Summer is in full swing, and the heat is only getting more intense. If you haven’t already cranked up your AC, it’s probably just a matter of time before the rising temps have you reaching for the thermostat.
Most homeowners know that to keep their units working correctly, regular maintenance and upkeep are essential. Just like with a vehicle, yearly wear-and-tear can wreak havoc on a system. And just like with a tune-up for your car, you should have regular tune-ups for your heating and cooling system.
The estimated cost of a yearly air conditioner service call can range from $150.00 to somewhere around $450.00. Some homeowners question if this extra expense for their air conditioner tune up and are they worth it in the long run? The answer to this is simple, would you run your car for thousands of miles without an oil change and tune-up?
What is an Air Conditioner Tune-Up?
Compare this tune-up to your yearly check-up you have with your physician to ensure your health is good and all your vital systems are running properly. The same dynamics are why you need to have a professional give your AC system a complete check-up to make any repairs or adjustments necessary for another year of good use.
There are common air conditioning unit procedures that should be performed year as part of an AC tune-up. These are:
- Calibrate the thermostat
- Clean the condenser coils
- Check refrigerant levels
- Tighten loose electrical parts
- Analyze motor and blower belt performance
Why Should I Get My Unit Serviced?
With summer temperatures soaring, your AC is working overtime to keep your home comfortable. Regular service helps make sure your unit can handle the heat without breaking down when you need it most. A quick tune-up now can help you avoid mid-season surprises, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your system.
Once again, go back to how you treat your vehicle. If your car has sat in a garage for a few months and you plan on driving it across the country, wouldn’t you take it to a professional to ensure that your vehicle is in top shape?
Your household equipment offers the same dynamics as your vehicle. With hot summer weather, this means that you can expect your air conditioner to have to work extra hard to keep your living environment cooled off.
Giving your AC system a heads up will ensure it is ready no matter the weather and will help eliminate the risk of a breakdown or low-efficiency operation causing excessive cooling cost.
Are Repairs Cheaper Than Yearly Maintenance?
Would the parts and service possibly be cheaper than the annual cost of a maintenance contract? Perhaps, but, highly doubtful. There are so many things that can go wrong with an air conditioner that you shouldn’t consider taking that risk.
Skipping your annual maintenance doesn’t guarantee a breakdown, but it does increase the risk—especially during peak summer demand. Even something as simple as low refrigerant can overwork your system and lead to a burned-out motor, which is a costly repair that could’ve been avoided with a quick check-up.
It is true that tune-ups may not prevent all problems from occurring, however, with annual maintenance you are knocking the risk down by at least 50% just by having regular maintenance performed.
A professional technician will be able to detect what is a small problem now from turning into an expensive large problem in the future. You can save yourself from many more hassles at a higher cost and possibly a few days of suffering until a technician can assess your needs.
What About My Warranty?
Be sure to review your manufacturer’s warranty—most require annual maintenance to keep the coverage valid. Skipping service could leave you footing the bill for repairs that might have been covered.
The majority of new units come with a limited manufacturers warranty, but you need to read the fine print before assuming that any parts have coverage. Comfortmaker, Lennox, and Trane make it very clear that unless you have regular maintenance performed, they won’t issue replacement parts in the event of a breakdown.
Policies such as these are a win-win because these manufacturers understand that if their product is taken care of properly, there should be no need for a warranty. Be sure to read your warranty for a better understanding of what is required from the manufacturer of your unit.
Maintenance Extends Your AC Lifespan
Having a professional perform regular maintenance can help eliminate constant repairs which can increase the lifespan of your unit. Neglecting the proper care is one way to ensure you will eventually have costly repairs if not the need to replace your unit with a new expensive project you aren’t financially prepared to make.
Keeping your air conditioner maintained will help you get the most usage for as many years possible. You are also assisting with keeping your cooling expenses down when the time comes for regular use. Having an AC unit run with higher efficiency while maintaining your family and home in comfort is what you can expect with routine maintenance.
Conclusion
Feeling the heat yet? If your AC is already running or working overtime, now’s the perfect time to give us a call. We’ll make sure your system is running at peak performance, so you stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
You should trust your air conditioner tune-up to professionals as you do your car when it comes time for a tune-up and maintenance. Schedule your next tune-up with a professional, licensed technician with All Hours Air that has your best interest in mind.
We here at All Hours Air want to earn your respect and your business by providing excellent professional service when you need it, no more no less. You won’t face catchy sales pitch trying to get you to spend more than necessary. We provide value, quality and most of all, comfort.
