Air Conditioner Maintenance
Why is air conditioning maintenance so important?
According to the Department of Energy, regular maintenance of an air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins is crucial for the unit to function effectively and efficiently over its years of service. Neglecting this maintenance leads to a decline in air conditioning performance and an increase in energy usage over time.
All of our maintenance customers get priority during the hot summer months – we will come to you first!
Here are some tips to use for at home maintenance:
Over time, outdoor condenser units can accumulate dirt and grime, especially if they’re in dusty environments or near foliage. Regular maintenance is key to ensure they function efficiently.
You can easily spot if dirt is collecting on the condenser coil and fins. To maintain your unit, minimize dirt and debris near it, such as from dryer vents, falling leaves, or lawn mowers. Keep the area around the coil clean and trim foliage back at least 2 feet for adequate airflow.
To clean your outdoor unit effectively, turn off the circuit breaker, then wash the coils with low-pressure water from a garden hose. Start on one side and clean all the way around.
If maintenance isn’t your thing, we’re here to help! Call or text us anytime at 909-270-8446 or send us an email at wedohvac@yahoo.com.
Please note, our maintenance agreements don’t guarantee that your unit won’t break down. However, they can improve energy efficiency and extend the life of your unit.
While changing your air filter and hosing down your outside unit are tasks you can handle, there are other maintenance items best left to professionals. And if you prefer not to change your air filter, we’ve got you covered for all your maintenance needs.
We tailor maintenance agreements to your specific needs, whether residential or commercial. We’ll work with you to determine what’s best for your situation.
The greatest benefit of signing up for a maintenance agreement is that it prioritizes you as a customer, even during peak times like summer when units are more likely to break down.
Many companies charge up to $300 to change a simple air filter, a task you can easily do yourself. Just remove the old filter and replace it with a new one—it’s that simple!
This task is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Clogged and dirty filters restrict airflow, reducing the system’s efficiency. They can also allow dirt to bypass the filter and deposit directly into the evaporator coil, impairing its heat-absorbing capacity.
Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
For central air conditioners, filters are usually located along the return duct’s length, in walls, ceilings, or the air conditioner itself. Room air conditioners typically have a filter mounted in the grill facing into the room.
Filters may be reusable or disposable, available in various types and efficiencies. Clean or replace them every month or two during the cooling season, especially if the system is in constant use, exposed to dusty conditions, or if you have pets with fur.
Why Maintenance Matters
Like your car, your air conditioning and heating units need regular maintenance to run properly. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, proper maintenance is crucial.
It’s never too late to start maintaining your air conditioning unit—you can start anytime! Most expensive repairs stem from neglected maintenance.
A helpful recommendation is to do maintenance in the spring before the hot summer hits. Here are some reasons why maintaining your unit is important:
Keeping a clean air filter is one of the most important things you can do for your unit. The frequency of filter changes depends on usage and home factors. A clean filter and system improve air quality in your home.
Maintenance keeps your system running like new.
Consistent maintenance and keeping your unit clean prevent it from overworking and consuming more energy.
Your unit was a significant investment, and you want it to last. Maintenance is the key to ensuring its longevity.
Performing maintenance on your air conditioning unit ensures that problems are caught before they become big and expensive. It means having a professional check your system to ensure it’s in good shape.
Every unit, regardless of brand, comes with a manufacturer warranty. If a part breaks, you could get a replacement part for free under the warranty. However, there are terms to the warranty that must be met. One such term is annual maintenance. Keeping up with this maintenance ensures you can make use of your warranty if needed.