April 20, 2023
AC Maintenance in Hanover, MD

It is essential to maintain your air conditioner to keep your Hanover, MD home comfortable and safe. Like any other appliance, AC units require occasional tune-ups and repairs. Investing in an AC tune-up enhances performance and can save you money in the long term. Here are four reasons why getting an AC tune-up is worth it.

1. Prevent Emergency Repairs

Your air conditioner is a complex system with multiple components. It is crucial to detect and address potential problems ahead of time to ensure it runs smoothly. Otherwise, you risk an AC malfunction, which could require costly emergency repairs.

A regular AC tune-up is similar to changing your car’s oil. It is a preventative measure that anticipates problems before they occur rather than a reactive approach that forces you to pay for breakdowns. Investing in a tune-up is usually more cost-effective than repairing or replacing a broken air conditioner.

2. Save Energy

As part of the air conditioner tune-up, our technician will inspect the filters to ensure they’re clean. Clean filters play a crucial role in maintaining AC efficiency. Dirty filters can significantly reduce airflow, impacting the system’s performance. Depending on factors such as constant usage or the presence of pets, our technician may recommend more frequent filter changes.

Proper maintenance of the AC coils, including the evaporator and condenser coil, is also essential for energy savings. Dirt accumulation on the evaporator coil reduces airflow and heat absorption, forcing the unit to work harder. Similarly, the outdoor condenser coil can get dirty due to a dusty environment or nearby foliage. Clearing the area around the coil and removing dirt can significantly enhance energy efficiency.

3. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Your home’s indoor air quality is directly affected by your HVAC system, including your air conditioner, which is critical in maintaining a healthy environment. Exposure to polluted air can cause various health problems from mild eye irritation to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Regular AC tune-ups help ensure there is clean air in your home.

Regularly replacing the filters guarantees that the air circulating through your AC system is clean. During a tune-up, our technician will ensure that you are using the correct filter and that it is in good condition. If you are concerned about air quality, ask our technician about using MERV or HEPA filters for added protection.

A tune-up can also be an opportunity to have your air ducts cleaned by a professional. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the ductwork, leading to the recirculation of polluted air in your home.

When conducting an AC tune-up, our technician can inspect your unit for leaks, damaged components, and other issues that may affect its ability to cool your home, regulate humidity, and prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Appropriate maintenance and servicing can potentially decrease the prevalence of dangerous allergens and particles in your indoor air.

4. Keep Your Warranty Valid

Most warranties provided by manufacturers vary from one another, but some clauses are standard. One crucial aspect shared by most warranties is that they will only cover the parts if the homeowner assumes responsibility for professional maintenance. Neglecting to maintain your air conditioner could result in a voided warranty, leaving you responsible for any repair costs. Thus, you must ensure that your AC unit is properly maintained regularly.

What Happens During an Air Conditioner Tune-Up?

An air conditioner tune-up is a comprehensive process that covers various aspects of your system’s maintenance. While some procedures may vary depending on your unit’s make and model, we follow several standard steps.

Our technician will inspect electrical components and tighten connections. We will evaluate and adjust the thermostat settings and control systems. Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils is part of the tune-up, ensuring optimal performance by removing debris.

Our technician will remove clogs, mold, or debris from the condensate drain line. Checking the refrigerant level and detecting any leaks are also parts of the process. If needed, we will top up the refrigerant.

The blower motor, belt, and fan will be cleaned. We will measure the supply/return temperature differential, monitor the compressor, measure amperage and voltage draw, and check the wiring connections. Our technician will check the unit for time delay relay and isolation pads and inspect the suction line for proper fittings. We will review all fittings for signs of oil leakage and check the lines and fittings with a refrigerant leak detector.

Our technician may change the filter if necessary to maintain proper airflow. We will check all moving parts of your AC unit and apply lubrication where needed. Any bent fins will be straightened with a specially designed comb, and potential problems will be identified and resolved before they become significant issues.

How Frequently Should You Get an AC Tune-Up?

The frequency of AC tune-ups depends on factors such as usage and the system’s age. Typically, it is advisable to have a tune-up performed once a year, with many homeowners scheduling it during spring when technicians are less occupied. If you use your air conditioner continuously, it may require more frequent maintenance. Similarly, if your system is approaching its maximum lifespan of 10 to 15 years, it may need more attention.

An air conditioning tune-up typically lasts between one and two hours. However, the duration may fluctuate based on various factors. The size of your residence, the type of air conditioning system you own, and the time that has elapsed since your last service can all impact the duration of the maintenance. AC tune-up times can also vary depending on the complexity and scope of any necessary repairs.

What Are Signs That Your Air Conditioner Needs a Tune-Up?

You can look for several signs to determine if your air conditioner needs a tune-up. Strange sounds coming from the AC, such as a hissing, whistle, buzz, or bang, may signal the need for a tune-up, especially if it is different from normal. An increase in utility bills without any significant increase in usage activity could indicate that your AC is drawing more energy than usual, which shows a lack of maintenance. If your AC is not cooling correctly or giving off a foul odor, it may require a tune-up.

A weak airflow coming from the AC may indicate clogged filters or ducts. An inability to control room humidity can indicate a low refrigerant level. Water leaking from your AC could be due to a clogged drain pipe or a refrigerant leak.

Working With Expert HVAC Technicians in Hanover

At Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating, we have been providing exceptional HVAC services to the Hanover area for years. We proudly offer our customers energy-efficient products, including furnaces and air conditioners. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We are a locally owned and operated company with trained, licensed technicians. We pride ourselves on delivering speedy and dependable service to our commercial and residential customers.

Our services include HVAC repair, maintenance, and replacement. We install heat pumps and provide duct cleaning, custom ductwork, air purifiers, whole-house humidifiers, and indoor air quality testing. Contact us at Beltway Air Conditioning & Heating today and see the benefits we offer as a premier home and business comfort solutions provider.

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