When Should I Tune Up My Air Conditioning System?
Spring is the best time of year to schedule professional maintenance for your air conditioner (AC). That way, you can rest assured that your cooling system in Oregon, Montana, or Washington will run all summer.
Additionally, if you haven’t changed your air filter in a while, now is an excellent time to do so. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can instantly cut your energy use by up to 15 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Find a Carrier dealer to handle all your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality needs by turning to our Carrier Northwest Directory.
What Exactly Is an AC Tune-Up?
An AC tune-up is the best way to protect your Northern California home comfort equipment—and it takes less than an hour to complete. During the visit, the professional will check that your AC meets safety standards and perform an evaluation to ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible.
All Pacific Northwest AC tune-ups follow Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) guidelines, a nationally-recognized set of standards for proper heating and cooling maintenance.
Here’s a sample of what gets done during an AC tune-up:
- Cleaning
Your HVAC expert will ensure your evaporator and condenser coils are pristine. This reduces the likelihood of short cycling. Additionally, your expert will clean and calibrate the blowers so they provide maximum airflow.
- Inspecting
A lot of inspection needs to happen to ensure your system runs safely and efficiently. Your expert will check the aluminum fins on the outdoor compressor for bending and chipping, which can reduce efficiency. They will also check for damaged internal parts, loose seals, and any thermostat issues.
- Energy saving tips
Your Pacific Northwest expert will provide their findings at the end of your tune-up. If anything needs to be repaired, we’ll let you know what the issue is and give you a plan of action. We can also give you specialized tips on energy savings and more.
Why Is Seasonal AC Maintenance Important?
Don’t skip seasonal HVAC maintenance—it’s essential for homeowners. In fact, most HVAC manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep your warranty. Here are the top reasons you should schedule maintenance this spring:
- Your AC will run more efficiently.
Higher efficiency means lower bills. A poorly maintained AC system drains unnecessarily high amounts of energy, costing you extra.
- You’ll reduce the risk of more expensive repairs.
Oftentimes, the earlier an issue is caught, the easier it is to fix. For instance, we can replace a loose or missing screw quickly and inexpensively. But waiting too long to address it can lead to further damage and a more expensive repair.
- Your AC will last longer.
Well-kept central AC units can last up to 20 years. Get the maximum mileage from your cooling system by giving it the necessary care.
- It keeps your home safe.
Your specialist will check for refrigerant leaks and electrical problems, ensuring your home is a safe and healthy place to be.
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