It’s the first really warm day of the year, and when you switch your HVAC system from “heat” to “cool,” nothing happens. Warm air blows from the vents, and you notice a strange odor. As you dial an HVAC technician for help, it occurs to you that you cannot remember the last time the unit had a tuneup.
How often should you have your AC serviced? Like many homeowners, you might not be aware that your cooling system needs regular professional maintenance to keep running smoothly. Eastern Shore Heating and Air Conditioning, the best HVAC contractors in Ocean County, NJ, is here to share our best tips for avoiding cooling problems at the worst possible time and offer a clear answer to “How often should you have your AC serviced?”
Preserve Your Air Conditioner with Annual Maintenance
The best way to keep your Ocean County, NJ, HVAC system in good working condition is with an annual maintenance appointment. While you should plan on doing some minor maintenance and cleaning at regular intervals, the heating and cooling system needs expert attention at least once a year. An HVAC technician will make sure the mechanical components are clean and in good condition, and that there aren’t any potential problems that require attention.
A professional air conditioning maintenance visit ensures optimal, energy-efficient performance all summer long.
Why Spring Is the Best Time for Air Conditioner Maintenance
How often should you have your AC serviced? Keeping your HVAC system in good shape means not only having an answer to this question but also knowing when to schedule upkeep.
The best time for an air conditioning maintenance visit is in the spring. Not only does a springtime visit guarantee the air conditioner will be ready when the summer heat arrives, but it also helps prevent a breakdown at an inopportune moment. HVAC technicians are often busy with repair calls in the summer months, so if something goes wrong, you might have to wait for an appointment.
We don’t recommend performing air conditioner maintenance in Ocean County over the winter because we need to run the system to check on its function. Running the equipment in cold weather can damage it, so it’s better to schedule the appointment in the spring.
The Professional Air Conditioner Checklist
When you schedule professional air conditioner service with Eastern Shore Heating and Air Conditioning, we follow a detailed checklist to ensure we inspect every part of your system from top to bottom. Most appointments take one to two hours to complete.
During the visit, you can expect us to:
- Inspect the HVAC system
- Clean and inspect individual components, including the compressor and evaporator coils
- Clean and test the condensate, pump, lines, and drains
- Check the refrigerant levels
- Inspect and tighten electric connections
- Replace dirty filters
- Inspect and calibrate the thermostat
- Examine mechanical components like belts, fans, and bearings
- Evaluate ductwork, vents, supply ducts, and dampers
Our thorough and comprehensive maintenance visit will give you peace of mind that your air conditioner will run efficiently all season. If we find any areas of concern, our technician will discuss your options and make repairs.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Equipment in Top Condition
Ocean County homeowners can help keep their cooling system in good shape between professional service visits by tackling a few maintenance tasks on their own.
Clean Vents
Reduce the amount of dust and allergens blowing around your home and keep your HVAC working efficiently by cleaning the vents. Remove and clean the vent cover, then vacuum inside the vent as fast as possible.
Change the Air Filter
Dirty filters block airflow and force the unit to work harder, driving up energy costs. Keep your home cool without inconvenient breakdowns or scary power bills by changing the filter every 60 to 90 days.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean
Keep grass, weeds, and other debris from accumulating around the outdoor unit so it doesn’t block airflow. Occasionally rinsing the unit with the hose to remove dirt and debris also helps prevent deterioration.
Let Eastern Shore Heating and Air Conditioning Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer
Now that you know the answer to “How often should you have your AC serviced?” if you haven’t yet scheduled an appointment in Ocean County this year, call Eastern Shore Heating and Air Conditioning today at (732) 800-9416 to get on the calendar. If you have an older unit, talk to us about the R-22 freon phase-out and whether it’s time to upgrade your existing equipment.