How Often Should You Schedule a Tune-Up for Your Air Conditioner?

Tori Klein • August 2, 2021

Signs to Look for if it's Overdue

A regular AC tune-up is critical for your air conditioning system to run smoothly and efficiently. When you start noticing strange behavior from the unit, it's likely that a scheduled inspection has been delayed. Still, an early visit by our professionals can save money in repairs or replacement costs later on!

Trust us when we say this: if something seems unusual with your AC system, don't wait too long before contacting one of our technicians. We are here to provide peace of mind so that everything works great every time – both now and into the future.

The decision-making process can get even more complex when it comes to your HVAC system. Unless you're a trained technician, it can be hard to tell whether your thermostat just needs new batteries or there are more extensive repairs needed. For homeowners with older air conditioners, deciding between repairing and replacing typically depends on their cooling needs for their home. Modern air conditioning units can last upwards of fifteen years, so choosing the correct unit is crucial – don't rush this critical decision.

How Often Should You Get a Tune-Up for Your AC Unit?

There's no better time to get your HVAC system serviced than before the summer and winter seasons. Before giving in to a potentially costly AC repair job, make sure you have an expert inspect it early on before things heat up! And if you're looking for some peace of mind during the cold months ahead, don't wait until it gets too late - schedule that furnaces tune-up now so nothing will catch you by surprise later down the line when it gets cold.
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Signs That Your AC Needs a Tune-Up

Don't let your air conditioner ruin the summer for you. Here are some warning signs to look out for and schedule an AC maintenance check right away or do it yourself if you are an HVAC professional.

1. Strange noise from AC unit
If your air conditioner is old, then you are most likely used to the sounds it makes when it's turned on. If there's a new noise that seems out of place, this may be due to an issue with your AC and will need maintenance soon. Some common noises signaling something might not be right include hissing or whistling sounds coming from the unit if airflow becomes partially obstructed as the device tries pushing past any blockage. A humming also occurs because blades can become damaged, which doesn't allow them to move swiftly, causing raspy noises instead of smooth hums while running as they should. It is hard to ignore a dying motor as it gives off constant humming noise. One way of knowing your AC needs professional attention is to get it inspected ASAP.

2. AC is older than ten years
It's a hot summer day, and you're starting to feel sweaty. If your air conditioner is getting old, it may be time for an upgrade! Air conditioning units are generally outside, where they can get blasted with high heat all year long, which shortens their lifespan considerably. A new unit should last anywhere from 15-20 years, but as the average age of appliances continues to rise (and in some cases outlive) its viable lifetime, modern ACs have become more affordable than ever before, so now might be the perfect opportunity while yours still works well enough that switching up won't cause any significant inconvenience or discomfort – not yet anyways.

When it comes to air conditioning, if you skip yearly A/C tune-ups, your unit's lifespan may be shorter than intended. The machine's life is also affected by how often the device is used, how hot and humid it gets in the area where you live, and whether or not an appropriate premade size was selected during purchase for a home. If these are kept up with overtime, expect about 10-15 years before replacement should be needed on average but keep note that this will vary depending on individual factors such as wear and tear, affecting availability, or obsolescence of parts required throughout its lifetime. Consequently, when unable to replace one broken part without outside assistance, make sure you've budgeted enough money.

3. AC is not working properly
If you are experiencing room temperature air or warm air from your system, it is not fulfilling its function. There could be several reasons for this to occur, and all can be addressed with an Air Conditioner tune-up: the coils may need cleaning; filters might need replacing to stop dust and dirt being picked up by the unit as these particles cause strain on the equipment; there may also have been too little refrigerant added into the machine which would mean that recharging will fix things. The problem can also be electrical – either power has gone out due to a trip breaker or fuse blowing at home, meaning outdoor cooling systems won’t work properly unless something gets fixed quickly.

4. Bad odor from AC
There are many reasons a foul smell can be coming from your air conditioning system, but if you don't want it to get worse and start affecting the health of those in your home or office building, then there is something that needs to be done. Whether trapped animals have given off an unpleasant odor, bacteria have developed through mold growth on wet filters, or clogs may exist at various points like the condensate drain line-the issue should not go unaddressed for much longer as these issues could eventually lead to significant concerns with regards to ventilation quality inside your facility.

Schedule and Appointment Today
If your air conditioner is suffering from a severe problem, give us a call or fill out the form below. One regular service call keeps all these parts running smoothly and will keep you cool in the hot months.

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