Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool, but it doesn’t stay in top shape all on its own. Without proper maintenance, your system can lose efficiency, struggle to cool your home, and even break down when you need it most. So, how often should you have it serviced? It’s a common question, and one that can save you money and headaches if you get the answer right. At Home Comfort Solutions in Moore, OK, we’ve seen how regular maintenance can keep AC systems running better and lasting longer. The good news is that keeping your air conditioner in great shape doesn’t have to be complicated.
Why Once a Year is the Sweet Spot for AC Maintenance
You might not think much about your air conditioner when it’s doing its job. You flip it on, cool air blows out, and that’s that. But if you want it to keep working like that every summer, getting it checked annually is the best way to make sure it stays in shape. Once a year is normally just right. It’s not too often, but it’s enough to catch little problems before they grow into something expensive.
Think about your AC like a bike you ride every day. If you don’t check the tires, oil the chain, or tighten the brakes, it might still work for a while, but eventually, something’s going to go wrong. Your air conditioner works hard, especially during those hot months. Dust builds up, and parts wear out. If no one looks it over, it can break down just when you need it most.
A yearly tune-up is kind of like a doctor’s check-up for your AC. It gives a technician a chance to clean things out, examine the parts, and make sure everything’s running the way it should. If a belt is starting to wear or a wire is getting loose, they can fix it before it leaves you sweating in your living room in the middle of July.
Spring Is the Best Time to Schedule a Check-Up
You can get your AC serviced any time, but spring is usually the best. When it’s just beginning to get warmer, you haven’t quite hit the days when you need your system running full blast. That makes it the perfect time to get everything checked before the real heat arrives.
Do you know how every year, right before the first cold snap, everyone rushes to buy space heaters? Or when the first big snow hits, shovels are suddenly sold out everywhere? The same thing happens with air conditioners. The first really hot day has everyone flipping their thermostats on, and if their system isn’t working, they’re calling for repairs. That can mean long waits and rushed appointments.
If you get your tune-up in spring, you avoid the rush. You get someone out to check your system before it’s pushed to its limits. They can spot anything that needs fixing, top off fluids, and get your AC ready to handle those long, hot afternoons. Plus, you won’t have to deal with sweating it out if something needs to be repaired. You’ll be ahead of the game.
Skipping Maintenance Can Cost You More Later
It’s easy to skip maintenance when everything seems fine. After all, if your AC is cooling your home, why spend money on a check-up? However, skipping that yearly service can lead to higher costs down the road. Little problems can hide inside your system, getting worse over time until one day your AC just stops working.
Maybe your refrigerant is a little low, but it’s still cooling. You don’t notice anything is wrong until a scorching day when your house won’t cool down. Now, you’re stuck calling for emergency service — and those bills are never cheap.
The coils inside your unit may be getting dirty. It still works, but it’s working harder. Your energy bill creeps up little by little, and you don’t even realize you’re paying more every month. By the time you figure it out, your system might be so stressed that parts need to be replaced.
Changing Your Air Filter Is Something You Can Handle
While professional maintenance is a must, there’s one simple thing you can do yourself that makes a big difference: changing your air filter. It might not seem like much, but that little filter has a big job. It keeps dust, pollen, and other junk from getting into your AC system and your home’s air.
When the filter gets clogged, air can’t move through it as easily. Your system has to work harder to cool your home, and that means higher bills and more wear and tear. If the filter gets really bad, it can even cause your system to freeze up or stop working.
Changing your filter is easy. Most filters slide in and out, and you don’t need any tools. Check it once a month, especially during the summer when your AC is running a lot. If it looks dirty, swap it out. If you have pets or someone in your house has allergies, you might need to replace it more often. It’s a small thing, but it keeps your system happy and your air clean.
How Long Will Your AC Last?
Getting your air conditioner serviced every year doesn’t just keep it running better; it also helps it last longer. Most systems are built to run for about 10 to 15 years, but that’s only if owners take care of them. Without regular maintenance, parts wear out faster, and your system might start breaking down after just a few years.
Think about your car. If you skip oil changes and never check the brakes, it’s not going to last as long as one that gets regular tune-ups. Your AC is much the same. Regular maintenance keeps everything running smoothly so you get the most life out of your system.
If you’ve had your air conditioner for more than 10 years, yearly check-ups are even more important. Leaks, electrical issues, and worn-out parts happen more often in older systems. Keeping up with maintenance helps you avoid sudden breakdowns and gives you a better idea of when it might be time to start thinking about a replacement.
What Happens During a Professional Service Appointment
A good tune-up is a full inspection and cleaning to make sure every part is doing its job. The technician will clean the coils, which can get dirty from dust and debris. Dirty coils make it difficult for your system to cool the air. They’ll also check the refrigerant level. If it’s too low, your AC can’t cool properly, and it might mean there’s a leak somewhere.
They’ll test the thermostat to make sure it’s reading the right temperature and check the blower motor and fan to make sure air is moving through your home the way it should. Wires and connections get checked, too, since loose ones can cause your system to short out or stop working. It’s a detailed process, and it ensures your AC is ready to deal with the hottest days of the year.
Schedule Your AC Service
Getting your air conditioner serviced on a regular schedule keeps it running strong, saves you money on energy bills, and helps prevent surprise breakdowns. It’s a simple way to make sure your home stays cool when the heat hits. If it’s been a while since your last AC tune-up — or if you’re not sure when it was — call us at Home Comfort Solutions in Moore today to make an appointment for your air conditioner service.
