Routine Aircon Maintenance: Your Best Defense Against Costly Repairs

Routine aircon maintenance helps ensure your unit runs smoothly, saves you money, and lasts longer.

Usually, your air conditioner is a complex system that includes moving parts, electrical wiring, and coils. Given the complexity of the unit, if it breaks down, you are likely to incur a huge repair bill, or even the cost of replacing the whole unit.

Notably, to avoid costly repairs, you need to have your system checked regularly by a professional HVAC technician. Therefore, in this post, we will explore everything you need to know about routine air conditioning maintenance to help you prevent future costly issues.

What Happens When You Skip Routine Aircon Maintenance

Usually, air conditioners don’t just suddenly break. Problems build up over time. For instance, dust gets in, wires start to loosen, and refrigerant runs a little low.

Notably, each of these issues makes your system work harder, which wears out the moving components faster.

Importantly, regular service catches those small problems before they turn into costly repair emergencies.

Below are some of the costly outcomes of skipping regular air conditioning maintenance.

1. Compressor Failure

The compressor is the main component of your AC and one of the priciest parts to replace. Notably, the compressor needs the right amount of oil and refrigerant to stay cool.

If the system lacks sufficient lubricant or refrigerant, the compressor is likely to overheat and stop working. At that point, fixing it isn’t usually an option, as you’ll need a new one.

2. Blocked Evaporator Coils

If airflow is blocked by accumulated dirt or the refrigerant is low, the coil can get too cold and freeze.

Even worse, the blockage causes ice to build up, acting as insulation and stopping the AC from cooling your house. Also, this can cause liquid refrigerant to flow where it shouldn’t, damaging the compressor.

3. Clogged Filters Stress the System

A blocked air filter is super common and easy to prevent by simply cleaning or changing it.

However, when the filter is dirty, the blower works overtime, and the coil gets too cold. That results in increased electricity bills and can burn out the motor or damage the compressor.

What the Professionals Actually Do During Routine Aircon Maintenance

Mainly, routine air conditioning maintenance is more than just cleaning or replacing the AC filter.

During the routine maintenance, the technician performs a full inspection, cleaning, and tests the entire system to ensure everything’s running as it should.

At the outdoor condenser, the technician ensure leaves, grass, and dirt are removed so that the unit can function without obstruction. Also, the technician straightens the coil fins for better airflow, checks refrigerant pressure, and tests the fan motor.

In the indoor unit, they open the air handler, check and clean the evaporator coil, and clear the drain line to prevent algae from clogging it.

Then, they perform a system check to ensure all the electrical connections are tightened. Also, they measure voltage and current, check the thermostat, and test safety controls to make sure the system will shut down if something goes wrong.

Benefits of Routine Aircon Maintenance That Go Beyond Avoiding Costly Repairs

Staying on top of maintenance doesn’t just prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. It also helps ensure the longevity of your equipment. Some of the additional benefits include:

• Lower Energy Bills: Dirty systems lead to increased electricity consumption. Therefore, by just changing a clogged filter, cleaning coils, and ensuring the right refrigerant level help your AC cool your home without working overtime.
• Longer Lifespan: When your air conditioner runs under normal conditions, it lasts longer. Usually, a well-maintained units can last even upto 12 to 15 years, and sometimes longer. Therefore, if you ensure regular AC maintenance, you’ll probably avoid shopping for a new AC any sooner.
• Better Air Quality: Cleaning coils and drain pans stops mold and bacteria from growing. Fresh filters trap dust and allergens, and stops blowing them around the house.
• Keep Your Warranty: Most manufacturer warranties remain valid only if you have professional maintenance every year. Skipping the routine maintenance might mean incuring repairs costs that should have been covered.

Conclusion

Regular professional service doesn’t cost much, but it makes a big difference. Mainly, it’s best defense against unnecessary costly repairs.

Therefore, always ensure you adhere to a professionally recommended air conditioning maintenance schedule of 3 to 6 months to keep your AC unit optimally performing.