How Regular Air Conditioning Care Keeps Your System Running Strong
Air conditioning units are a major investment that allow for comfort and climate control in the home and workplace. Operating efficiently and as intended for years at a time, these complex mechanical units can only be depended upon when regular care and maintenance is provided. From saving costs to ensuring reliable operation, there are many reasons why consistent air conditioning maintenance is important.
Why Maintenance Is Important
Air conditioning systems do not operate the same for years when regular maintenance is not performed. Dust collects, filters clog, refrigerant escapes into the air and parts wear down. This works against the system over time, gradually using more energy with less output. It’s like running a race with worn down shoes; eventually, what once was easy becomes exhausting.
Over time, researchers have linked annual system maintenance to efficiency. This means that every year a system goes without properly scheduled maintenance, efficiency goes down. As this continues for years at a time, cooling costs skyrocket without even adding in inflation. However, with maintenance, efficiency returns to expected levels, saving units from premature wear and parts replacement.
Why Maintenance Saves Money
A unit that receives regular maintenance can last a lifetime. A unit that goes without maintenance shows extensive wear and tear at young ages. Regular maintenance by professional Air Conditioning Services Canberra prevents the premature breakdown of parts that fail due to wear and tear. Parts with grease will turn better than those without. Clean filters and levels will go far in servicing the air conditioning needs of a specific space with minimal energy costs.
The reality is that three quarters of air conditioning failures are preventable. By adding in a scheduled maintenance inspection, seasoned HVAC professionals can determine when parts need to be replaced (i.e. belts, capacitors), levels can be changed (refrigerant), or systems need a deeper clean. The last thing anyone wants is to have an air conditioning unit break in the summer heat and have to wait for emergency service.
In addition to cooling air, air conditioners filter air. They help take out mold spores and allergens. An air conditioner with clogged filters or dirty coils will fail at proper functionality and force debris into its owner’s lungs and eyes. Once the air sinks into furniture and carpets, only an upset homeowner will be the wiser.
For every air conditioning unit that’s properly maintained, hundreds of dollars go into a new unit or emergency replacements when systems fail. Units will cycle effectively with proper care. Humidity and heat won’t cause extra systems to drain. Hot spots will not kill efficient cooling. Where all of this would otherwise lead to inconvenience, additional cooling costs and replacement demands, proper maintenance will set owners up for success.
Moreover, manufacturer warranties require proof of annual servicing by an HVAC technician to ensure units operate. Without this paper trail, voiding warranties can make owners financially responsible for units that would otherwise have replacement parts or coverage.
What Maintenance Consists Of
There are multiple levels of air conditioning care, both that which an individual can do on their own and that which only a qualified HVAC technician can provide. First, individuals should check their air filters every other month or so (more if there’s multiple pets or people using the unit). A clogged filter creates an inefficiency in the air circulation; it’s the most common source of reduced efficiency.
Additionally, the outside condenser unit needs to be free of debris—whether leaves, dirt or vegetation—and there should be plenty of room on all sides for proper access to air movement. Homeowners should check these filters in spring and before any major heat wave to ensure they’re ready.
Once the season opens, units should be tested for their consistency of cooling. If cool air is not produced, there may be a more severe issue. The condensate drain should also be checked to determine if water is draining away from the unit to prevent clogging or backup.
For all of this, an HVAC technician should charge a reasonable price to professionally inspect the unit at least once annually—preferably in spring before major use—but more if it’s been a hot season for troubleshooting purposes.
During professional maintenance, there will be adjustments to refrigerant levels as necessary to give a clean bill of health or referral for component replacement. Coils will be examined and cleaned from debris buildup (pollen, dust) and electrical connections will be tested. Moving parts will be professionally oiled and fans adjusted. All of this help ensure what’s supposed to be happening with efficient air conditioning will occur.
When Units Break
Units can break even when preventative measures are taken. The good news is that there are signs that something is going on before it gets too far. If air ventilation is weak or not working at all, it’s time to call. Warm air instead of cool air blows (even on hot days when it’s compensating more) and loud mechanical workings of grinding, squealing or banging signals components have broken down.
The same is true for strange smells—like burnt dust—over moist condensate in and outside of the system. Typically, once one part malfunctions, another follows. Finally, if the system seems to cool but the electric bill spikes (especially if no new settings were added), this means the effort is mirroring more than realized.
Many people ignore signs in an effort to be positive until they finally become defeated by system failures. No one wants to spend the money; however, they also do not want to be uncomfortable. Ignoring warning signs (which are often a simple fix for an HVAC technician) will negate proper care.
Establishing a Routine
The best way to understand maintenance as a consistent endeavor is to create a schedule that makes sense. Whether setting monthly reminders to check filters, putting notes on an annual calendar to call the HVAC company for an inspection or keeping paper trails of all services and repairs, a routine should be established that works best in order to avoid lost or ignored opportunities.
There are also maintenance plans through major HVAC companies that provide ancillary benefits (discounts for repairs and priority for servicing issues) which take the onus off the owner to figure these things out for themselves.
Making the Investment
Many owners believe a paid for system is good enough; they shouldn’t have to pay more. Yet the truth is that owning a home means paying for services that keep those major expenses covered. Air conditioning systems, while sometimes hefty repairs, are far smaller expenses than emergency repairs and component replacements because of prolonged neglect.
When looking at it over time—even factoring in inflation—annual maintenance equals savings on components replacement and clear call-outs to annual repairs that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. If you prevent a small problem from turning into a more expensive one through annual checks and balances, it makes sense.
Taking Care
An air conditioning unit is a necessity in any climate for comfort and air flow. Therefore, maintaining it with regular checks is the best thing you can do for your investment over time, saving money while ensuring reliable success and function when needed most.
Air quality improves drastically when there are no missed opportunities to take time for cleaning and filter changes in between appropriate months. A unit that works well will pay for itself through energy savings, ensuring those hot summer months are wonderful—and not dreadful—at home.
Never ignore good advice for something you spend so much money on. It deserves all the attention and maintenance it can get. A system that works well will reward you with strong performance.