Professional AC Tune Up Services
You should be concerned about it when your AC unit starts making noise, or if it is not cooling your home according to your expectations during the summer heat. Before you start shopping for a new air conditioning unit, think about getting a tune-up first. Sometimes, all it takes is a little maintenance to have it running like new again. A professional will be able to inspect the unit and its various parts and pieces and help figure out the problem.
Typically AC units will last about 10 years before you need to replace them and it’s recommended to have them serviced once a year to keep them running. If your AC unit has some years left before the ten year mark, then it may be wiser to have it repaired by an AC professional over replacing it already.
Why is an AC tune up necessary?
The entire air conditioner as a unit, in addition to the HVAC system, contains all sorts of intricate and delicate parts. Over the years wear and tear are guaranteed to take place. This is very normal for air conditioners which are being used over the years. Rather than expecting an issue to emerge, and going without the consolation of AC for some days or weeks until it gets fixed, it’s best to let the expert check it once a year.
During the inspection they will:
- recalibrate the thermostat if needed
- clean or replace the air filter
- search for any leaks or cracks
- clean and straighten the coils and coil fins
- clear the space in and around the unit from dirt and debris
- remedy any safety hazards
- check the refrigerant levels
All of these tune-up steps help to make your AC unit last longer and keep it running with fewer issues. For an air conditioner to work at it’s best, it needs proper and regular care, just like a vehicle. In the absence of a regular tuning up, energy charges may increase due to lower system efficiency, inconsistent house temperatures and/or bigger problems due to neglect.
People don’t usually notice an issue until they turn on their device for the first time in the season because air conditioners are mostly used only for a couple of months of the year. That’s why it’s important to schedule an annual inspection of your AC system before the weather gets too warm. Not only can faulty air conditioning make life frustrating and uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous for certain people.
Do I need a tune-up or a total replacement?
If you are unfamiliar with air conditioners, you might not be able to tell when your unit has reached the end of the road or only needs some maintenance. If you can’t figure out whether your device is broken for good, an expert in AC units can help you a lot. Below you will find the list that can help you know immediately if it needs a tune-up or a replacement.
Thermostat isn’t working
What might seem to be a problem with your air conditioning may turn out to be an issue with the thermostat instead, typically with the wiring or calibration of the device. A professional can help figure out what you need and recalibrate the device if needed.
Inconsistent temperatures throughout home
Without a check-up it may be challenging to know the reason for the uneven cooling in a home. Because of rising heat it is expected that an upper level of a home will have a hotter temperature than the ground level. Large temperature differences from room to room usually mean there’s an issue with your air conditioning vents, ductwork, or air filters.
Bad smells or noises
Never ignore strange sounds emanating from your air conditioning unit. Extensive damage can be done if a part is loose or broken. You want to make sure you have a repairman look at it right away. Sometimes these problems are repairable, but at other times it is in your best interest to replace the unit. An unpleasant smell may be caused by mold that has started to grow in the ductwork or wires that have been burnt.
Just like a car that stops working, where there can be multiple causes, the same concept applies to air conditioners. When it comes to air conditioners there can be all sorts of different reasons why it may be broken or faulty. The very best way to get to the bottom of it is to get a professional to come in and do a full inspection of your entire unit. Sometimes all that is needed by your AC unit is some cleaning or repair.
Leaks
Leaks from air conditioning units are something to look out for because it’s a bad sign. Regardless of where the water leaks occur, fixing them is usually quite expensive. The best option is often replacing the entire unit, instead of investing in more repairs, if your unit is coming near the end of its life anyway.
High energy bills.
If your electric bills have been higher than usual lately, it may be because your air conditioner is working harder and using more energy to keep your home comfortable. If the unit hasn’t had a tune up in a while or if it’s still fairly new, it may be time for a servicing.
If the unit is already old, then its issues may be caused by its old age already. To find out what needs to be done for sure the professional will conduct a comprehensive inspection on it. If it needs to be replaced, a professional can fill you in on all the new energy efficient options available nowadays.