A tune-up for your air conditioner involves much more than simply changing a filter. Although it is important to have the filter changed regularly, there are many more parts of the air conditioner that need to be checked frequently to keep it running smoothly and efficiently all year. Having a maintenance plan is a great way to keep the system in perfect shape.
Why Preventative Maintenance?
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It may be tempting to forget about your air conditioner until it breaks down or stops working. However, giving in to this temptation can have a huge effect on both the quality of the air circulation in your home and on your wallet. When each of the components is regularly inspected and taken care of, you can avoid costly repairs, and keep your air cool and clean.
- Cleaner Air – An air conditioning system that is not regularly maintained could have a buildup of pollutants that are eventually transferred into the air of your home. This can be extremely unhealthy for anyone, but especially for those with allergies and asthma.
- More Efficient – Additionally, when moving parts are not lubricated or cleaned, they can stop working optimally, which means that they will be working twice as hard for the same amount of cool air.
- Fire Risk – Improperly maintained A/C systems can also pose a fire risk. When the electrical components of a system are not inspected and tested regularly, they can become a fire hazard for the home. Keeping everything well-maintained means that you can rest securely knowing that your unit is safe.
What to Expect During Your Raleigh A/C Tune-Up
In Raleigh and Durham, it can be fairly warm outside, even during the winter months. That is why an air conditioning tune-up is something that should be done on your air conditioner at least once per year to maintain its function. The process is fairly fast, usually not taking more than two hours. During the visit, you can expect several different processes to take place:
- Replacing Filters – Replacing the air filters is an easy and cheap way to protect the A/C unit. Having a clean filter prevents the motor from overheating or burning out. Although they should be changed much more frequently, every tune-up will include an air filter replacement.
- Refrigerant Pressures – Each unit contains refrigerant or freon that is crucial for keeping the air cold. If the unit is not blowing cold enough air, it may mean that there is a freon leak or an obstruction somewhere in the system. One way to check this and diagnose the cause is to check the refrigerant pressure. This is routinely done by our technicians.
- Checking Electrical Connections – Corroded, loose, or melted electrical connections can not only lead to malfunction but can also become a fire hazard. When the connection becomes loose, it can generate extremely high temperatures, causing damage and risk of fire. During a tune-up, we check all electrical connections.
- Lubricating Moving Parts – Lubrication keeps moving parts working smoothly. If not lubricated, these parts work less efficiently and may also cause wear and tear. With proper care, the system can cool your house with minimal effort, saving on energy. Our process includes lubrication with each tune-up.
- Checking Belts – When our technicians arrive to perform a tune-up, one item that they check is the drive belt. These can weaken over time, so they are checked both for proper condition and for proper tension. They will then check the motor and blower pulleys to make sure they are aligned. The motor will also be checked for cracks and clogs and will be cleaned if necessary.
- Checking Condensate Drain Systems – Checking and cleaning the condensate drain line can significantly increase the efficiency of the air conditioner and save energy in the long run. Because there is a lot of moisture on the condensate drain, it can be a perfect place for mold and algae to grow, causing clogs. In order to prevent this, our technicians inspect and clean these parts.
- Checking Electrical Controls – The electrical controls are an important part of the system because they are responsible for checking the temperature of the room and telling the system when to turn on or off. They are also responsible for detecting any problems and shutting down when necessary. These crucial parts should be checked at each tune-up to make sure the system is running smoothly and safely.
Benefits of an AC Maintenance Plan
One of the best ways to ensure that your air conditioner is receiving the attention it needs every year is to invest in preventative maintenance plans. With just one affordable, yearly fee gives customers access to a wealth of benefits including seasonal tune-ups, safety inspections to ensure the safe functioning of the air conditioning system, free air filters, and discounts on air conditioning repair. Customers with maintenance plans also get the fastest service with the 24-hour priority service plan. Regular service through a maintenance plan can help you save money over time by helping your air conditioner work efficiently, saving energy.
The pricing of maintenance plans can vary depending on how many units need to be serviced each year. They can range from $150 per year for one HVAC system, to over $250 per year for multiple units. Research shows that over 70% of major breakdowns can be prevented with regular check-ups, so this small reasonable amount is more than worth investing in to extend the life of the unit. You can do a quick search for AC maintenance near me to find a reputable provider.
Maintenance plans are extremely important. When a technician performs a tune-up, they check everything from moving parts to electrical systems to make sure everything is working at its best. Not only does this increase the safety of the system, but it also ensures that the air conditioner is working at its best. This means that you will save on energy bills, prevent expensive repairs, and increase the lifespan of the unit.
Contact us today to set up a maintenance plan for your system.
