There is no doubt about the benefits of having a functioning air conditioning system during San Antonio’s hot summer months. The last thing that you want is for your air conditioning unit not to function when you need it the most.
Even if you purchase the best air conditioning unit, it will require service from time to time. If you don’t get regular maintenance for your AC unit, it will struggle to function properly. This means increased energy use, reduced efficiency, and reduced durability.
When Should You Service Your AC?
Your goal should be to have your air conditioner serviced between early and mid-spring once a year. You want your AC unit serviced before the weather gets hot enough that you need it to cool your home.
If you wait until summer, you may spend a couple of days in sweltering heat while HVAC technicians try to fix any issues with your unit. If they need to order new parts, repairs could take longer. Why take the risk of having to spend multiple days of discomfort in your own home? It is best to reach out to Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating’s technicians in mid-spring to ensure that your unit will be working at its best when you need it to.
You may wonder if you need to get your AC unit serviced every year. The answer is yes. Yearly tune-ups guarantee that your unit works at its maximum potential while consuming the least energy to cool your home.
When your AC unit is in good condition, it will cool your home evenly. You will not have areas in your house that are uncomfortably hot or unexpectedly cold.
Annual AC inspections by HVAC technicians can identify minor damage, and that will prevent more significant problems from developing. This includes finding and repairing frayed wires that could damage the AC unit’s compressor, cause dangerous electrical malfunctions, and otherwise ruin your unit. Regular maintenance prolongs the lifespan of your unit to 15 years or more.
What Happens During AC Maintenance?
AC maintenance includes several things that improve the efficiency and lifespan of your AC unit. For example, our technicians will lubricate the moving parts in your equipment to make sure they work smoothly. We will also clean parts that accumulate dust and grime to keep them functioning at their best.
We will judge your unit’s airflow and electricity useage during the annual evaluation. If something is off with your AC, we will present options for getting the issue corrected.
Maintenance includes inspecting your cooling equipment’s components like the blower, condenser, and evaporator coils. We will also check your refrigerant level. Usually, refrigerant does not need to be refilled unless there is a leak or other issue.
The condenser drain is a relatively simple part of your air conditioning unit, but it is vital in protecting your home from moisture damage. During the fall and spring, it’s easy for this drain to get clogged. Mold and debris can build up quickly.
Most modern AC units have a shut-off switch if the condenser drain is clogged. These are installed to protect your home from water leaks. Maintenance ensures that you won’t be frustrated by trying to turn on your air conditioner only to have it fail to activate because of a clogged drain.
Part of the maintenance check includes looking at your thermostat to make sure that it is communicating with your AC unit and accurately gauging the temperature. If needed, our technicians will recalibrate or reprogram your thermostat for you.
HVAC maintenance is an in-depth examination of your AC unit. At Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating, we strongly recommend maintaining your unit so that it operates as efficiently and safely as possible.
Annual air conditioning maintenance generally takes between one to two hours. However, this can change a little bit depending on the type of AC you have, the amount of time since your last AC tune-up, and the size of your home. If repairs are needed, these may take longer based on the extent of the work required.
While professional maintenance is key to the functioning of your AC unit, there are several things that you can do during the year to keep your unit working its best.
Clean the Condenser Area
You will find your air conditioner’s condenser outside of your home. Because it is outside, it is exposed to dirt, twigs, leaves, and overgrowth. It is not uncommon for greenery to fall into condensers, especially during the autumn months. This can create jams that can cause expensive mechanical damage.
Sometimes, animals and insects decide to make your AC condenser their home. They will nibble on electrical wires and do other things damaging to your unit. During your annual inspection, our technicians will search for any signs of damage, but you can be on the lookout for pests and prevent them from making your AC unit their home.
The best way to do this is to keep the area around the condenser clean. There should be five feet of clearance on all sides of the condenser. If any trees or hedges are close to the condenser unit, ensure they are adequately trimmed. This will minimize the chances that critters will see your condenser as desirable real estate.
Clean the Condensate Drain
Most condensate drains clog up in the spring and fall months because air conditioners aren’t working correctly. When your AC is going at full speed on a hot summer day, water is constantly being removed from the air. However, when the operation is less frequent and the temperature outside is moderate, the condensate drain can develop mold, algae, and debris.
You can address this by taking a cup of plain vinegar and pouring it down the condensate drain every few months. Also, talk to Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating HVAC technicians about long-term solutions to prevent these clogs.
Protect Your Vent Covers
If you have central air in your San Antonio home, you likely have a ductwork system that will distribute the conditioned air. The cool air generated by the AC travels through your home’s ducts to cool different rooms. It blows through vents that are in the ceiling or floor.
Monitor these vents for any mold buildup caused by excessive humidity. If you have a mini-split unit, you won’t have ducts, but there is a blower unit that has filters. Remove these filters every month and wash or vacuum them.
Work With San Antonio’s Best Air Conditioning Company
At Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating, we are focused on building relationships with our customers. We give 100% to take care of our client’s homes for a price they can afford. If you are seeking quality HVAC products in San Antonio, you need look no further than Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating. Our services include heating and air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance. We specialize in air quality control and provide unique solutions for custom homes.
Our technicians have more than four decades of collective HVAC experience. They are certified, trained, and eager to help you with your heating and air conditioning needs. Whether you require routine AC maintenance or you want to replace your unit, we have a solution. Make your home more comfortable by contacting Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating today.
