Heating and air conditioning equipment should be inspected, cleaned, and repaired at least once a year. The best-case scenario is to check the heating system in the fall and the air conditioning in the spring. At the very least, you should try to repair your air conditioner every year, in early to mid-spring. However, for optimal performance, it would be in your best interest to have your unit repaired in the fall as well.
An HVAC contractor will focus on your furnace to prepare your system to deal with heating demands once temperatures drop. The first aspect of air conditioning maintenance to consider is the frequency with which inspections must be carried out. At a minimum, your inspections should take place once a year. However, for optimal preventive maintenance, you must carry out two inspections.
Usually, one is done in the fall. This is because you will be turning on the air conditioner to warm it up in a few weeks. To ensure that your oven is ready to use, an inspection can tell the professional if the parts and oven are ready to use. Generally speaking, a unit should be inspected annually to check for routine maintenance and possible necessary repairs.
Usually, a heat pump only needs an inspection once a year, as it is a single unit that provides heating and cooling. A home that has separate heating and air conditioning units needs two annual inspections, although the same contractor can perform them at the same time for greater convenience. The ideal is to maintain a maintenance program and carry out inspections at the same time each year. Inspecting the air conditioner helps to keep the system running smoothly and to ensure that it operates at the most efficient level. If a unit starts to make a strange noise or work harder than in the past, it's a good idea to carry out an additional inspection to detect the problem and fix it before more expensive repairs are needed.
During the inspection, the professional will check the air filter and replace it or clean it if it is dirty. With the warmer weather about to arrive, you might be wondering if your air conditioning unit needs to be checked. Just make sure you read the small print and know if you get air conditioning services annually or twice a year, or if the contract includes repairs and emergency calls. Insulate pipes with foam tubes to prevent them from freezing, and protect the outdoor air conditioning unit with a cover that closes tightly. Regardless of how often you service your air conditioner, the technician will perform the same tasks to make sure the system is in good condition. For those who don't normally turn on their air conditioning units until it's quite hot, that quick relief is unbeatable.
One way to save money and keep your air conditioning in top condition is to take out an annual air conditioning service plan. While each company usually offers individual services in accordance with their objectives, there are some standards you can probably expect.
Preparing Your Air Conditioner for Winter
Reduce the risk of rust, weather damage, and wildlife nesting or eating the mechanical parts of your air conditioner by making some basic preparations for winter. Now that you know how often you should repair your air conditioner, hire an HVAC professional to take care of the maintenance so you can extend its life.Signs That You Need an Inspection
If the air doesn't seem to be as cold as it was in the past, or if electricity bills inexplicably rise within a month, it's probably because the unit is operating as efficiently as it should and needs maintenance adjustments that will be determined by inspection. Scheduling maintenance during winter months is not recommended either as operating an AC unit in cold climates can damage it.Even if your air conditioning unit seems to be working properly, HVAC system manufacturers recommend that it be inspected at least once a year according to heating and cooling experts.
