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How Frequently Should Your HVAC System Be Serviced?

Read through the article below to get some tips on on when to service your HVAC system.

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Experiencing the intense heat of summers in Southern California can be quite challenging, not only for residents but also for air conditioning systems. To ensure that your AC unit is prepared to efficiently combat the sweltering heat and humidity characteristic of a subtropical summer, it’s typically advised to schedule a maintenance service at least once a year for your AC unit (or twice a year for heat pumps). This regular upkeep helps keep your cooling system in optimal condition throughout the season.

How Frequently Should Your HVAC System be serviced?

Why Is AC Maintenance so Important?

Air conditioning maintenance is of utmost importance for several reasons, all of which contribute to the overall efficiency, longevity, and cost-effectiveness of your cooling system.

  1. Energy Efficiency: Regular AC maintenance ensures that your system operates at peak efficiency. A well-maintained air conditioner consumes less energy, resulting in lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
  2. Enhanced Performance: Through routine maintenance, your AC unit is fine-tuned and optimized to provide consistent and effective cooling throughout your home. This helps to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during hot weather.
  3. Extended System Lifespan: Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your air conditioning unit. By identifying potential issues early and addressing them promptly, you can prevent costly and inconvenient breakdowns, ensuring your AC system continues to operate effectively for years to come.
  4. Improved Indoor Air Quality: A well-maintained AC system contributes to better indoor air quality by removing dust, pollen, and other allergens from the air. Clean filters and ducts ensure that the air circulated throughout your home is healthy and free of contaminants.
  5. Prevention of Costly Repairs: Routine AC maintenance can help identify minor issues before they become major problems. By addressing these issues in a timely manner, you can avoid expensive repairs or the need for a complete system replacement.
  6. Warranty Compliance: Many AC manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep their warranty valid. Neglecting to properly maintain your unit can result in a voided warranty, which can be costly in the event of a system breakdown.

What to Expect from an AC Checkup?

An air conditioning (AC) checkup is an essential part of maintaining your cooling system’s efficiency and longevity. During an AC checkup, a professional HVAC technician will perform various tasks to inspect, clean, and tune-up your system. Here’s what you can generally expect during an AC checkup:

  1. Inspection of the System Components: The technician will start by examining the overall condition of your AC unit. They will inspect all the essential components, including the compressor, evaporator, and condenser coils, refrigerant lines, electrical connections, and the thermostat.
  2. Cleaning: The technician will clean the indoor and outdoor components of your AC system. This includes cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, which can accumulate dirt and debris over time, leading to reduced efficiency. The technician may also clean or replace the air filters to ensure optimal airflow and improved indoor air quality.
  3. Checking Refrigerant Levels: The HVAC technician will check your AC’s refrigerant levels to ensure they are within the recommended range. Insufficient or excessive refrigerant can negatively impact your AC’s efficiency and cooling capabilities.
  4. Lubrication of Moving Parts: To minimize friction and ensure smooth operation, the technician will lubricate all moving parts of your AC system, such as the fan motor and other components.
  5. Checking Electrical Connections: The technician will examine and tighten all electrical connections to ensure they are secure and functioning correctly. They will also check for any signs of wear or damage in the electrical components and address any issues accordingly.
  6. Inspecting the Ductwork: The technician will examine your home’s ductwork for leaks, damage, or blockages, which can significantly affect your AC’s efficiency and your home’s overall comfort level.
  7. Thermostat Calibration: The HVAC technician will calibrate your thermostat to ensure it accurately measures and maintains the desired temperature in your home.
  8. System Test: Finally, the technician will run your AC system to ensure it is operating efficiently and effectively. They will check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or other issues and address them accordingly.

Another way your HVAC system could be stealing from you is through poor indoor air quality. Your HVAC system plays a critical role in filtering and circulating the air in your house. In case your HVAC system is not operating properly, it might be distributing allergens, dust, and other contaminants throughout your living space. This can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues.

Your HVAC system can also rob you of comfort. If it’s too small or too big for your home, it may not be able to maintain a consistent temperature, leading to hot or cold spots throughout your home. This can make it difficult to relax and enjoy your living space, especially during extreme weather conditions.

To avoid your HVAC system from negatively impacting you, there are multiple measures you can implement. First, make sure your system is properly sized and maintained. Have a professional HVAC technician, such as TopTeam HVAC inspect your system, repair any deficiencies and schedule a regular maintenance to ensure it’s running efficiently. This can help prevent breakdowns and prolong the life of your system.

When Is the Best Time to Have the Maintenance Done on Your AC Unit?

Generally, it’s best to schedule your AC maintenance service during an off season, such as winter or spring, before the summer heat arrives. This gives you and the AC technician ample time to address any potential issues with your air conditioner while you’re not relying on your unit to cool your home at maximum capacity and keep you comfortable.

Heat pump maintenance scheduling can be a little different if you’re relying on the heat pump for both heating and cooling. It may be in your best interest to have it inspected and maintained prior to each heavy heating and cooling season, so scheduling in spring and fall might be best.

The last thing you want to do is skip maintenance all together and risk your unit breaking down in the midst of a heat wave. Not only will you be uncomfortable while your AC is being repaired, but you’ll likely also be forced to pay for costly repairs and or replacements that can be prevented when you schedule your maintenance service ahead of time.

Did you know…

  • According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for about 48% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most households.
  • The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) estimates that upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system can save homeowners up to 30% on their energy bills.
  • A study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that implementing energy efficiency measures in commercial buildings can lead to a 10–30% reduction in energy use.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that if every American household replaced its five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified ones, it would save $8 billion in annual energy costs and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 10 million cars.

For those residing in Los Angeles or Orange Counties and seeking professional assistance with their air conditioning service, it’s worth considering TOP TEAM HVAC. As an experienced contractor, we are dedicated to ensuring the optimal performance of your AC unit and helping you avoid expensive repairs. By entrusting your air conditioning system to the skilled technicians at TOP TEAM HVAC, you can enjoy a comfortable living space and experience efficient cooling throughout the warmer months.

To conclude, a smart thermostat is a worthwhile investment for your home’s HVAC system. These thermostats enable you to manage your heating and cooling system remotely through your smartphone or other devices. As a result, you can modify the temperature settings in your home even when you are not physically present. This functionality helps you save money on energy expenses by making adjustments to the temperature when you are away, and it also ensures that your home maintains a comfortable atmosphere at all times.

 

About TOP TEAM HVAC

TOP TEAM HVAC is a full-service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning company committed to providing industry-leading solutions, flat-rate pricing, and exceptional customer service. With a team of highly trained technicians, TOP TEAM HVAC offers comprehensive services, including installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems for both residential and commercial clients. 

For more information, visit www.topteamhvac.com or call 818-851-7111.

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