How Often Should Your AC Unit Be Tuned Up?

It’s hot outside, but you’re stuck inside—and your air conditioner isn’t working. If that sounds more like a horror movie than a mere inconvenience, you need to start making regular air conditioner service appointments. Like any appliance, air conditioners need periodic care in order to keep them running at maximum efficiency.

You should plan an AC tune up with your local HVAC contractor in St. George, UT at least once per year. Try to schedule it well before you’ll need to start running the air conditioner—otherwise, you run the risk of being miserable in the next heat wave. Why chance it when you can have professionals do the work for you?

Why your AC needs service

Your air conditioner is, at heart, a major appliance—and one you depend on to stay comfortable and healthy during the summer. However, the more you run your air conditioner, the more it will collect dirt, dust and even mold or algae. As grime, debris and mold build up, your air conditioner loses efficiency.

When your air conditioner becomes less efficient, it will need to work even harder to keep your home at a consistent temperature. In turn, that drives your energy bills up. What’s worse is that if you fail to maintain your AC, you’ll end up needing to replace it far earlier than you should. Luckily, regular maintenance will prevent this from happening to you.

What will happen during an AC tune up

Understanding what goes into an air conditioner tune up can help you realize why they’re so important. It also makes it clear why you need to hire a professional rather than trying to DIY:

• Coils: Your AC’s coils make it possible to circulate refrigerant, which cools down air and releases the hot air outdoors. If grime builds up on your indoor or outdoor coils, regular heat transfer will not be possible.
• Filters: You might already know that you need to replace your filters quarterly, if not more often. If you’ve been slacking on the job, your HVAC contractor in St. George, UT will help you switch them out with a filter you provide.
• Valves: Your contractor will check all the valves and make sure they’re not leaking.
• Ductwork: Some technicians will clean your ductwork, which eliminates bad odors and improves your indoor air quality.
• Electrical: Unless you’re a licensed electrician, you should never try to personally inspect or repair your electrical components. Your HVAC contractor will know how to proceed safely and make any adjustments necessary.
• Thermostat: A properly functioning thermostat is key to your comfort. Your contractor will test and calibrate appropriately.
• Refrigerant: Finally, if your refrigerant levels are low, your contractor will find out and replace or top it off. Refrigerant makes it possible for the coils to absorb and release heat, so checking it is one of the most important tasks to perform.

Are you looking for an affordable, reliable HVAC contractor in St. George, UT? Reach out to Calaway Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Categorised in: Air Conditioning Maintenance

This post was written by Writer