There are few things worse than a broken air conditioner on a hot day. Fortunately, it won’t take an expert to keep things running smoothly, but you will need some basic knowledge. Air conditioner maintenance is beyond flicking a switch. It’s about safeguarding your comfort, your budget, and your peace of mind.

Why Service Matters

Your air conditioner puts in a ton of work to maintain the comfort of you and your family. On the hottest days of the year, it must work harder. As your system ages, it collects debris, and it experiences a considerable amount of wear and tear. If you haven’t had your AC maintained regularly, you might experience some serious problems. It might even start running longer just to accomplish the same task. Your house becomes less comfortable, and not to mention, this runs up the electric bill and significantly shortens the life of your system.

What Gets Checked During a Service Visit

At a routine service visit, technicians examine several components. They will test your refrigerant levels, clean or replace filters and inspect your coils. The coils cannot work well if they are dirty or clogged. Worn parts or exposed wiring can lead to breakdowns or, worse, fire hazards. Others, like a failing capacitor or a low refrigerant level, are relatively simple to fix when they are caught early. If neglected, though, they can take the whole system down.

How Often Should You Schedule Service?

For most homes, a good rule of thumb is once a year. The best time to call to book a service call is in the spring, just before you need the air conditioning. What’s more, HVAC technicians have a less busy schedule, as it is not yet peak season. But if you hear strange noises, smell something off, or experience uneven temperatures, don’t wait to get help.

Bypassing service can appear to be a budget-friendly decision in the short term, but it typically results in more costly repairs. If you have neglected it enough, you will have to purchase a whole new system.

What You Can Do Between Appointments

There are a few things you can do on your own. For example, changing your air filter every month to three months can work wonders. A dirty filter causes your AC to work harder and that can result in breakdowns. Also, make sure the outdoor unit is free of grass, weeds, or any debris.

If you have not yet scheduled your service call this year, now is the time. For AC repair and maintenance services in Lethbridge, Alberta, call Charlton & Hill Home Services.