Home Maintenance Blog

Do I Need an Air Conditioning Checkup?

Posted by Andrew Balfour on Jul 22, 2020 10:30:00 AM
You rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool and comfortable, all summer long. If you want this appliance to keep serving you, then you need to take care of it — and an important element of that care is regular checkups. What is an air conditioner checkup, how do you know if you need one, and what issues might a checkup reveal? Take a look.

What is an air conditioner checkup?

An air conditioner checkup is basically like a doctor’s appointment for your air conditioner. Your HVAC technician will pay a visit to your home and look over the system. They’ll check out your outdoor condensing unit, the evaporator coil, the fan, and your thermostat. They will also look over your ducts. 

During the checkup, your HVAC technician will turn the air conditioner on and observe it running. They’ll listen to the sounds it makes, check how much air is coming out of the vents, and test whether the air conditioner brings your home’s temperature down fast enough.

What are the signs you need an air conditioner checkup?

It’s a good idea to have an air conditioner checkup at least once a year. Ideally, you would do this in the spring before you start using the air conditioner so you can start the summer knowing everything is in good order. However, it’s never too late to schedule an air conditioner checkup. If it has been more than a year, give your HVAC company a call and schedule this service. You should also schedule a checkup if you notice any of these issues:

  • Your air conditioner is making strange noises as it runs.

  • Your home is not cooling to the temperature selected on your thermostat.

  • Air flow to some vents seems limited.

  • Your air conditioner is turning on and off more than a few times per hour.

  • You’ve noticed strange odors around your air conditioner or coming from your vents.

  • Your air conditioner is running constantly, even when it’s not that hot outside.

What issues might an air conditioner checkup reveal?

The hope is that your air conditioner checkup will detect certain issues with your air conditioner before they get too serious and cause the system to fail completely. Common issues detected during these checkups include:

Obstructions in the ducts and vents: Dust, debris, and other matter stuck in the ducts could be reducing air flow to certain vents. Your HVAC tech can remove any obstructions.

Dirty coils: Dirty coils can reduce efficiency, but they can easily be cleaned.

Problems with the fan motor: From torn belts to worn ball bearings, issues with the fan make for a noisy air conditioner and should be repaired before they cause the motor to fail.

Outdated thermostats: Upgrading an outdated thermostat can give you greater control over your home’s temperature.

If it has been more than a year since your last air conditioner checkup, it’s time to schedule service. Hassle Free Home Services is here to serve your air conditioner maintenance needs and a whole lot more. 

 

Topics: Seasonal Home Maintenance, HVAC Maintenance

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