Spring HVAC Tune-Ups: How AC Maintenance Saves You Money

Summer in Pennsylvania is hot and humid, so we recommend scheduling AC maintenance before the first heat wave. It can save you money. A spring HVAC tune-up also ensures you’ll enjoy refreshing cool air at home instead of sweating it out until a technician arrives.

Needing an AC repair in the middle of summer can be inconvenient and costly. At Chud Cooling & Heating, we know what it takes for your air conditioning unit to work efficiently. We’ll explain what our HVAC experts do to keep your cooling system running smoothly, how AC maintenance can lower costs, and why you should never skip it.

What Is Included in an AC Maintenance Tune-Up?

An air conditioning tune-up includes all the maintenance tasks needed to check the health of your AC system, including the following:

• Replacing or cleaning air filters
• Measuring refrigerant levels
• Cleaning the air handler and outdoor condenser unit
• Inspecting the evaporator and condenser coils
• Cleaning the coils as needed
• Inspecting and tightening electrical connections
• Testing motor voltage and amperage
• Lubricating motor bearings and other moving parts
• Checking for proper airflow and pressure
• Cleaning the condensate pan and drain line
• Testing the system’s safety controls

An air conditioning system consists of complex, hard-working machinery. By checking filters, coils, and refrigerant levels, a technician can find and address issues that disrupt its cooling performance. Doing so reduces the workload and strain that can damage components and lead to a system malfunction or breakdown.

How AC Maintenance Saves You Money

Cost savings is one of the greatest benefits of AC maintenance. A spring tune-up can save you money throughout the system’s life because it can do the following:

• Improve Energy Efficiency: Air conditioning maintenance, similar to heating maintenance in the fall, helps the system run more smoothly, so it’s more energy efficient. Therefore, your utility bills may be lower. This means you can allot more of your budget to a home improvement project or a summer vacation.
• Prevent Costly AC Repairs: Catching issues early means a technician can make small adjustments or minor repairs to restore optimal performance. Also, reduced strain helps larger, more expensive components like the blower motor or compressor last longer. You avoid paying high parts and labor costs.
• Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC System: A lack of maintenance can lead to issues throughout the system, shortening its operating life. Spring AC tune-ups help protect it and can prevent having to invest in early HVAC system replacement. Air conditioning maintenance may save you thousands of dollars in expenses.

Signs Your AC Needs Maintenance Before Summer Hits

Schedule your spring HVAC tune-up if you haven’t already done so. However, the right time for AC maintenance depends on the system’s health. Don’t wait to request a service call if you notice any of the following signs:

• Weak Airflow: Dirt in your AC system can reduce the force of air blowing from vents. Mechanical issues can also restrict airflow.
• Inconsistent Cooling: A clogged filter, faulty thermostat, or dirty coils can cause your air conditioner to blow warm air. Schedule AC maintenance if the air temperature is too warm, fluctuates, or is inconsistent throughout your home.
• Strange Noises: A screeching sound can mean a belt is out of alignment. Rattling, grinding, and other loud noises can be due to loose parts or other mechanical problems.
• Odors Coming from the AC Unit: If your AC smells musty, mold may be growing in it due to moisture issues. A burning smell indicates an electrical problem. Strange odors mean the system needs to be cleaned or repaired.
• Rising Energy Bills: An increase in energy costs, despite normal usage, means something is causing your air conditioner to work harder and use more energy.
• Frequent Cycling On and Off: Short cycling strains an AC system and increases wear and tear. It can be caused by low refrigerant, a malfunctioning thermostat, and various other issues.

How Often Should You Get AC Maintenance?

Most industry professionals agree on scheduling an air conditioning tune-up once a year. Ideally, it should be done before you turn the system on for the first time.

Spring is the best time to schedule maintenance. Any issues can be addressed before you start using your AC system. This eliminates the risk of a hidden problem escalating to more significant damage or a breakdown.

Flexible scheduling is another benefit. Once it gets hot, HVAC technicians are busy responding to calls from customers whose air conditioners aren’t working. Requesting spring maintenance avoids longer wait times and limited availability. It also enables you to get your AC fixed, if necessary, before you need it.

Can Skipping AC Maintenance Lead to Expensive Repairs?

Neglecting regular AC tune-ups risks dealing with expensive repairs. A small issue, such as a dirty condenser coil, can be easily addressed. If not resolved, it can lead to issues such as overheating, which can cause your air conditioner to stop working.

Blocked air flow or a refrigerant leak can cause an evaporator coil to freeze, even in summer. Ice can do severe damage to the coil. It may then have to be replaced. During maintenance, a technician can resolve a refrigerant leak or issues that restrict airflow.

If your AC is making noise, neglecting the problem can lead to smaller parts breaking and damaging larger components. Loose parts can be tightened to avoid such a situation. Meanwhile, minor electrical issues can cause a system failure if not taken care of quickly.

The key takeaway here is that most major AC repairs are preventable, so don’t forget to schedule your spring HVAC tune-up.

Call Today to Schedule AC Maintenance

An air conditioning tune-up can improve efficiency, avoid costly repairs, and extend the system’s lifespan. Therefore, annual maintenance may yield substantial long-term savings. The professionals at Chud Cooling & Heating can keep your AC in top shape and help ensure your comfort and well-being. They are also committed to helping you save. Our team provides any other HVAC or plumbing service you need as well.

Contact us today to request an AC maintenance appointment or learn about our AC maintenance plans.