All air conditioners require servicing from time to time. The ideal time to do this is right around the time the seasons change, and experts recommend having your AC serviced at least annually. If you have a cooling-only unit, the best time to service it is during the spring to have it ready for the summer. For a reverse-cycle air conditioner, you should service it in both spring and autumn to ensure cooling and heating functions work as expected. This reduces the risk of breakdowns when you need it the most. The frequency of your AC service may also depend on how you use your air conditioner. If your air conditioner runs 24 hours a day, you might need to have it serviced more than two times a year. What are the biggest advantages of regular AC servicing? Keep reading to find out.
1. Improved Energy Efficiency
Regular AC servicing directly affects how energy efficient the unit is. AC units are some of the biggest energy users in homes across the United States. They use an average of over 5% of the total electricity produced across the country at a high cost. These units are also responsible for a sizeable amount of the carbon that is released into the air. Even if you only use your AC unit for a short while, its energy efficiency will gradually reduce over the years. The AC unit will require more energy to work up to its cooling standards, which increases your overall energy costs.
Generally speaking, an AC’s coils, fins, and filters require regular servicing for optimal functioning throughout the unit’s life. If you fail to have it serviced regularly, its performance will decline steadily, which increases your energy use.
When the air filters get clogged, your AC starts working less efficiently. The decline in energy efficiency will hurt your energy bill and the environment. A properly serviced AC unit can save your energy usage by about 20%. However, if you do not have clear instructions about what you are doing, it is important to leave the work to a professional. DIY AC servicing can lead to more complicated problems with your unit and cost you more in the long run.
2. Longer Unit Life
The average operational life of a well-maintained AC unit is between 10 and 15 years. Depending on the frequency of service that has been done between that timeframe, some units might last up to 20 years. When your unit is regularly serviced by a professional, they replace any parts that are worn down and clean any dirty components. Those steps might seem insignificant and little, but they can go a long way in ensuring the longevity of your unit.
When your unit goes a long time without being serviced, it is highly likely to develop flaws. In addition, a lack of regular maintenance and servicing means that the cooling capacity of your AC unit degrades over time. Sometimes, the failure of one part of the AC system may cause the whole unit to stop working. Considering the hefty investment you have put into your AC unit, regular servicing would ensure that you are always on the safe side.
3. Prevent Costly Repairs
There is a higher likelihood of breakdowns occurring to your AC if you do not have it serviced regularly. This is because when the system is left unchecked for a long time, dirt and debris can build up, leading to a much bigger issue. Therefore, routine AC servicing can help you avoid costly emergency repairs. When you hire professionals to handle the annual servicing of your unit, they ensure that they note the parts that require replacement as soon as possible and alert you. It is also worth noting that one flawed part can lead to the deterioration of other parts as time goes by.
You should always keep in mind that the costs of routine AC servicing are quite low compared to the expense of constant repairs. If your AC breaks down, you’ll not only be uncomfortable and inconvenienced, but you could also be facing pricy repairs that could have been avoided. Servicing the unit regularly means it will not fail you when you need it most.
4. Improved Air Quality
The greatest objective of an air filter in your HVAC unit is filtering dust and preventing it from entering your system. Additionally, the AC filter significantly affects your home’s indoor air quality. All the air that circulates in your home passes through the HVAC filter first, which means that a dirty filter is going to lead to dirty air. Poor indoor air quality may aggravate allergy symptoms for you or your family members, and it can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions. Regular servicing could help you better stay on top of those necessary filter changes, and that means a higher quality of indoor air.
5. Comfortable Living Environment
Your home is supposed to be your haven. After a long day of work, you want to kick back in a nice cool room. On days off or even staycations, the coolness of your home can be a welcome respite from the day’s heat. The last thing you want is an AC system failure. Your home could quickly become unbearably hot.
When you have your AC serviced regularly, you dramatically decrease the odds of a system failure. A technician will check the unit regularly and spot early signs of deterioration or damage and make personalized recommendations that can help you keep your home at the right temperature and comfort level. In the end, this can not just help you save money on costly repairs but also give you peace of mind when you need it the most.
Final Thoughts
A professional AC technician can help you decide on the best schedule for routine maintenance. Most people only need their air conditioners serviced about twice a year. If you use yours more often or more intensively, more frequent servicing could be beneficial.
A routine maintenance appointment will typically involve cleaning any dirty components, including the air filter and condenser coils. While cleaning, the technician will look for signs of wear and tear, damage, or part failure. Any problems can be addressed now before the unit breaks down. When the technician leaves, your air conditioner will be in excellent working condition, and you will have the confidence that it will continue to do its job for the upcoming season.
Rely on the Professionals
Our team of experts at Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating can always assist. We have over 40 years of experience in the field and will handle all your residential AC servicing needs with ultimate expertise. We offer other residential services as well, including AC installations, replacements, and inspections. We are also your go-to company for indoor air quality issues. We value our clients and work to build strong relationships with them. Emergency appointments are available. If you live in San Antonio or the surrounding area, give us a call today at Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating.
