It’s already June, the first month of summer (although technically summer doesn’t start until the third week of June), and it’s time to get ready for the coming heat.
To ensure your system is ready for the summer heat, it’s important to schedule AC maintenance before outdoor temperatures begin to rise.
“I’m ready,” you might think. “I’ve got a trusty air conditioning system to handle the sweltering months.”
But what if your air conditioning system isn’t as trusty as you think it is? That AC did a lot of work last year through the summer, and now it needs to do all that work again. The way your system was properly installed by a professional can also impact its long-term reliability and maintenance needs. What happens if your air conditioning system breaks down on one of the hottest days of the year? You’ll have to call us for repairs, and although we’re happy to help, we know you’d much rather not have to go through the inconvenience or the discomfort of waiting in a boiling house for help.
The best approach to air conditioning repair in Yakima, WA is to avoid it altogether. There’s one simple step you can take that will make repairs a rarity and ensure your air conditioner functions at its best through the summer: professional preventive maintenance. Regular maintenance can help you save money by reducing energy bills and preventing costly repairs.
In this article, we’ll share practical maintenance tips and essential air conditioner maintenance tips for homeowners to help keep your AC running smoothly all summer long.
Introduction to Air Conditioning
Air conditioning systems have become an essential part of keeping homes and businesses comfortable, especially during the hottest months of the year. An air conditioning system, often referred to as an air conditioner or AC unit, works by removing heat from the indoor air and transferring it outside, leaving your living spaces filled with cool air. This cooling process not only helps maintain a pleasant indoor temperature but also supports a healthier and more enjoyable environment.
To keep your air conditioning system running smoothly and efficiently, regular maintenance is crucial. Without proper care, even the best AC unit can lose its ability to cool effectively, leading to higher energy bills and unexpected breakdowns. By understanding the basics of how your air conditioner works and the importance of routine maintenance, you can ensure your system delivers reliable cooling and comfort all season long.
Essential AC Maintenance Practices
AC maintenance is a proactive approach to handling your cooling system. Each spring, you arrange for HVAC professionals to come to your home and give the AC a thorough inspection and tune-up.
The average AC maintenance cost for professional services typically ranges from $75 to $200, depending on factors such as the type of unit, its age, and the extent of service required. Maintenance cost can also be influenced by the frequency of service and any additional repairs needed. Investing in regular maintenance helps reduce long-term costs by improving the system’s efficiency, preventing major breakdowns, and extending the lifespan of your AC unit.
A professional technician or HVAC technician will perform detailed servicing, including tune-ups and ac service, to ensure the ac system is running at peak performance and maintaining the system’s efficiency. This might seem like luxury, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your home comfort. Annual maintenance will save you money and stress, specifically when it comes to repairs.
Here’s a fact that will put this in perspective: the majority of repairs a cooling system may need during its service life are due to lack of maintenance. That means that with maintenance, you can immediately erase more than 50% of AC repairs from your future. Regular servicing and tune-ups by a professional technician help maintain the ac system and prevent leaks, water damage, and costly repairs. Regular maintenance also helps control overall AC maintenance cost and operational cost by preventing major repairs and improving efficiency. And since most repairs occur in the last years of the system, the chance you’ll run into a problem this summer is low. Not only will you not have to pay for repairs, you won’t have your cooling interrupted or need to deal with the stress of worrying that you may end up with dead AC when you need it the most.
Understanding Your Air Conditioner: Key Components
To get the most out of your air conditioning system, it helps to understand the essential components that keep your home comfortable all summer long. Each part of your air conditioner plays a vital role in delivering cool air and maintaining high indoor air quality, and knowing how they work together can help you appreciate the value of regular air conditioner maintenance. Your system consists of different units, including the indoor and outdoor units, each with specific maintenance needs to ensure optimal performance.
At the heart of your system is the indoor unit, often called the air handler. This part of the air conditioner contains the blower motor and the indoor evaporator coil. As warm air from your home passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside absorbs the heat, cooling the air before the blower motor circulates it back through your living spaces. This process not only keeps your home at the desired temperature but also helps filter out dust and other particles, improving your indoor air quality.
Outside, the condenser unit houses the condenser coil and the compressor. After the refrigerant absorbs heat indoors, it travels through refrigerant lines to the outdoor unit. Here, the compressor pumps the refrigerant through the condenser coil, where the heat is released into the outside air. Maintaining the outdoor ac unit is crucial—regularly cleaning and removing debris from the condenser and compressor components helps ensure optimal performance and efficiency. This cycle allows your air conditioning system to efficiently remove heat from your home, ensuring a steady flow of cool air. The condenser coil is equipped with coil fins, which facilitate heat transfer; keeping these fins straight and clean is important for proper airflow and system efficiency.
Another key component is the air filter, which traps dust, dirt, and debris before they can enter the system. Air conditioner filters play a significant role in maintaining HVAC efficiency and enhancing indoor air quality. A clean air filter is essential for maintaining airflow, protecting the evaporator coil, and keeping your system’s efficiency high. Having a clean filter ensures better airflow, reduces strain on the HVAC system, and prolongs the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. Neglecting the air filter can lead to a dirty filter, which forces your AC to work harder and can result in costly repairs down the line.
To keep all these components running smoothly, annual AC maintenance by a licensed HVAC professional is a must. Regular maintenance ensures that your evaporator coil, condenser coils, air filter, and other parts are clean and in good working order, helping your air conditioner deliver reliable performance and energy efficiency throughout the cooling season. Maintaining condensate drains is also important—ensuring clear access for cleaning helps prevent blockages and water damage, allowing for efficient removal of condensed water from HVAC units. By understanding how your air conditioning system works and investing in professional care, you can enjoy a comfortable home and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Maintenance Tips and Best Practices
Keeping your air conditioner in top shape doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the most important maintenance tips is to regularly check and replace your air filters. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, making your AC unit work harder and increasing your energy costs. Most manufacturers recommend changing air filters every three months, but you may need to do it more often if you have pets or allergies.
Another key practice is to keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of debris, leaves, and overgrown plants. This helps maintain proper airflow and prevents the unit from overheating or becoming damaged. It’s also wise to schedule annual AC maintenance with a licensed HVAC professional. During these visits, a technician will inspect your system, clean essential components, and catch any small issues before they turn into costly repairs. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your air conditioner and keep your home cool and comfortable all summer.
DIY Maintenance Tasks for Air Conditioners
While some aspects of air conditioner maintenance are best left to a licensed HVAC professional, there are several easy tasks you can handle yourself to keep your system running efficiently. Start by cleaning or replacing your air filters regularly—this simple step can make a big difference in your AC’s performance. If your filters are reusable, rinse them gently with a garden hose and let them dry completely before reinstalling.
It’s also a good idea to check the condensate drain for any blockages. A clogged drain can lead to water damage and reduce your system’s efficiency. Make sure the outdoor unit is level and free from debris, as this helps maintain proper refrigerant levels and ensures optimal performance. By taking care of these basic maintenance tasks, you can help your air conditioner deliver reliable cooling and avoid unnecessary breakdowns.
Reducing Maintenance Costs with Air Filters
Air filters are a small but mighty part of your air conditioner, playing a key role in both efficiency and indoor air quality. When air filters become clogged with dust and debris, your system has to work harder, which can drive up energy costs and shorten the lifespan of your AC. Replacing air filters regularly is one of the easiest ways to reduce maintenance costs and keep your air conditioner running smoothly.
For the best results, choose high-quality air filters with a high MERV rating to capture more particles and improve air quality in your home. Cleaning reusable filters on a regular basis can also help extend their life and reduce the need for frequent replacements. By staying on top of air filter maintenance, you’ll enjoy better performance from your air conditioner and save money on repairs and energy bills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Air Conditioner Maintenance
Proper air conditioner maintenance is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable, but there are a few common mistakes that can lead to bigger problems down the road. One of the most frequent errors is forgetting to change air filters regularly. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, reduce cooling performance, and increase energy costs. Another mistake is neglecting to check the condensate drain, which can result in water damage and even mold growth if left unchecked.
Skipping annual AC maintenance with a licensed HVAC professional is another pitfall. Without a professional inspection, small issues can go unnoticed and turn into costly repairs later on. By avoiding these common mistakes and staying proactive with your maintenance routine, you can ensure your air conditioner delivers cool air efficiently and reliably throughout the season.
Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance
AC maintenance does much more than help you avoid repairs. It offers long-term benefits that make it an even better investment:
- It increases the service life of the air conditioner. Without maintenance, your AC may fail after only 8 years rather than making it to 15.
- It helps the AC retain its energy efficiency so that it doesn’t drain more power and unnecessarily raise your utility bills.
- It keeps the manufacturer’s warranty valid so you’ll have this important consumer protection covering repairs.
ThermAll’s Comprehensive AC Maintenance Plan
At ThermAll, we make maintenance even easier with Kevin’s Club Maintenance Membership. As part of this club, you’ll receive both air conditioning maintenance and heating maintenance (which is done in fall), as well as special membership benefits:
- 20% discount on repairs for your HVAC system
- Priority emergency service
- Maintains factory warranty
- Lifetime warranty on repairs
You can also choose the Electrical Add-On to your Kevin’s Club membership and receive an annual electrical safety inspection.
Call ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc: We are “Your Home Comfort Hero!”