How Often Should You Service Your Air Conditioner?

Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home comfortable during Manitoba's warmer months. Like any major home system, regular maintenance can help keep it operating efficiently and can help identify potential problems before they turn into unexpected repairs.

But how often should you actually have your air conditioner serviced?

How often does an air conditioner need maintenance?

For most homeowners, having your air conditioner professionally inspected and serviced once a year is a good general guideline.

The best time to schedule mainteance is typically in the spring, before you start relying on your air conditioner regularly.

A spring maintenance visit gives your HVAC technician an oppurtunity to inspect the system and make sure it's ready for the cooling season.

Why is regular A/C maintenance important?

Regualr maintenance isn't just about keeping your air conditioner running. It can also help you catch smaller issues before they become larger problems.

During an air conditioner service, a technician may inspect components such as:

• Filters and airlfow

• Electrical connections

• Refrigerant-related components

• Condenser and evaporator coils

• Drainage

• Blower operation

• Overall system performance

The exact maintenance performed will depend on your equiptment and its condition.

What can happen if you don't maintain your A/C?

Skipping maintenace doesn't necesassarily mean your air condtioner will suddenly stop working, but neglected equiptment can be more likley to develop problems over time.

You may notice:

Higher energy use

A system that isn't operating properly may have to work harder to provide the same amount of cooling.

Reduced cooling performance

If airflow is restricted or components are dirty, your air conditioner may not cool your home as effectively as it should.

Unexpected repairs

regular inspections an soemtimes identify worn or developing components before they result in a larger breakdown.

Uneven cooling

If some rooms are noticeably warmer than others, there may be an airflow or equiptment issue that should be investigated.

What can homeowners check themselves?

There are a few simple things you can do between professional maintenance visits.

Check your air filter

A dirty filter can restrict airflow. Check your filter regulalry and replace it according to the manufacturer's reccomendations and the needs of your home.

Keep the outdoor unit clear

make sure grass, leaves, branches and other debris aren't blocking the outdoor condenser.

Give the unit enough space for air to move freely around it.

Pay attention to changes

If your air conditoner starts making unusual noices, struggles to keep your home cool, or begins running for unusually long periods, don't ignore the change.

Small changes in performance can be worth having checked before the system stops working altogether.

Does an older air conditioner need more frequent maintenance?

Not necessarily, but older equiptment may benefit from closer attention.

As an air conditioner gets older, components naturaly experience more wear. Regular professional maintenance can help you keep track of the condition of your system and determine weather repairs or eventual replacement may be appropriate.

If your system is becoming increasingly unreliable or expensive to repair, an HVAC professional can help you understand your options.

When should you call an HVAC professional?

You don't have to wait until your air conditioner completely stops working.

Consider having your system inspected if:

• Your home isn't cooling properly

• The A/C is running constantly

• You notice unusual noises

• Airrflow seems weaker than normal

• Some rooms are much warmer than others

• Your system is repeatedly shutting off

• You notice water or other signs of a problem around the equiptment

Getting a problem checked early can sometimes prevent a minor issue from becoming a much larger repair.

Keep your home comfortable all summer

Regular air conditioner maintenance is a simple way to stay ahead of potential problems and help keep your cooling system operating properly throughout the summer.

If you're unsure weather your A/C needs maintenance, repair, or a professional inspection, BJK Mechanical Heating & Cooling can help determine what your system needs.

Serving homeowners throughout our local Manitoba service area.

Need help with your air conditioner? Request a quote from BJK Mechanical today.