The importance of air conditioning system maintenance
Adam's Weekly Topic
The average home heating and central air conditioning equipment runs about 3,300 hours per year. That adds up to a lot of wear and tear – the equivalent of driving a car 214,000 miles.When cooling equipment runs efficiently it doesn’t have to run as long to do the job, so you save a lot on utility bills. And, when equipment doesn’t have to work so hard, it lasts longer.
Most people wouldn’t think of driving a car that far without a tune up, yet many go for years at a time without tuning up their central air conditioners. Homeowners who do that are not saving money, but actually losing thousands of dollars.
"Air conditioning tune ups make equipment run at or near original factory specifications, depending on age and overall condition, when cooling equipment runs efficiently it doesn’t have to run as long to do the job, so you save a lot on utility bills. And, when equipment doesn’t have to work so hard, it lasts longer.
But even bigger savings may be in store for some homeowners. Often, AC technicians find small problems that can be fixed quickly and inexpensively during the tune up process, but if neglected can end up being quite expensive.
For example, a refrigerant leak can be repaired easily and affordably if found early. But if it goes undetected, it can drain the refrigerant and burn up the compressor, which could cost $1,000 or more to replace. Before it ultimately fails, it will run inefficiently for some time, resulting in hundreds of dollars more in electric bills.
DIRTY AIR CONDITIONER
Disconnect electric power to the outdoor condenser on your air conditioner and clear it of leaves and debris with a vent brush, power blower, garden hose, or the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. If the cooling fins are exposed, be careful not to bend them. (If your yard has lots of trees and plants, wrap fiberglass mesh around the condenser coil to capture pollen and leaves. Replace the mesh as needed. Don't allow debris to block airflow.) Vacuum the grille and register inside the home to ensure good airflow. And change your furnace filter.
Important air conditioning system maintenance.
Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is probably the most expensive system in your home. Between the cost of all the hardware and the hours it takes to properly install all the components, your cooling and heating system is a major investment in comfort. So why wouldn’t you spend a little bit of money each year to keep it running properly?
Maintain your HVAC system. You don’t think twice about getting the oil in your car changed every 3,000 miles. And unlike your vehicle, your home actually increases in value. The better shape it’s in, the more it’s worth. Needless to say, it’s worth it to regularly maintain your HVAC system. Some things you can do yourself, such as changing your filters regularly.
WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR TUNE UP?
- Inspect coolant levels and pressure—to ensure your system runs at peak efficiency
- Calibrate thermostat(s) and check proper cycle and temperature—to improve comfort and control
- Inspect and tighten wiring, contacts, capacitors and relays—to avoid expensive repairs
- Ensure the evaporator coil is clean
- Ensure the condensate drain is clear
- Inspect and clean the condenser
- Inspect the outdoor disconnect
- Inspect the condenser fan motor and blades; lubricate if needed
- Check compressor amps at startup
- Plus more safety and efficiency checks