Have you ever considered how much usage your air conditioner gets in a year?
While we don’t quantify air conditioning usage in terms of miles, the analogy to car mileage is apt. Just as you accumulate miles on your car with each drive, your air conditioning system accrues wear and tear every time it’s in operation. Much like how you schedule routine tune-ups for your car, it’s equally crucial to arrange for an annual maintenance check for your air conditioning system – a tune-up – with Experts in Your Home.
Perhaps a more pertinent question would be: Why is it imperative to have my air conditioning system inspected before summer arrives?
Here are the Top 3 Reasons to Ensure Your Air Conditioning System Receives an Annual Maintenance Check: Reason No. 1: Enhanced Efficiency through Tune-Up Explanation: A major threat to any mechanical system, especially one as intricate as your air conditioner, is the accumulation of dirt and grime. Regular cleaning is pivotal during an annual maintenance check, particularly for components like the evaporator, condenser coils, and blower.
The U.S. Department of Energy emphasizes this point: “An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins necessitate regular maintenance to ensure effective and efficient operation over its lifespan. Neglecting essential upkeep leads to a gradual decline in air conditioning performance alongside a steady increase in energy consumption.”
Reason No. 2: Improved Economic Operation Post-Tune-Up Explanation: A dirty air conditioning system may not necessarily operate “harder,” but it certainly runs for longer durations. Consequently, prolonged operation to achieve desired thermostat settings translates to higher operational costs. This correlation is a mathematical certainty.
Quantifying the cost savings resulting from a tuned-up air conditioning system can be challenging, even for energy departments. Factors like home size, resident habits, and temperature preferences contribute to varying savings. For instance, homeowners who follow up a tune-up with comprehensive sealing and caulking initiatives are likely to realize greater energy efficiency gains than those who don’t. This underscores the significance of homeowner efforts beyond mere maintenance, as corroborated by research.
Considering that the New Buildings Institute highlights the potential for “best practices” in maintenance to yield energy savings ranging from 10 to 20 percent across all U.S. climate zones, with “poor maintenance practices” conversely increasing energy usage by 30 to 60 percent, it’s evident that proactive efforts can yield substantial benefits.
Reason No. 3: Prolonged Lifespan with Regular Maintenance Explanation: Similar to a well-maintained car, a properly serviced air conditioning system tends to last longer. Manufacturers typically outline expected lifespans for systems “with proper maintenance,” underscoring the indispensability of routine upkeep.
Air conditioning systems are intricate pieces of equipment, often enduring a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, as opposed to furnaces, which can last between 20 and 25 years. An annual tune-up plays a crucial role in ensuring your system remains operational for its intended duration.
Schedule Your Home Air Conditioning System Tune-Up Reach out to Experts in Your Home to schedule your air conditioning system’s tune-up, where we’ll:
Thoroughly clean the entire system. Lubricate moving components. Ensure the appropriate refrigerant levels. Check for refrigerant leaks. Assess airflow through the evaporator coil. Verify proper electric control sequencing and prevent simultaneous heating and cooling operation. Inspect and optimize electric terminals. Evaluate belt tightness and condition. Confirm thermostat accuracy. Identify and seal any duct leakage.