What’s Included in an AC Maintenance Checkup?
During a routine maintenance visit, an HVAC technician typically will:
- Inspect thermostat operation
- Clean or replace air filters
- Check refrigerant levels
- Inspect electrical connections
- Clean condenser and evaporator coils
- Check drain lines for clogs
- Test system start-up and shutdown
- Measure airflow and temperature differential
- Lubricate moving parts (if needed)
- Review overall system performance
These tasks help HVAC technicians catch any issues early to avoid breakdowns and maintain the system.
What Are the Benefits of an AC Maintenance Check?
Air conditioner maintenance offers several benefits to homeowners, making it well worth the cost. Here’s what to expect from scheduling regular maintenance for your air conditioner:
- Better cooling performance: Properly maintaining your air conditioner results in better cooling performance because it ensures unrestricted airflow and eliminates hidden issues.
- Improved energy efficiency: AC maintenance also improves energy efficiency by preventing your system from working harder than it needs.
- Fewer emergency repairs: By maintaining your air conditioning system at least once a year, you can prevent costly emergency repairs.
- Longer equipment lifespan: Routine maintenance also extends the life of your unit by preventing premature wear and tear.
- More consistent indoor comfort: Air conditioner maintenance can help prevent uneven cooling and other issues to provide consistent temperatures at home.
How Often Should I Schedule AC Maintenance?
You’re probably wondering how often you should schedule maintenance for your cooling system. Ideally, you should schedule an annual AC tune-up each spring. Early spring is the best time for a routine maintenance visit to ensure your system is ready to handle the summer heat.
What Are Some Common Causes of Air Conditioner Issues?
Air conditioners are complex systems that can experience a variety of issues. Annual AC checkups enable you to catch issues before they become major problems requiring costly repairs.
The most common causes of air conditioner issues include:
- Refrigerant leaks: When the refrigerant line leaks your AC’s cooling agent, it reduces efficiency, can drive up costs, and strains the compressor.
- Frozen evaporator coils: Sometimes ice can build up on evaporator coils and prevent them from absorbing heat. This issue can be caused by poor airflow or a refrigerant leak.
- Clogged air filters: Air filters need to be replaced regularly to prevent dust, dirt, and debris from restricting airflow. Clogged air filters can cause uneven cooling, increased energy costs, and the system to overwork itself.
- Thermostat issues: Sometimes, thermostats are the source of AC problems. When thermostats don’t read temperatures accurately or their settings are wrong, your indoor comfort is impacted.
- Electrical problems: Electrical problems, like thermostat glitching or wiring faults, can result in failing capacitators and prevent the unit from starting.
- Compressor issues: Compressor problems are generally caused by refrigerant leaks, electrical faults, or internal mechanical wear.
Air conditioner maintenance can help minimize issues to prevent full system failures over time.
Should I Repair or Replace My AC?
You may not be sure if repair or replacement is the better option for your air conditioning issues. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide on the better choice.
Repair the AC if:
- The system is less than 10 years old
- The repair doesn’t exceed $5,000
- The repair is easy to complete and components are available
- The issue is isolated to one component
Replace the AC if:
- The system is older than 10-15 years old
- The repairs exceed 50% of the cost of a newer model
- Repairs are becoming more frequent and expensive
The HVAC experts at Mercurio’s will always share honest recommendations to help you determine the most cost-effective option.
What Are the Signs that I Need AC Maintenance?
There are several signs that indicate your air conditioner needs a maintenance visit, including:
- It’s been more than one year since the last visit
- Poor or no airflow
- Blowing warm air
- Not turning on
- Short cycling
- Strange noises
- Foul odors
- Water leaks
Can Maintenance Reduce Breakdowns?
Yes, maintenance can identify issues before they get worse and keep your AC running well. That’s why it's important to schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Beyond improving efficiency, regular maintenance reduces the premature wear and tear of components to prevent breakdowns.
Schedule AC maintenance with Mercurio’s online or call (360) 499-2980.
Why Choose Us?
Choosing the right heating and cooling company matters. Here’s why local Tacoma homeowners choose Mercurio's for AC services:
- Fast response times
- Experienced techs
- Fully stocked trucks
- Emergency AC repair availability
Contact Us Today
If your AC needs maintenance, the team at Mercurio’s can help. We serve homeowners in Tacoma, WA, and the surrounding areas. Give us a call at (360) 499-2980 or schedule online today!
FAQs
What DIY AC maintenance can I do?
Homeowners can safely complete a couple of basic maintenance tasks, such as replacing air filters and cleaning around the outside unit. However, most AC maintenance tasks should be completed by a trained professional.
How often do I need to change my air filter?
Standard one-inch pleated air filters should be replaced every one to three months. If you use thicker, four or five-inch air filters, they may last up to 12 months. Washable air filters should be cleaned every month.
Why is there dust in my air?
There could be dust circulating around your home due to clogged air filters, leaky air ducts, or poorly maintained HVAC systems. To reduce dust in the air, change your air filters regularly. Consider professional air duct cleaning and open windows occasionally to promote airflow.
Why is my AC blowing hot air?
Your air conditioner may be blowing hot air because your thermostat settings are wrong, your air filters are clogged, your outdoor unit is dirty, or your AC has low refrigerant.
