Preventive maintenance is always better than waiting for something to go wrong before taking action. This is especially true when it comes to your air conditioner unit. To help keep things running smoothly, it’s important to have a regular servicing schedule that you can follow.
But what exactly should you include in your AC servicing checklist?
Here are some of the most important things:
- Check the air filter and clean or replace it as needed. A dirty air filter can lead to a number of problems, including decreased efficiency and increased wear and tear on the unit.
- Inspect the condenser coils and clean them if necessary. Dirty coils can cause the unit to overheat and damage other components.
- Lubricate all moving parts. This helps to reduce friction and wear, and can extend the life of your AC unit.
- Check the refrigerant levels and top them up if necessary. Low refrigerant can cause the unit to work harder than it needs to, leading to increased energy usage and decreased efficiency.
- Inspect all electrical connections and tighten or replace as needed. Loose connections can lead to fires or other damage.
- Finally, make sure that the unit is properly secured and level. This helps to prevent vibration and wear on components.
How often do you need to service your AC unit?
That depends on a number of factors, including the type of unit, the environment it’s in, and how often it’s used. However, most units should be serviced at least once per year. Let’s talk about this in more detail.
- Type of unit: Central air units require more frequent servicing than window units, for example. This is because they have more moving parts and are subject to more wear and tear.
- Environment: If your unit is located in a dusty or dirty area, it will require more frequent cleaning than a unit in a clean environment. This is because dirt and dust can clog components and reduce efficiency.
- Usage: If you use your air conditioner frequently, it will require more servicing than if it’s used sparingly. This is because increased usage leads to increased wear and tear.
As a general rule of thumb, most AC units should be serviced at least once per year. However, if your unit is in a particularly dirty or dusty environment, or if it’s used frequently, you may need to service it more often.
How much does it cost to service an AC unit?
This depends on a number of factors, including the type of unit, the size of the unit, and the location. However, you can expect to pay between $75 and $200 for most AC servicing jobs.
When you’re looking for someone to service your AC unit, be sure to ask about their rates and what’s included in the price. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting a fair price.
Now that you know what’s involved in servicing an AC unit, it’s time to get started. Put together your AC servicing checklist and find a reputable professional to help you keep your unit in top condition.