Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance: A Key to Longevity and Efficiency

Air conditioning units only work if they are maintained well. They need not only to operate comfortably, but also safely. Many homeowners wonder how often air conditioning units need to be serviced. This article will provide detailed answers to the question of whether you need to service it and how often the air conditioning system should be serviced to work.

Annual Professional Maintenance

In fact, the official advice is to have your home (or office) air conditioning system serviced by an expert at least once a year. The best time is annual, in the spring, just before the peak summer demand intensive period. The technician will examine it thoroughly, make recommended changes, and identify problems.

Key Aspects of Professional Servicing

• System Inspection and Cleaning: Technicians clean various major components of an AC system, amounting to roughly 40 per cent of a system’s efficiency output.
• Refrigerant Check: They ensure the refrigerant level is correct, crucial for optimal operation.
• Thermostat Check: Ensuring the thermostat is working correctly to maintain the desired temperature efficiently.
• Ductwork Inspection: Checking for leaks or blockages in the ductwork which can affect performance.

Between Professional Services: Homeowner Maintenance

In addition to annual professional servicing, there are also a number of maintenance tasks that homeowners can carry out to keep their systems in top order:

• Filter replacement or cleaning (depending on the system): 1-3 months.
• Clearing Debris: Regularly clear debris like leaves and dirt from around outdoor units.
• Checking for Obstructions: Ensure indoor vents aren’t obstructed by furniture or other items.

Signs Your Air Conditioning System Needs Servicing

Between annual services, watch for signs your system might need attention:

• Reduced Cooling Efficiency: If your home isn’t cooling as effectively as usual.
• Strange Noises: Unusual sounds can indicate mechanical problems.
• Unpleasant Odours: Musty smells might suggest mold or mildew build-up in the system.
• Increased Energy Bills: Sudden increases in energy bills can be a sign of inefficiency.

Key Learnings and Actionable Insights

• Schedule professional air conditioning servicing annually, preferably in the spring.
• Between services, regularly replace or clean filters and clear debris from around the unit.
• Look for signs of inefficiency or failure – such as reduced cooling, strange noises or higher energy bills.
• But just like your car, proper maintenance will prolong its life, clean the air for you and your family, and save you money.