Air Conditioners are just like any other machine, they need regular servicing and maintenance. They are constantly in use, especially in summers. But if not serviced on time, they might stop working just when you need it or they may work inefficiently, drawing more electricity than needed to cool the area.
If you don't clean your air conditioner yearly, a thick layer of dirt and debris plug up the back condenser fins and make it difficult for your AC to work properly and efficiently. That thick layer of dirt and debris acts like a "sweater" that won't allow your window or wall AC to breathe and evacuat.
Nothing to Worry About
Modern air conditioners are meant to run for years, often running daily for months at a time. As long as the AC receives regular seasonal maintenance and is in good working condition when it's shut down, you should have no trouble when you turn it back on.
Most Air Conditioners Are Fine if They're Not Used for 3-4 Months. In general, today's durable air conditioners were built to last. Many are meant to run every day for months at a time and are expected to last for decades.
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.
Get Your AC Coils Cleaned
Get your coils cleaned annually. If you live in an area where your AC unit is exposed to excessive amounts of dirt, dust, debris, or moisture, it is best to regularly clean your coils every three months or so. Every AC unit and environment is different.
However, if you allow the clog to persist, things can turn for the worse. Water damage becomes a real threat, and mold growth in your home becomes a concerning possibility, negatively impacting indoor air quality.
Fixing an air conditioning unit typically takes between 30 minutes to 8 hours. Simple issues, like changing a clogged filter or replacing a fuse, are resolved quickly. More intricate problems, such as refrigerant leaks or compressor failures, require more time.
In extreme heat, the loss of air conditioning may be a maintenance emergency. In that situation, contact management without delay.
If it has been a year or more since your air conditioner was installed, consider getting it serviced by an air conditioning professional. Not only will the system run more efficiently, cooling your home better, but it will also extend the life of your system.
As the charge becomes lower the oil does not circulate as well and it causes damage to the AC compressor and the Thermostatic Expansion valve. The good news is that recharging your air conditioning system is a relatively simple process — but it's essential to do this regularly.
If this service isn't done regularly, you could potentially experience an AC drain line clogged. A clogged AC drain line symptoms include: Musty, moldy smell near your indoor unit or in air from the registers/vents. Standing water near the indoor unit.
The repair cost to have the drain line flushed runs between $75 to $250.
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.
If you neglect to clean your air con filters every three months, your system's efficiency can drop. It has to run longer and work harder to circulate air and maintain the desired temperature, which can lead to wear and tear on its components much faster than if it were running under optimal conditions.
Modern air conditioners can last between 15-20 years, and older air conditioners last around 10-12 years. The health and efficiency of your A/C depends on a number of factors, including whether or not you properly maintained the unit throughout its lifetime.
In most cases, you can get away with cleaning your coils once a year with a seasonal tune-up. However, you should consider where your unit is located. If you're in a big city with heavy air pollution, you may want to have the coils cleaned two times a year.
Constant Breakdowns
When your AC is not maintained, it is likely riddled with a lot of internal issues that aren't being addressed. Wait long enough, and these issues can lead to constant breakdowns. Breakdowns are expensive to repair, and having them repeatedly takes away your comfort at home.
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.
Residential Air Conditioner Freon Refill Cost
Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit. If you own a larger r22 unit, you may have to spend $600 or more. To break this down for you, a 25lbs unit of r410A costs anything between $100 and $175.