AC Maintenance in St Louis and St Charles Areas
Your air conditioning system is an important part of your home. Not only does it work to keep your family cool and comfortable, but it also works to control moisture levels in the home. As you know, water can wreak havoc on all aspects of your home, including carpet, wood, drywall, and much more. With the help of the right air conditioning system, you can stay cool and protect your home.
To help ensure that your AC system is working properly, reaching maximum efficiency, and isn’t headed for a major malfunction, it is important to invest in regular HVAC maintenance. Learn more about maintenance tasks you may be able to do yourself and when it is time to call the professionals, keep reading.
Why get Annual Air Conditioning Maintenance
The simplest and most important air conditioning maintenance task that you should be able to complete on your own is changing the air filter. When the air filter becomes clogged, it will actually disrupt the airflow and force your AC to work harder to keep the home at a constant temperature. This will mean that you end up paying higher energy bills each month and you may have to replace your air conditioner sooner than anticipated.
As a general rule, you will want to replace your HVAC air filter once a month. However, if you have pets or someone in the house who suffers from allergies or asthma, you may want to change it more frequently. You can periodically visually inspect the filter for signs of dirt. It should be readily apparent, even to a layperson, that the filter is either still clean or full of dirt and in need of replacement.
The Importance of an AC Tune-Up
When it comes to other AC tune-up tasks besides changing the air filter, it is a good idea to call in a professional air conditioning technician. They will know exactly what to look for and be able to safely inspect, clean, and repair your air conditioner. So it will operate at an optimal level.
Some areas an HVAC expert will pay special attention to include the evaporator coil and condenser coil. These essential components can collect dirt, especially after a few years of service. Again, any accumulated dirt will reduce airflow and affect the overall efficiency of the unit.
You can help keep the coils clean by getting rid of dirt, leaves, shrubs, and other organic debris that may be located near the AC unit. Try to create a two-foot barrier of space to help keep the unit clean.
An AC technician will also inspect both the condenser and evaporator coils for damage. The coils are made of aluminum fins that can easily become bent and limit proper airflow. Fortunately, most fins can be restored with a simple “fin comb.” Keeping the coil fins in their proper place is the best way to ensure maximum efficiency.
A Professional AC Technician Will Also:
· Check the unit’s refrigerant levels and ensure the AC has the correct amount.
· Check electrical connections and make any adjustments
· Add oil to motors and lubricate any moving parts
· Inspect any belts for cracks or signs of wear and make sure there is the correct amount of tension
An experienced AC technician will have a full checklist of maintenance tasks that they will work their way through during the inspection and maintenance process. You should receive a full report on what they found and any repairs they made. Remember that doing your own repairs may void your warranty on the AC unit, so it is best to hire a professional if you think there is a problem.
Why Your Air Conditioner Needs Maintenance
It is also possible for the air conditioner’s drain channels to become clogged. This will result in high humidity levels. Too much moisture in the air can actually damage walls and carpets. Regular air conditioner maintenance will involve running a stiff wire brush through the various channels to relieve any blockages.
Prevent Future Problems with an Air Conditioner Tune-Up
While you should schedule regular maintenance visits, you also want to keep an eye out for any problems with your AC that might need to be addressed sooner rather than later. First, if you hear any strange noises, there may be a problem. In particular, a buzzing sound can indicate that there is a blockage somewhere in the system. On the other hand, a humming could indicate that the fan blades have been damaged or that the motor is struggling.
You should also pay close attention to your utility bills. If there is a sudden and significant hike, then your air conditioner is probably working a lot harder than it should have to work.
Weak airflow leaks around the unit, bad smells, and trouble controlling indoor humidity levels are also signs of trouble that will let you know it is time to call the professionals.
How Often You Need an AC Check-Up
Many people ask how often they will need to have an AC check-up. In general, you should have a professional clean and inspect your AC system at least once a year. This is true even if you have a newly installed AC unit.
Regular maintenance is the best way to prolong the life of your system, avoid malfunction, and make sure that you don’t have to make any major repairs. Catching problems, such as clogged drain pipes, will also help to keep your monthly utility bills as low as possible so that you are also saving money throughout the year.
Spring is perhaps the best time of year to schedule your yearly AC maintenance appointment. You can make sure that everything is in good working condition after a long winter and ensure that your unit is ready to fire up when the heat hits the area. Finally, be sure to schedule your appointment well ahead of time so that you don’t end up having to wait during a business rush.
Book Your AC Maintenance Today
Keep your system ready and prepared for incoming hot weather. Schedule your tune-up by calling (314) 209-7500 or (636) 926-0000 or by submitting an online request below.
