How Often Should I Schedule My Routine Air Conditioning Service? | Harvey, LA
One of the most important things you can do for your Harvey, LA, home is to keep your air conditioner serviced. Many people forget about this until their unit breaks down, but it’s often too late by then. Scheduling regular service appointments will help you avoid costly repairs and ensure that your AC unit runs efficiently.
What Is an Air Conditioning Service?
An air conditioning service is a complete inspection of your AC unit. This step allows your technician to clean the unit, check for any wear and tear, and ensure that all the parts work correctly. You should schedule this service once a year, in the springtime.
Why Is an Air Conditioning Service Important?
There are several reasons it’s essential to have your AC unit serviced regularly.
Lifespan
Just like any other appliance in your home, your air conditioner needs to be maintained correctly to function at its best. Regular service will help your AC unit last longer. By scheduling yearly service appointments, your unit runs as efficiently as possible, and we catch any potential problems early on.
No Downtime
Summers are scorching in Louisiana, and the last thing you want is for your AC unit to break down when you need it most. Regular service appointments can avoid costly repairs and ensure that your unit is running properly when you need it the most.
Improved Air Quality
Over time, your AC unit can accumulate dust, pollen, and other allergens. This can cause problems for people with allergies or asthma. During a regular service appointment, your technician will clean the unit and remove any built-up allergens, improving the air quality in your home.
Money Savings
Regular AC service can save you money in the long run. You’ll use less energy and lower your utility bills by keeping your unit running efficiently. In addition, catching potential problems early on can save you hundreds of dollars in costly repairs down the road.
What Happens During an Air Conditioner Service Appointment?
During an AC service appointment, your technician will complete a series of tasks, including:
Inspect the Unit
Your technician will inspect the entire AC unit, looking for any signs of wear and tear. They’ll also check all the parts to ensure they’re working correctly. Areas of the unit the tech reviews include:
- Coils
- Blades
- Condenser
- Evaporator
- Compressor
- Refrigerant levels
- Electrical connections
- Filters
- Ductwork
- Thermostat
- These steps are vital to keeping your AC unit running properly.
Clean the Unit
Your Harvey, LA technician will also clean the unit, removing any dirt, dust, or debris built up over the past year. This step is vital for two reasons. First, it helps improve the air quality in your home. Second, it prevents these particles from clogging up the unit and causing problems down the road.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Your technician will also check the refrigerant levels in your AC unit. If the levels are low, it could be a sign of a leak. A leak can not only cause costly damage to your unit, but it can also harm the environment.
Replace Filters
Filters capture allergens and other particles in the air, so it’s essential to keep them clean. Replacing them regularly will help improve the air quality in your home and help your unit run more efficiently. Your technician will also replace any dirty filters in your unit.
Check for Leaks
Your Harvey, LA technician checks for any leaks in your unit during your air conditioning service appointment. A small leak can quickly become a big problem, so it’s crucial to catch them early.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Your technician will also lubricate all the moving parts in your AC unit. This helps prevent friction and wear and tear, keeping your unit running smoothly.
Testing the Thermostat
Calibrating the AC unit’s thermostat is another vital part of the service process. This ensures that your unit is cooling your home to the proper temperature, which can help save you money on your energy bills.
By completing these air conditioner service tasks, your technician can help keep your AC unit running properly and prevent costly repairs down the road.
What Common Problems Can an Air Conditioning Service Prevent?
An AC service can prevent a variety of costly problems, including:
Refrigerant Leaks
A refrigerant leak can cause extensive damage to your unit and harm the environment. During an AC service, your technician will check the refrigerant levels in your unit and look for any signs of a leak.
Dirty Coils
Dirty coils can cause your unit to overheat and break down. During an air conditioning service, your technician will clean the coils and remove any dirt or debris.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
If the evaporator coils in your unit freeze, it can cause extensive damage. When your technician services the unit, they’ll inspect the coils and look for any signs of freezing.
Dirty Filters
Dirty filters can cause various problems, including reduced airflow and decreased efficiency. During an AC service, your technician will replace any dirty filters in your unit.
Improper Lubrication
If the moving parts in your unit are not properly lubricated, it can cause friction and wear and tear. One step of the air conditioning service is that your technician will lubricate your unit’s moving parts.
When Should You Upgrade Your AC Unit?
While an air conditioning service can keep your unit running properly, there comes a time when you need to upgrade to a new unit. Some signs that it’s time to upgrade your AC unit include:
- Your unit is over ten years old
- Your unit needs frequent repairs
- Your energy bills are increasing
- Your home is not cooling evenly
If you’re having any of these problems, it’s time to upgrade to a new AC unit. An air conditioning service can help you choose the suitable unit for your home and budget. Contact bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans today to schedule an AC service. Our team of experts will help you keep your unit running properly and prevent costly repairs.