How to Avoid Costly AC Repairs with Simple Maintenance

Did you know that cooling systems, such as air conditioning units, account for a significant portion of home energy use? According to data from the US Energy Information Administration, air conditioning accounts for 19% of home energy use in the US in 2020. Expect that percentage to rise during summer months, with extreme heat further driving up home cooling costs. It is especially alarming for Louisiana homeowners who deal with hot and humid summer conditions, requiring the AC unit to be switched on for the most part of the summer months. 

How Regular Maintenance Can Avoid Costly AC Repairs

The air conditioning system consists of several parts that can degrade over time. Regular maintenance is critical in ensuring that those components are working and that you can avoid major issues that require costly repairs or parts replacement. These reasons will convince you to undergo regular maintenance on your AC unit and how it can save money in the long run.

Address Problems as Soon as They Arise

Neglecting your AC maintenance results in having to pay for expensive AC repairs when it could have been a minor issue that can be easily resolved. Therefore, it’s best to invest in a regular checkup and maintenance work to ensure that the parts are in good working condition.

Aside from making sure that the parts are working, another advantage to a regular AC checkup is to diagnose any potential issues. Detecting those issues early on allows you to address the problems as they arise instead of waiting on them to worsen until such a point wherein the repair can be costly or you must shell out a large sum to replace critical parts or components.

Checking and Cleaning the AC Filter

Basic maintenance procedures, such as cleaning the air filter, is a minor step but can prove valuable in the long run in keeping your AC running efficiently. Efficiency is the key term here given how much cooling systems can contribute to the energy usage of your home. 

Checking and cleaning the AC filter reduces the burden on the entire system to generate adequate cooling for the home. A well-maintained filter ensures you can cool your home with less energy. 

Cleaning the AC filter is easy because you can do it on your own, or you can have it cleaned as part of your HVAC technician’s regular checkup. 

Better AC Performance

A key advantage of regular maintenance of your AC is the ability to maintain efficient and reliable performance. It ensures that every component is working as it should, whether it’s as simple as the air filter and fans, or the condenser unit. With everything working efficiently, you can expect reliable performance, especially during the hottest months of the year in Louisiana. 

Extends the Lifespan of the AC

 The most crucial benefit you can gain from regular maintenance of your AC is to keep it in good running condition. Regular inspection and maintenance can help AC technicians assess its condition and provide necessary repairs. They can identify any inefficiencies and recommend a solution to ensure everything runs at peak efficiency.

The purpose of regular maintenance is to maintain the quality of the air condition, such that you can maximize its lifespan. Maintenance might seem costly in the short-term, but it’s an investment that will save you more money in the long-term.

Also, the cost of maintenance is considerably lower compared to the cost of buying a new AC unit or paying for expensive major repairs.

Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Maintenance

The frequency of air conditioning maintenance is highly debated, and the answers vary depending on who you ask. The best way to determine if your AC needs maintenance is to look for tell-tale signs from the unit. If you catch them quick enough and address them, you can avoid costly repairs, so it is crucial to understand what those signs mean.

Strange Noises

Is your AC making strange noises? If yes, it’s time to schedule a checkup with an HVAC technician. It is especially so when your AC unit produces strange grinding or squeaking noises that weren’t there before. 

Higher Energy Bills

If there is a sudden or unexplained spike in your energy bill, it’s time to have your AC checked. It is even more important to have your unit checked if there was no significant change to your usage. An energy bill spike could indicate that your AC is working hard to maintain the ideal temperature in your home, which could arise from inefficiencies in certain components. 

Skip the guessing game as a simple maintenance check can tell you exactly what’s wrong with your AC so you can avoid costly energy bills and repairs.

AC Leaking

Does your unit have a leak? It’s uncommon for water or any moisture to come out from your AC unit, so you should consult an expert technician immediately to avoid costly repairs. 

How Often Do You Need AC Maintenance?

AC units lose their efficiency over time without regular maintenance. However, the question remains: how often does your AC unit need to undergo maintenance?

The general rule is to have your AC maintained at least once a year. But this recommendation does not apply as some areas have hot and humid conditions that require the AC to run several hours per day, making the components work harder and causing more wear and tear. Therefore, the yearly maintenance schedule is the bare minimum and you should have it checked more frequently if you live in areas where you depend on the AC to cool your home.

In this case, you need at least two service visits annually. It is the ideal frequency to ensure that there is no significant gap from your previous checkup to ensure that the internal and external components of your AC are working efficiently. 

Still, you should not hesitate to contact an HVAC expert if you see any of the signs mentioned above that your AC is having problems.