If you’ve been reading articles written by leading cooling repair experts and companies with years of experience servicing air conditioners throughout the country, you’ve probably noticed that they all recommend having your air conditioner checked up during the spring. But have you wondered why that is so? Is it just all of them trying to stay current and recycle the things they always say when selling you AC maintenance or is there more to it.
The short answer: there’s definitely more to it. While air conditioner maintenance is important throughout the year, there are several reasons why it’s more crucial in seasons like fall or spring which have to do with a number of factors. In this article, we’ll give you a definitive answer to why you shouldn’t skip air conditioner maintenance this spring.
Why Is Spring Maintenance so Important?
But first, let’s answer this question. Spring is the time we rarely use our air conditioners, which is one of the main reason why this season is ideal for maintenance. Most people include cleaning their air conditioner units and replacing the air filters in their spring cleaning routines, but others don’t remember their air conditioner until the time they need it again.
If you’ve neglected your air conditioner throughout fall and winter, there is a greater chance your air conditioner will malfunction as soon as it’s exposed to heavy loads this summer. That is why spring is an ideal time to have your HVAC inspected. This way you can be sure nothing will go wrong once you power it up. But more importantly, your comfort this summer will be guaranteed.
Benefits of Spring Air Conditioner Maintenance
There are numerous benefits you’ll experience after having your AC thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Some have to do with efficiency, others with comfort and longevity, but all of them ensure your air conditioner is ready to do what it was designed to do.
More Maintenance Equals Fewer Repairs
If you’ve ever had a crucial component of your AC unit fail you in the middle of the summer, you likely know how expensive these repairs can be. But did you know that most of these repairs can be completely avoided provided you hire licensed technicians to inspect your air conditioner regularly. Issues like clogs, bad connections, dirt buildup and wear and tear can be detected and averted through regular maintenance. Therefore, even if it might not seem so, regular maintenance will save you a lot of money on costly repairs.
Your AC Will Run More Efficiently
A couple of years after you install your air conditioner, it will begin to run less efficiently if you don’t clean and inspect it regularly. In time, your air conditioner will ultimately break down, but regular maintenance can help prolong its lifespan significantly.
Furthermore, during the summer your air conditioner will be subjected to heavier loads. Having it inspected will ensure it runs more efficiently and therefore saves you a lot on your energy bill.
Improved Comfort and Air Quality
Depending on where you live, summers can be extremely hot. In these areas, air conditioning is not a luxury, but a necessity. If your system is in good shape, it will help cool your home easier and improve your quality of life. Moreover, your air quality will be vastly improved with new air filters in place.
Why Spring of All Seasons?
Ideally, you should have your air conditioner inspected at least twice a year. The best times to do this are before and after an extended period of heavy use like summer. That means that the ideal time to schedule air conditioner maintenance is either in spring or fall (or ideally, both).
This way you’ll ensure your air conditioner is ready for prolonged use during the summer. Finding and fixing small issues before they develop is better for your air conditioner and your wallet. With your air conditioner inspected, you can rest assured the system will deliver no matter how severe the weather conditions get.
Signs You Need Air Conditioner Maintenance Now
If you’re still not convinced you need to have your air conditioner inspected, perhaps a couple of telltale warning signs of an imminent breakdown will be enough to convince you not to put it off any longer. Of course, to start noticing these issues, you’ll need to give your AC unit a test run for a couple of days.
Odors
If you notice the air coming from the air conditioner has a musty smell, there could be mold and mildew in the air conditioner. If you notice a sharp, burning smell, it could indicate faulty wiring. In this case, plug the air conditioner out and contact a professional immediately.
Warm Air or Limited Supply of Air
If the air coming out of the air conditioner is hot or if there’s not enough of it, you could be facing a couple of issues. There could be a problem with the blower fan, compressor or clogged ducts. If you did not clean your air conditioner, the debris could cause a serious problem. Similarly, warm air can also indicate an issue such as running low on refrigerant or a refrigerant leak.
Unusual Sounds
Ideally, your air conditioner should be purring and only barely noticeable. If you notice any loud, unusual sounds such as squealing or rumbling, there could be a mechanical issue causing these spooky sounds.
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