Tips for Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

There are several steps you can take to maintain your air conditioning system:

• Clean or change filters regularly. Manufacturers usually recommend cleaning or changing filters every month during peak usage periods (summer months). This will help keep your system running efficiently while also improving indoor air quality.
• Check for leaks. If there are any signs of water leakage around the unit or inside your home/office, then this could indicate a problem with the drainage system or a refrigerant leak which should be addressed immediately by a professional technician.
• Inspect ductwork. Make sure that all ductwork is properly sealed so that conditioned air isn’t escaping into unoccupied areas such as attics or crawl spaces. Ductwork should also be inspected periodically for signs of damage such as holes or cracks which could lead to inefficient cooling or even health hazards.
• Clean your condenser coils. Over time, outdoor condenser coils can become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, making your AC system work harder to cool your home. Cleaning your condenser coils can reduce energy bills and improve overall efficiency.
• Check the refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels can cause your AC system to lose its cooling power, leading to discomfort and higher energy bills. Have a professional inspect and recharge your refrigerant levels regularly to ensure a long-lasting performance. 
• Enlist the help of professionals for maintenance. Professional maintenance and tune-ups by a licensed AC technician are essential to the optimal functionality of your system, typically, once per year is sufficient. Regular maintenance covers cleaning and tightening in the control panel, testing the thermostat, checking, and replacing worn-out parts such as the fan blades or the motor bearing.

By following these simple tips and scheduling regular tune-ups with a professional technician, you can ensure that your air conditioner runs smoothly throughout the year while also saving money on energy bills and avoiding costly repairs down the line.

When to Service Your Air Conditioner & How Often  

Generally, spring is the best time of year to schedule your routine AC maintenance. As temperatures begin to warm up and the winter season comes to a close, it's time to start thinking about your air conditioning system.  

While it may be tempting to wait until the summer heat sets in to have your AC serviced, spring is actually the best time to schedule your annual maintenance. Here's why:

• Convenience. Waiting until the summer to have your air conditioner serviced can be a major inconvenience. You run the risk of experiencing breakdowns or other issues during the hottest days of the year, which can be both uncomfortable and costly. Getting your AC serviced in the spring means that you can avoid any unexpected problems and be prepared for the summer heat.
• Improved efficiency. Speaking of efficiency, having your air conditioner serviced in the spring can ensure that it's running at peak performance. This means that it will cool your home more effectively and use less energy to do so. In turn, this can help extend the lifespan of your AC unit.  
• Cost savings. One of the biggest benefits of servicing your air conditioner in the spring is cost savings. By catching any potential issues early on, you can avoid more costly repairs down the line. Additionally, a well-maintained AC unit will run more efficiently, reducing your energy bills throughout the summer.  
• The impact of the changing seasons on your AC. The changing seasons can have a big impact on your air conditioning system. During the winter months, your AC unit may not be in use, but that doesn't mean it's not affected by the colder temperatures. Parts can become damaged or worn, and debris can build up from fall leaves and winter storms. By having your AC serviced in the spring, you can ensure that any winter damage is addressed and your system is ready for summer use. Similarly, the summer heat can be hard on your AC unit. Running it for extended periods of time can cause wear and tear on the parts and decrease its overall efficiency. By having your AC serviced in the spring, you can ensure that it's able to handle the heavy workload that comes with summer.  

Here is the recommended frequency for maintaining your AC system:

• Each month, you should check and replace air filters. However, please be advised that you should look at the type of filters you use; high-end pleated filters may not need to be changed until three or six months after installation.  
• Bi-annually, you should clean outdoor condenser coils, inspect the condenser unit, and refrigerant levels.
• Annually, you should book maintenance service for your air conditioner with a licensed HVAC technician to ensure it’s running efficiently.

Trusted & Professional AC Maintenance Services  

At A. Fagundes Plumbing & Heating Inc., we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional results and prioritizing customer satisfaction. You can trust us to provide you with top-notch AC maintenance services at affordable rates.

Learn more about how our Lowell professionals can help with your AC maintenance by calling (978) 350-5522.