How Often Should I Have My AC Unit Serviced?

One of the many jobs that homeowners have in trying to keep their house running in top shape is maintaining their home's HVAC system. But whether it's calling for major repairs or just handling maintenance tasks, many people are confused as to how often they should be calling their local HVAC company to perform routine residential air conditioning services. Since every home is unique, there is no hard and fast rule as to the frequency of air conditioning service calls, but most agree that the more often your unit is serviced, the better it will run.

How Often Should I Schedule AC Services?

Generally speaking, homeowners should schedule residential air conditioning services about once every year. It's best if these service calls are scheduled during the off-peak periods of the year, such as early spring or late fall — whenever we're transitioning from cold to warm (or vice versa). Not only will you be able to take advantage of lower prices, but you also enable the technicians to make any kind of repairs or perform any kind of AC services that may be required without waiting for another appointment.

What Will the AC Technician Do?

Apart from generally inspecting your air conditioning unit, technicians will also inspect your ductwork to make sure that both components are operating efficiently. They'll pull the grates off of your unit and inspect the fan blades and the condenser coils, and will usually clean them as part of basic maintenance. The same goes for your ductwork: If they're dirty, they'll generally give that a good scrubbing as well.

If the technician spots any problem areas, they'll notify the homeowner and perform any major AC repairs that need to take place. Early detection in these situations is key, so if a technician is able to spot and fix a potential problem now, it can pay off in the long run.

Why are Regular AC Services so Important?

According to some experts, residential AC units lose about 5% of their operating efficiency every single year. What that means for you as a homeowner, is that your system will work harder every 12 months to keep your house as cool as it should be. Eventually, it will fail completely, but regular maintenance and service calls will ensure that your home's AC unit runs as efficiently as it can for as long as possible.

For more information about routine AC services, contact a local HVAC technician.


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