Air Conditioning Maintenance: What Customers Need to Know

Summer is just around the corner and folks in Texas are already getting ready to gear up their air conditioning units. While a lot of people in other states can get by on fans and natural ventilation, in Plano, nothing compares to a quality, high-functioning HVAC system.

But did you know that your AC unit does more than just cool the air? Air conditioning helps you to improve indoor air quality, working in conjunction with your central HVAC system. You can’t put a price on comfort, but even so, proper AC maintenance is vital for your health as well. So, what is air conditioning maintenance, and why is it important?

Regular Maintenance Can Improve the Natural Ventilation of Your Home

We often take our HVAC units for granted, but they’re a major investment in the home. You may not notice that your indoor air quality and natural ventilation are improved when the system is working properly. But over time, without proper maintenance, that air quality dips quickly.

When your HVAC central systems aren’t working, you may notice excessive moisture and mechanical ventilation. That moisture often leads to high humidity in your home. Relative humidity above 30-60% has been linked to respiratory problems, mold and mildew growth, and sleep problems. A spring tune-up can help keep your system running optimally in the run-up to summer.

Old Systems Can Lead to Water Leaks

If you see a water leak from your HVAC unit, you should call a trusted HVAC repair company straight away. Water is public enemy #1 when it comes to protecting your home’s structure, foundations, and indoor air quality. Excess moisture makes the perfect conditions for mold, mildew, and other allergens. And more allergens are the last thing we need in spring!

A maintenance plan can help you avoid leaks and moisture before they happen, and before your air quality is affected. 

Broken AC Compressors Are Expensive to Replace

Your AC’s condensing unit is a vital component of your HVAC system—the part outside your home that interfaces with the outdoor air. Within that unit, the compressor is like the heart of your HVAC system, pumping refrigerant throughout the unit. That refrigerant passes through condensing coils which help cool the refrigerant. During regular AC maintenance, we check your whole system, including the compressor, coils, and refrigerant, to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Air conditioning units that have dirty coils will see a reduction in lubrication, resulting in poor air conditioning performance. Worse, AC units with broken compressors are often better replaced than repaired—a costly endeavor. But with regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your compressor and avoid the full replacement costs.

Well-Maintained AC Units Save You Money on Utility Bills

When the filters, coils, fins, fans, and drains are clean and running efficiently, the system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool down your home. That translates directly to energy savings, to the tune of saving up to 15% on energy use, according to the EPA. Improperly installed and maintained AC parts and units are responsible for a 30% reduction in energy efficiency overall.

You can take steps at home to maintain your AC unit and boost efficiency by changing your air filter every 30 to 60 days, more often if the AC is in constant use, is in a dusty area, or if you have pets. Then, get a professional cleaning once per year to keep things running as smoothly (and cheaply) as possible!

Trust the Professionals at 1st Class Heat & Air

You wouldn’t drive your car without changing your oil—so why would you run your AC without its own tune-up? Maintenance programs pay for themselves in the form of lowered energy bills, less frequent need for repairs, and overall longevity of your system. If you haven’t gotten your yearly tune-up yet, call the professionals at 1st Class Heat & Air today! We look forward to helping your home stay cool and comfortable all summer long.

Schedule your spring tune-up by calling (972) 673-0408 or requesting 1st Class Service online!