Air conditioning is vital for many businesses and it’s essential you keep it well-maintained, year-round. Air conditioning maintenance can help improve efficiency, reduce costs and prolong the life of your system. There’s no point in paying for AC systems if you aren’t going to look after them as they won’t be able to effectively cool your space as you would like them to. You can take steps to maintain your AC system yourself or you can get professional AC servicing, we recommend both. In this blog, we’ll explain how to look after your AC system and how your AC provider can offer you maintenance plans on top of that.
Here’s everything you need to know about AC maintenance.
What is AC servicing?
AC servicing is a regular maintenance service that can help you to save money on your energy bills. This can help you improve the efficiency of your air conditioning and help you avoid problems like breakdowns, poor performance or high energy bills. Many businesses don’t bother with AC servicing because they don’t think they need it, however, it’s important to get your units looked at by a specialist to avoid any problems, especially when warm weather hits.
What does AC servicing include?
There are several things that will happen during your AC service, these include:
- Cleaning the Clogged Filters
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the filters, this must be removed as clogged filters can reduce the performance of your unit. If they are not able to be cleaned properly, the filters will need to be replaced.
- Check the Refrigerant Levels
Your AC unit needs refrigerant to cool the air. During servicing, the technician will take a look at these levels and add more if needed. Your AC needs plenty of refrigerant otherwise it will be working overtime and cause your energy bills to be much higher as well as damaging the compressor.
- Inspecting Electrical Components and Condenser Coil
This is located outside of the AC unit and can get dirty and blocked by debris over time. When the technician services your AC unit, they will clean out the condenser coil and make sure there is proper airflow. All the electrical components will also need to be checked carefully as they may have worn out and need to be replaced.
- Check Thermostat Settings
Your technician can also check your thermostat settings for you to see if there are any issues. This is important to make sure you are able to set it to the temperature you want.
- Lubricate Moving Parts
The moving parts of the AC unit such as the fan and motor can sometimes break down. They’ll need to be checked in order to ensure proper functioning. Your technician may add some lubrication to these parts to help them run smoothly.
How often do you need to service your AC system?
How often you should service your AC system depends on a few factors, including:
- The age of your system
- The climate you live in
- How often you use your system
In general, it’s a good idea to have your AC system serviced once a year. This will help to keep it running efficiently and prevent costly repairs down the road. If you live in a hot climate or use your AC system frequently, you may need to have it serviced more often. Plus, if you find your AC system isn’t functioning as well as it should be, this may be an indication of a problem and it may be time to get a service. Talk to your AC technician to find out what’s best for your specific situation.
Benefits of regularly servicing your AC system
Here are some of the benefits of having your AC system serviced regularly:
- Improved efficiency: A well-maintained AC system will use less energy and cost less to operate. This means you can cool down your home or workplace much faster and save more money on your energy bills.
- Reduced breakdowns: Regular servicing can help to identify and fix potential problems before they cause a breakdown. The last thing you want is your AC breaking down on a tasting hot summer’s day. Servicing helps reduce the chances of your AC breaking down and can ensure it lasts all year round.
- Longer lifespan: A well-maintained AC system will last longer than one that is not properly serviced. AC systems are expensive and you don’t want to have to pay to replace yours before it really needs to be. Servicing will help you get your money’s worth and ensure it lasts a long time.
If you’re not sure how often to service your AC system, or if you have any questions about AC maintenance, be sure to contact your local AC technician.
AC care and maintenance tips
Along with getting your AC system serviced regularly, there are also many other ways you can help ensure it works efficiently for longer. Here are some tips.
Change your filters
You don’t have to wait for a service to get your filters changed. Dirty filters have a huge impact on your ac system’s efficiency. You may need to install a new one regularly during the warmer months or clean them out if you have the type that can be washed. Your filter will have a minimum efficiency reporting value or MERV which ranges from 1 to 12 for home AC units. The higher this number is, the better filtration it provides and the more energy needed to pull air through it – so consider the air quality concerns in comparison to energy costs.
Use a timer
You don’t need to have your AC unit on full blast all day. Some units can be installed with a programmable thermostat which will allow you to set higher temperatures when you’re not in the building and lower temperatures when you are. Also, you don’t need to shut off the system completely unless you will be away for a while as the air compressor will just have to work harder later on to cool down the building. Using your AC less helps keep it in good health and prolong its lifespan.
Perform annual AC maintenance
If you don’t get your AC serviced by a professional, you can do the following things yourself if you know how:
- Cleaning and inspecting coils
- Cleaning or replacing filters
- Adjusting and replacing fan belts
- Lubricating motors and bearings
- Cleaning and checking blowers and fans
- Inspecting controls and safeties
- Checking refrigerant and pressures
- Verifying operating temperatures.
Upgrade for efficiency
If you find your AC system is constantly underperforming, even after regular servicing, it may be time to upgrade. Older models of AC units just aren’t able to keep up with the more modern versions on the market today. Rather than letting your old unit rack up your energy bills, why not upgrade to a more efficient model? You can speak to your local AC provider such as Mitchell’s to discuss your replacement.
Mitchell’s: Air Conditioning Servicing in Gloucester
Looking for quality AC maintenance in Gloucester? Mitchell’s is here to help. We provide AC system installation as well as servicing to help your AC work properly all year round. If your plant requires constant and reliable air conditioning, we know you need a service you can trust. When a breakdown can lead to major financial impact, Mitchell’s is on hand to help you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just give us a call or visit our website to learn how we can help you and your business.