AC Maintenance Checklist

AC Maintenance for Unit Outside Home

What is AC Maintenance?

Each functioning part of the air conditioning unit requires maintenance. The air conditioner’s coils, filters, and fins all require periodic investigating, tinkering and cleaning by an HVAC technician. This is due to the fact that without regular maintenance, the air conditioner quality can suffer. Replacing air conditioning filters are one of the most important maintenance tasks that homeowners can undertake. Congested, dirty air filters block the normal amount of airflow that is usually possible. When normal airflow is prohibited, the air that navigates around the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. When an HVAC technician comes to your home for scheduled air conditioner maintenance, homeowners should expect a thorough check-through of all the inner workings of the air conditioner unit.

How Much Does AC Maintenance Cost?

While many homeowners agree that air conditioning maintenance is necessary, the cost of the annual visit varies. Keeping the air conditioning unit in proper working order will increase savings in the long run by eradicating the need for severe repairs in the meantime. A flat fee for a one-time maintenance visit usually costs between $70 to $100 dollars. An annual maintenance contract will usually cost around $150. Annual servicing contracts are offered by many HVAC companies and vary anywhere from $100-$150 per year. Annual visits are part of this contract. 

How Often Should You Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced?

Commonly, one of the problems that affect air conditioning units is the need for ac coil replacement. When air conditioners haven’t been serviced for a number of years, the inner workings of the ac unit tend to suffer. It is important for heating and air conditioning equipment to be inspected on at least a yearly basis. This ensures that when problems occur, they are addressed immediately. For best results, the heating system should be checked in the Fall, and the air conditioning should be checked in the Spring. This is doubly true for oil-fired equipment, which should be cleaned and serviced annually, at the beginning of each heating season.

Is it Necessary to Service AC Every Year?

Absolutely. Ac maintenance is integral to the continuing efficiency of your air conditioning unit. This is because an HVAC or air conditioning technician will be able to diagnose future problems. This mitigates unwanted costs down the road. The cooling and heating system should be at peak performance during the hottest part of the year and the coldest part of the year. Contractors often get busy once summer and winter arrive, so it’s best to address problems before they finally occur.  

How Much is a New AC System?

Installing a new air conditioning system is expensive for most homeowners. The range vacillates between $3,350 to $5,912. Most homeowners are reported as spending approximately $4,631 on average. This cost is applicable to installing a new AC unit to your forced air furnace. For single window units or portable units, the expense ranges between $234 to $700. Ductless mini-splits are usually available for $660 to $4,500. It is important to note that the total cost will depend on how extensive the system will need to be to properly air condition a home.

Why AC Maintenance is Important

Preventative ac maintenance can help ensure that air conditioning emergencies don’t happen. If your air conditioning unit begins to sputter and die during the month of July, for instance, the initial cost of repairs will be sizable. Moreover, HVAC technicians are very busy during the summer, and locating a reputable HVAC company can come with its challenges. In addition, some of the components that keep the air conditioning unit running can be fairly expensive. Investing in ac maintenance can help alleviate and even remove some of those costs down the road.

AC Maintenance Benefits

The amount of AC maintenance benefits is extraordinary. Please read over the following list to become informed.

  • Increased energy savings. Setting up an appointment with a reputable air conditioning company can help increase your energy savings in the long term. Inefficient units draw an increased amount of electricity to produce the same effect that a clean ac unit would do effortlessly.
  • Environmentally friendly. By using less power to produce the same effect, fewer greenhouse gases will be released into the air and negatively affect the environment.
  • Longer-lasting AC unit. Through regular air conditioning maintenance, homeowners can expect their AC units to last longer, and more efficiently.

AC Maintenance for Summer

The water and air in your home are important. One of the aspects that most impacts your home is your water situation. If you find yourself in need of emergency plumbing repair, make sure to select a company with a credible reputation. There are a number of different things that an HVAC technician can do to prepare your air conditioning unit for the summer months. These things include changing the filters, cleaning the condensation lines, installing a programmable thermostat, and more. Cleaning is important for air conditioners, which is why the coils, fins, and the foliage around the concrete slab will be cleaned up. The ductwork should also be checked for leaks.

Two Air Conditioning Units Undergoing AC Maintenance

AC Maintenance How Often

Even if homeowners don’t believe that their air conditioning unit is experiencing any problems, heating, and cooling experts universally agree that its a good idea to have ac units inspected, serviced and cleaned once a year. As an HVAC system is in operation, it accumulates dust and dirt in key areas of the unit that negatively impact efficiency. It’s important to note that many heating and cooling companies offer low-priced, preventative maintenance service contracts. Inspections generally pay for themselves through improved energy efficiency. 

Have you browsed your ac maintenance checklist? Our friendly staff at Elite HVAC are ready to take your phone call at (714) 464-6622. Receive quality ac maintenance in Orange, CA!