Ignoring AC maintenance recommendations is a bad idea. Air conditioning specialists suggest having your system inspected, cleaned, adjusted and, if necessary, repaired annually to avoid problems. Your AC unit works hard to provide cool air, especially during the warmer months. It’s best to schedule routine air conditioning service before the heat sets in. If you don’t get AC maintenance before then, it increases the risk of the following issues:

Reduced Efficiency/Higher Energy Bills

Without regular care, reduced AC efficiency is a sure bet. The issues a technician would address can cause a unit to work harder, which uses more energy and raises utility bills. Professionals in the HVAC industry have estimated that efficiency can decrease up to 5% each year you skip AC maintenance. This means the unit will become increasingly more expensive to operate.

More AC Repairs

A lack of maintenance can lead to more frequent breakdowns, emergency calls, and repairs. These cost you money each time, not just to repair/replace worn components But also the cost of labor and other service fees. 

System cleanings, adjustments, and minor fixes help resolve issues rather than let them worsen over time. With a well-maintained unit, you can avoid most of the repairs you’d otherwise need. And, rather than spending money to fix your AC, you can save it for a home improvement or a vacation.

Shorter AC Lifespan

In addition to frequent repairs, skipping maintenance can lead to breakdowns that require replacing the unit much sooner. The more parts that wear out, the more inefficient the unit will become. Eventually, the entire system wears out prematurely. An AC with no maintenance may last 7 or 8 years. If well-maintained, it can last 10 to 15 years or longer, so you spend much less on AC equipment over time.

Decreased Cooling Performance

Long before an unmaintained air conditioner fails, it will continue running but become less effective at cooling your home. You might have to keep setting the thermostat lower to stay comfortable. Eventually, cold air may be hard to come by and the AC starts blowing warm air no matter the setting. Or, the temperature may fluctuate randomly and some rooms may be chilly while others are warm. These issues can occur for various reasons; AC maintenance usually prevents them.

Poor Indoor Air Quality 

Dirty air is another reason HVAC maintenance is necessary. Without routine service, your AC can get dirty quickly. Regular service includes cleaning various components so dust, dirt, and other pollutants don’t get into the air. Once they do, these can circulate throughout your home again and again. 

The contaminants in your airflow can include pollen, dust mites, chemicals from cleaning products, smoke, and volatile organic compounds from carpets, furniture, and other items. A lack of AC maintenance can also prevent the system from removing moisture, so increased humidity contributes to indoor air quality concerns, leading to anything from discomfort to allowing mold and germs to thrive.

Improved air quality is certainly a reason to follow your HVAC contractor’s recommendations. However, it must also be addressed between maintenance visits with the following:

• Replace air filters every 1 to 3 months
• Vacuum dust and pet dander regularly
• Open kitchen and bathroom vents
• Open windows to let a fresh breeze in
• Choose natural cleaning products

Clogged Air Filters

A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause your AC to shut down. Changing or cleaning the filter, depending on the type, is one of the easiest AC maintenance tasks you can do. It is also among the most beneficial. 

A dirty filter not only increases strain on components, but the impacts of reduced airflow and performance can cause the coil to freeze, leading to melting water that can damage your AC and home. Other risks include mold, an overheated compressor, and broken coils.

Water Leaks

If the drain line becomes blocked, moisture the system has removed can back up and leak around your air conditioner. Water can damage your AC, furnishings, flooring, and the underlying framing. Fixing water damage is often expensive. It can also lead to extensive mold problems. Flushing the drain line and cleaning the drain pan doesn’t take long and can save you lots of time and money.

Refrigerant Leaks

If a hissing noise or chemical smell accompanies reduced AC performance, a refrigerant leak is likely. The leak will reduce refrigerant levels until the system can’t absorb heat and transfer it out of your home. It may also expose you to a toxic substance that can cause:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Breathing issues
• Loss of consciousness 
• Death 

Therefore, AC maintenance can save your life.

Dirty Air Ducts

Once dirt gets into air ducts, it can stick to surfaces, increasing friction and reducing airflow. Or, it can get blown around. Dust can collect on vents and blow into rooms, where it can be inhaled, settle on surfaces, or get sucked back into your HVAC system via return vents. 

Whistling noises are a sign of dirty air ducts. You’ll need a professional duct cleaning to address the problem. Otherwise, serious damage to the system can occur. Regular maintenance helps protect your ductwork and keep it clean.

Voided Warranty

Chances are, your AC manufacturer requires professional maintenance as part of its warranty terms. Skipping even one maintenance visit can void the warranty. You won’t realize the hassle this can cause until you have to pay out of pocket for a major AC repair. The cost of following AC maintenance recommendations is far less than dealing with this situation.

Schedule AC Maintenance with Trio Heating & Air

If you live in Santa Clara County or San Mateo County, you can trust Trio Heating & Air for high-quality annual AC maintenance. Our licensed professionals follow a detailed process to increase efficiency, equipment lifespan, and indoor air quality. Just a small investment each year ensures your comfort all season. From filter replacement to air duct cleaning, we can handle any maintenance task and ensure you get the most out of your cooling system. To schedule air conditioning maintenance, book service online or call (415) 223-5615 today. 

 

When it’s winter in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area, you probably don’t think about air conditioner maintenance. However, it’s a great time to schedule AC maintenance near you. We’ll explain why you should consider calling your local HVAC contractor for AC service and why they’d probably be happy to help.

If you listen to many HVAC professionals, you’ll hear a lot about the perks of scheduling spring AC maintenance. A spring tune-up ensures your air conditioning system is ready for peak demand during the summer. It also reduces the risk of cooling issues, breakdowns, and an emergency call to an HVAC company. But why wait until the spring? There’s no harm in getting annual maintenance over with in winter.

Here are some of the benefits of booking AC maintenance near The Greater San Francisco Bay Area now:

AC Contractors Have More Flexible Availability

The closer you wait until summer, the busier the company will be. Most people will schedule AC maintenance around the same time, so your options for an appointment date will be limited. If you request maintenance when there are fewer requests, the contractor may be able to send a technician at a more convenient time. This means they can work around your schedule, so there’s less stress involved in getting your AC tuned up.

It Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Scheduling AC maintenance in the winter means you can breathe easier earlier in the season. Even while not in use, the unit may accumulate dust and dirt. These will start circulating as soon as you turn the air conditioner on. 

Whether you’ve changed the air filter recently or not, a technician can find ways to improve indoor air quality and help your AC system run more smoothly. For example, they can talk about and give you time to consider duct cleaning. Or, they can install an air scrubber or whole-house purification system.

You Have Time to Plan AC Replacement

If you have an older AC unit, servicing it long before the cooling season lets a contractor weigh whether it’s worth keeping. Replacing an AC requires many considerations. Purchasing a new one in a rush when the old one fails can result in making poor decisions. To ensure you pick an AC that’s the right type, size, and efficiency for your home (and get it installed in time), you want to be proactive. The HVAC company can also help you weigh alternative options like a heat pump.

Maximize Your Savings on Energy Usage

Having your AC system cleaned, inspected, tuned up, and repaired (if necessary) now means it will run at peak efficiency starting the first day. Therefore, you can maximize your energy savings. Maintenance includes tightening loose parts and connections, lubricating moving parts, and clearing the space around the condenser. A technician can also provide duct cleaning and sealing and check for and address any electrical issues. 

On the other hand, waiting until halfway through summer for a tune-up can mean paying higher energy bills instead of saving money toward a vacation (or at least a good meal at a restaurant). 

Heat Pumps Require Biannual Maintenance

A heat pump provides heating and cooling, so it runs year-round. Therefore, the system requires maintenance in the spring and fall. But there’s no rule saying you can’t get it over with in winter. It can help lower your energy bills starting right away. 

And, if a technician finds any issues, they can fix them so your heat pump won’t break down anytime soon, nor will you be in for a surprise when you switch to cooling mode and realize the reversing valve isn’t working. A contractor can find a stuck or faulty valve and fix or replace it before you need cool air.

Should My AC Be Covered All Winter?

You don’t need to cover your AC for the winter. It’s better not to. The metal casing is not affected by snow or rain. Downsides to covering an AC, as some experts recommend, include moisture retention, mold, and rust. Small animals can also find it easier to nest inside the unit if it’s covered.

If you want to protect your AC with a cover, do so in the fall when leaves, twigs, and debris are more likely to fall on it and get inside. During maintenance, these will be cleared anyway, so there’s no reason to cover the unit for long. If you do, use an air conditioner cover and cover only the top.

Schedule AC Maintenance Near You with Trio Heating & Air

Homeowners in the The Greater San Francisco Bay Area area can depend on Trio Heating & Air for professional AC maintenance. Our team provides routine service to improve energy efficiency, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and ensure you are comfortable and benefit from good indoor air quality. We make sure your air conditioning system runs flawlessly when you need it the most. To schedule an AC maintenance appointment before the cooling season, book an appointment online or call (415) 234-4728.

 

The question, “Is HVAC maintenance necessary?” is a common one among homeowners. The simple answer is a resounding yes. Let’s explore why it’s crucial to maintain your heating and cooling systems and how neglecting this important task could lead to significant problems down the line. (more…)