Why You Should Get an AC Tune-Up

Warm weather is fast approaching. Is your air conditioner ready to take on another summer? As with any mechanical equipment, air conditioners experience wear and tear over time. Neglected systems are prone to problems, while well-maintained equipment is sure to run smoothly for years to come.

As a savvy homeowner, there are several things you can do to keep your air conditioner up and running. For instance, you can change the filter every one to three months, keep all air registers open and unblocked, and hose down the outdoor unit to remove dust and debris. These steps help maintain adequate airflow and system balance.

Still, more in-depth maintenance should be left to a professional. Cleaning the coils, tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, testing the cooling cycle, calibrating the thermostat, and other tasks require special tools and know-how. That’s why you should hire a licensed HVAC technician to perform an AC tune-up this spring. Here are the benefits you can expect when you do.

Save Money on Utility Bills

You know that getting regular oil changes helps your car achieve better gas mileage. Similarly, tuning up your air conditioner helps it run more efficiently. For instance, consider that dust and dirt settle on the AC coils as the months go by. This decreases heat exchange efficiency, forcing your AC unit to work harder to keep your home cool.

By cleaning the air conditioner coils and other system components, you can expect more efficient performance and lower cooling bills all summer long. This is also good news for the environment since you can keep your home comfortable using less electricity.

Reduce Mid-Season Breakdowns

There’s a reason AC tune-ups are also known as “preventative maintenance.” The idea is to catch and correct problems early on, preventing unexpected breakdowns that might otherwise occur. For example, picture an old, fraying fan belt within the motor housing. You may have no idea there’s a problem until the belt snaps, damaging other HVAC components in the process. Then, you have no choice but to request an emergency repair to get the system back up and running.

On the other hand, a maintenance visit gives your technician a chance to spot the fraying fan belt. It’s easy and affordable to replace it during a tune-up, allowing you to avoid a mid-season breakdown and the associated repair costs.

Extend the Life of Your Equipment

Car owners know that the best way to maximize engine mileage is to tune it up regularly. The same goes for your air conditioner. Consider that the average AC lasts 15 to 20 years. If you forgo maintenance, you could shorten this lifespan by years, forcing you to foot the bill for a premature replacement.

Your HVAC system is one of the biggest investments you make for your home, so be sure to take care of it! Maintenance promotes a longer lifespan by minimizing wear and tear on delicate mechanical and electrical parts. It also presents the chance to replace parts as they wear out rather than waiting for catastrophic failure that may impact other system components.

Improve Home Comfort

Neglected air conditioners are prone to poor airflow and humidity problems. For instance, a clogged filter or dirty fan may restrict airflow, leaving some rooms feeling hot and stuffy while others get too cold. Then, the air blowing from supply registers might start to feel lukewarm if the evaporator coil becomes caked with dirt and can’t absorb heat from the indoor air effectively. Humidity removal may also suffer if the system short-cycles, or shuts off prematurely.

Because AC maintenance keeps everything running smoothly, you can expect more even cooling and lower humidity levels. Indoor air quality also improves when you remember to change the filter and keep the HVAC equipment clean.

Uphold the Manufacturer Warranty

If your air conditioner is only a few years old, it’s probably still covered by a manufacturer warranty. This covers the costs to replace defective components, protecting you in case of premature system failure—but only if you keep up with maintenance. A majority of HVAC warranties require you to show proof of annual tune-ups when filing a claim. Otherwise, the manufacturer can chalk up the failure to neglect and refuse to reimburse you.

In this way, scheduling yearly maintenance preserves your peace of mind. Plus, with the all-clear from a certified technician, you’ll know your equipment is running safely and smoothly.

Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance With Allen Service

It’s easy to skip annual tune-ups, but once you realize the benefits that await you, you’ll want to make it a priority again. Allen Service is the trusted name in air conditioning maintenance, with nearly six decades of experience delivering quality work at affordable prices. Call us today at 970-672-1660 or contact us online to request an AC tune-up in Fort Collins, CO.