When you’re lounging in the air conditioning at home on a sweltering summer day, maintaining the unit is probably the last thing on your mind. However, if the air conditioner starts making a racket or suddenly shuts off, you might wish that you would have paid a bit more attention to a regular maintenance schedule. Knowing how frequently to schedule maintenance on your air conditioning is an important part of keeping the unit running efficiently. Reviewing the following factors can help you to determine the appropriate schedule.
General Rule
In general, you should get the air conditioner serviced at least once per year. However, many professionals recommend scheduling two maintenance appointments. Schedule maintenance in advance of the hot summer season to ensure that the unit is functioning properly. Make sure to make your appointment with plenty of time before summer since other customers will be scheduling service as well. You should also get the system maintained once you’re finished using it for the season. Doing so is far from wasteful.
Tackling any troubles now will ensure that the system is ready for next year. Also, letting problems sit for the entire winter has a high probability of costing you more money in the end. In other situations, your home’s air conditioning system may require maintenance more than twice per year.
Terms of Your Warranty
One of the most important steps to take is to review your air conditioner’s warranty. The warranty may state exactly how often you are required to schedule maintenance. In fact, if you violate the terms of the warranty, you may no longer have access to the privileges that the document grants. For example, the warranty might cover all repairs for five years without charge, given that regular maintenance is performed. However, if you skip a maintenance appointment, you may no longer be entitled to have that work done at no cost.
Also, the warranty may require that you have all service work performed by a professional. That means that DIY maintenance could void the warranty. ln the event that your warranty is lost, contact the establishment from which you purchased the unit to ask about a replacement document.
Age of the Unit
The age of your unit can also dictate how often you should schedule maintenance. In many cases, an older unit might need more regular maintenance than a brand-new air conditioner, especially if your home’s system hasn’t been replaced or updated in a decade or more. You might hesitate to schedule maintenance for an older air conditioner due to the fear of having to spend a lot of money on repairs.
However, letting problems grow increases the risk that you’ll get stuck with more costly repairs down the road. This rule of thumb, though, doesn’t mean that you should skip maintenance appointments for newer units. You might feel tempted to skip an appointment because of how well the unit runs. However, the way to keep the air conditioner in good condition is to have those regular maintenance appointments.
The Environment
The environment in which your air conditioner dwells also affects how often you should schedule maintenance appointments. A particularly dusty environment typically calls for more regular maintenance. You might have an air conditioner in the basement, attic or even the garage. Exposure to the elements means more potential damage and decay for the unit. If your air conditioner is exposed to especially harsh weather conditions, more frequent maintenance may also be in order. Getting the unit checked out regularly can help to prevent small snafus from turning into major problems.
Recurring Issues
An air conditioner that is prone to problems may also require more regular maintenance. For example, the unit might tend to start leaking after a while or struggle to keep up with demands on the hottest days of summer. If so, you should schedule more regular maintenance to ensure that the system can continue running. Ultimately, you will need to replace the air conditioner, but maintenance can work for a while. The type of issue that the system has can also dictate the maintenance schedule. One of our team members can investigate potential problems with your home’s air conditioner and offer treatment options.
Frequency of Usage
An air conditioner that is used with average regularity may very well be suitable for a once-a-year or twice-a-year maintenance plan. However, if you’re constantly running the air conditioner throughout the year, even during the cooler months, more regular maintenance is likely appropriate. During your next maintenance appointment, speak with one of our team members about how damaging it can be to run an air conditioner in cooler temperatures.
You might also have an air conditioner that is rarely used. For example, you may prefer to keep the windows open on warm days, or you might own a rental house that you visit fairly infrequently. Either of these scenarios could tempt you into avoiding regular maintenance. The truth is, though, that infrequently used air conditioners need still to be maintained. In fact, these units are particularly important to get serviced as you may not have much notice or warning that a problem exists.
Future Home Plans
If you’re planning to put the house on the market soon, you may want to consider scheduling an extra maintenance appointment before doing so. Problems with the air conditioner could mean that the house is difficult to sell. For example, an inspection may reveal that the air conditioner has critical issues. Also, prospective buyers who are visiting the house might notice unusual sounds or smells coming from the unit. Or, they may even see the air conditioner sitting in a state of decay. A high-functioning air conditioner can make the house feel more pleasant to prospective buyers and even attract a higher selling price.
Recommendations From Our Staff
Different air conditioners have varying needs based on a variety of factors. It’s also smart to schedule an inspection with our team. Upon checking out the air conditioner, our service providers can give you personalized recommendations for the unit and get you scheduled for regular maintenance appointments. Even when you’ve reviewed the other factors that influence how often you should schedule maintenance, an inspection from a professional is key.
Your Reliable AC Specialists
Here at Liberty Comfort Systems in Anoka, we can come check out your home’s air conditioning and get you on a regular maintenance schedule. Our team members will offer solutions customized to your air conditioner in terms of maintenance and any necessary repairs. We provide a full range of both heating and cooling services, including maintenance, repairs and installation. Our team is also available for electrical and plumbing work. Some of our available plumbing services are drain cleaning, water heater replacement, boiler replace and toilet installation.
We serve many communities, such as Burns Township, Coon Rapids, East Bethel and Spring Lake Park, in the greater Anoka area. Make sure to ask about our maintenance plans and our financing programs, too. Emergency service is available, so we’re here for you 24 hours per day and seven days per week. You can even shop for mini-splits, heat pumps, boilers and solar products. To get started on making your home safer and more comfortable, give Liberty Comfort Systems a call today.
