Though there can be a bit of wiggle room, generally speaking, you should have your air conditioner serviced twice yearly: once in the fall and once in the spring. This is to ensure that it's clean, that its parts are in good shape and that it's operating as optimally as possible.
Typical Schedule for Professional AC Servicing
In most cases, professionals and manufacturers recommend you have your air conditioner — and your heating system — seen by an HVAC technician at least once a year, preferably just before the heat ramps up and you start really putting your air conditioner to work.
Yes, it is recommended to get your air conditioner serviced regularly even if it appears to be working fine. Regular maintenance can help identify potential issues before they become major problems and prevent breakdowns, which could save you from costly repairs or even a full replacement in the future.
The dirt clogs up the system and creates condensation, leading to mold that clogs the draining system. These clogs, when left unchecked, lead to water leaks coming from the interior unit of your AC.
You may be able to clean the inside of your AC system depending on how comfortable you are opening your AC unit up, but you won't be able to spot any serious issues without a service technician. Any service work involving leaks, electrical problems, fan issues, or blower components will require a pro.
If your AC is running but not cooling, it could be due to a dirty air filter, incorrect thermostat settings, a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, dirty condenser coils, blocked vents or ducts, a faulty compressor, frozen evaporator coils, or electrical issues.
An annual AC tuneup costs between $60 and $200, depending on the type and size of your unit.
An annual or bi-annual HVAC maintenance appointment generally takes somewhere between 1-2 hours, although this can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. These factors include the type of AC you have, the size of your home, and the amount of time that has passed since your last tune-up.
Aircon general servicing typically costs $30 per unit for wall-mounted units and $100 for ceiling-mounted units. For additional AC services such as gas top-up and condenser cleaning, the average cost is $150-$500. Check out our full price list here.
An air conditioner tune-up typically includes but is not limited to cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, replacing the air filter, checking ductwork for leaks or blockages, testing the thermostat, examining electrical components, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting the condensate drain.
It's important to be aware of how long air conditioners last, so you don't get the unwelcome surprise of a broken air conditioner in the peak of the summer heat. In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.
Many modern AC units come equipped with an auto-cleaning feature designed to remove dust, bacteria, and other contaminants from the system. This process typically involves the unit running a self-cleaning cycle, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the level of cleaning required.
Are you wondering what's included in professional AC maintenance services? Professional AC maintenance services typically include thoroughly inspecting your air conditioning system, cleaning and replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, and more.
If an air conditioner is not serviced regularly, it can suffer from reduced efficiency, higher energy consumption, and frequent breakdowns. Common issues such as clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, and electrical failures can arise, leading to costly repairs and a shorter lifespan for the unit.
Even without noticeable defects, we recommend getting an air conditioner checked at least once a year to ensure it's performing at its best. Here are the signs to be on the lookout for that may indicate an air conditioner needs immediate maintenance. If your unit makes more noise than usual, the filters may be clogged.
To keep your air conditioner functioning efficiently, HVAC Experts recommend servicing it at least once a year. Annual cooling maintenance ensures your AC unit remains in optimal condition, preventing potential issues and extending its life span.
You know that taking care of your car is an investment worth making. Similarly, there are many benefits to undergoing preventive maintenance for your HVAC system. They include maintaining your warranty, saving money, increasing energy efficiency, and extending the life of your HVAC system.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
To clean the coils, spray the fins on the inside of the unit with an A/C coil cleaner, following the manufacturer's instructions. To remove the cleaning detergent, spray with a hose to push the cleaner through the fins to the outside of the unit. Don't use a pressure washer — the force of the water can damage the fins.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.