporadically may degrade prematurely or find that their dormant parts seize up.
• Installation – if not installed correctly, the unit may leak, have incorrect refrigerant levels, and not cool effectively.
• System age – older units are more prone to wear and tear and ultimately breakdowns.
• Maintenance – well-maintained units function properly and last longer. Neglecting regular upkeep and maintenance, allows dirt and minor issues to accumulate, causing the system to malfunction over time.

Signs That Indicate Your AC Unit Is Faulty

Recognizing, and attending to early signs of AC problems can prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. Air conditioning technicians agree that being familiar with the workings of the AC system, and immediately reporting signs of malfunction, could save you major repairs later on.

Signs that your AC unit is starting to malfunction include:

• Inadequate cooling – usually caused by low refrigerant levels, a failing compressor, or dirty coils
• Unusual rattling, buzzing, or squeaking noises – usually indicate a mechanical problem
• Higher than usual energy bills
• The unit turns on and off frequently – a sign that it is struggling to maintain the air temperature.
• Poor airflow – usually indicates blockages, problems with the blower motor, or dirty filters.
• Bad odors or burning smells – often a sign of an electrical issue, but could be from dirty air filters or mold growth.
• Water leaks – a sign of a clogged drain line

Why Regular AC Maintenance Is Important

The main advantage of sticking to a regular AC maintenance schedule is to increase the lifespan of the unit. A well-maintained AC can last 10-15 years, a neglected unit may only last 10 years or less.

Other reasons that maintaining a regular AC maintenance routine is recommended include:

• Improved energy efficiency – Clogged air filters, or dirt and debris on coils and filters, force the AC to work harder to cool the home. Regular maintenance and cleaning will ensure the unit operates efficiently.
• Prevention of costly repairs – Attending to small issues detected during routine maintenance, prevents them from escalating into large, often very costly, repairs.
• Preservation of indoor air quality – Dirty filters and coils circulate dust, mold, and allergens. Inhaling dust, mold, and allergens is a health hazard, and can have serious consequences for people with respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD. Regular AC maintenance ensures these components are cleaned and good quality air is circulated.
• Minimizes breakdowns – During peak seasons, unexpected AC breakdowns are inconvenient and often very costly. Regular AC servicing and maintenance address small issues early, minimizing the chance of breakdowns.
• Warranty Requirements
• Many manufacturers require proof of regular maintenance to honor a warranty claim, Neglecting regular maintenance could void the warranty, leaving you with all repair costs.

What Does AC Maintenance Entail?

To enjoy the full benefits of a well-functioning air conditioner system, a scheduled maintenance routine is advised. A qualified AC technician will typically perform the following tasks when conducting maintenance on your AC system:

Inspection

All the critical components including the compressor, condenser, evaporator coils, and refrigerant lines will be inspected for signs of wear, damage, and leaks.

Cleaning

Cleaning is an essential part of AC maintenance. To prevent unnecessary strain on the AC motor, the technician will clean the dust, dirt, and debris that has accumulated on the unit’s coils, fins, and filters.

Refrigerant Check

Refrigerant levels must be checked to ensure that they comply with the manufacturers’ specifications. Low refrigerant levels compromise the unit’s cooling efficiency.

Thermostat Calibration

To read temperatures accurately and communicate with the system properly, the thermostat must be tested and calibrated regularly.

Electrical Inspection

To prevent malfunctions or safety hazards, the electrical connections and system wiring must be checked for wear and tear or damage.

Lubrication

All moving parts like motors and bearings must be lubricated to minimize friction. Unlubricated, motor parts and bearings produce friction, increasing wear and energy consumption.

Drain Line Maintenance

To prevent clogs that could cause water damage and mold growth, drain lines must be inspected and cleared of condensate.

System Testing

After maintenance and any necessary repairs, the technician will test the system to ensure it is operating efficiently and as intended.

To maximize the benefits of AC maintenance, and extend the units lifespan, AC technicians recommend that homeowners:

• Schedule annual or bi-annual AC maintenance
• Replace filters regularly – depending on usage and environmental conditions, filters may need to be changed every 1 – 3 months.
• Monitor system performance and address any changes promptly
• Reduce strain on the AC by using programmable thermostats
• Ensure proper insulation. Poor insulation and seal leaks reduce the unit efficiency and make the AC work harder.