Your air conditioner is a significant investment, and as such, you want it to last as long as possible. Essential to this is regular maintenance. From the filters to the fins, the right HVAC company in Atlanta will offer regular maintenance services that make it easy to keep your system in peak condition. But what does AC maintenance include, and what should you expect when a technician arrives at your home? Read this guide from our experts at Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning to answer all your questions about AC maintenance.
Quick Answer: What Happens During AC Maintenance?
During professional AC maintenance, a technician inspects, cleans, tests, and adjusts key components of your cooling system. A typical service includes cleaning the coils, checking the refrigerant charge, inspecting electrical components, testing capacitors and safety devices, clearing the condensate drain, checking the filter, and calibrating the thermostat. While the exact service can vary based on your system, these steps help identify developing problems and keep your AC operating properly.
Standard Air Conditioning Systems Maintenance
While regular AC maintenance is critical to extending the life of your unit and protecting your home, there is no universal approach to maintaining air conditioners. While there will be some components all units have in common, you want your air conditioning company in Atlanta to tailor their approach to your make and model.
Your technician should modify their approach based on the air conditioning systems maintenance guide for your unit. At Moncrief, we have experience maintaining a wide range of AC systems, so we can tailor our approach to your specific unit. However, while no two maintenance visits are exactly the same, here are common tasks on an AC tune-up checklist:
- Measuring the amperage and voltage of the blower motor and compressor
- Testing the thermostat for proper operation and calibrating it as needed
- Cleaning or replacing the air filter
- Inspecting the bearings and lubricating them as needed
- Assessing air return
- Inspecting the condenser coil
- Monitoring the operating pressure of the refrigerant
- Ensuring safety devices are functioning properly
- Inspecting the electrical wiring and disconnect box
- Testing contactors and capacitors
- Cleaning the fan blade and condenser coils
- Analyzing service valves
- Measuring supply and return temperature differential
- Assessing ductwork for energy loss
- Inspecting the suction line for proper fit
Step-by-Step: What a Technician Does
If you are wondering what happens during AC maintenance, the appointment typically involves working through the system one component at a time. The technician evaluates how the equipment is operating, cleans areas where buildup can affect performance, and checks for signs of wear or developing problems. The steps can include:
- Coil cleaning: The evaporator and condenser coils play an important role in transferring heat. Dirt and debris on these components can interfere with that process, so the technician inspects the coils and cleans them as appropriate to help maintain efficient operation.
- Refrigerant and charge check: The technician checks refrigerant operating pressures and evaluates system performance to determine whether the refrigerant charge is appropriate. If readings indicate a potential refrigerant problem, further diagnosis may be necessary to identify the cause.
- Electrical and capacitor inspection: Electrical connections, wiring, the disconnect box, contactors, capacitors, and other electrical components are inspected and tested. Worn or failing electrical components can interfere with system operation and may eventually cause the AC to stop working.
- Condensate drain inspection: As your AC removes moisture from indoor air, condensation must drain away from the system. The technician checks the drain line and related components for buildup or blockages that could contribute to drainage problems or water around the unit.
- Thermostat calibration: Your thermostat is tested to confirm that it communicates properly with the cooling system and accurately controls indoor temperatures. The technician can calibrate it as needed so that your AC responds appropriately to temperature settings.
- Filter check: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and force the system to work harder. During maintenance, the filter is inspected and cleaned or replaced when appropriate.
Together, these steps provide a clearer picture of what AC maintenance includes and give your technician an opportunity to identify issues before they develop into larger problems.
Why Regular AC Maintenance Matters
Many homeowners question whether or not this service is all that important.
Avoiding maintenance and instead dealing with AC repairs and replacement as needed is an option. However, this ignores the major AC maintenance benefits that come from keeping your cooling system in good condition.
It Saves Money in the Long Run
Yes, AC maintenance is a yearly expense, but it addresses problems before they become severe and helps to delay or even avoid replacing your air conditioning unit. When you compare the cost of maintaining your system versus major repairs and replacement, regular maintenance can help reduce the likelihood of more expensive problems.
You Use Less Energy
As air conditioners age, they can use more power to run. However, when the parts are well maintained, they can operate more efficiently and avoid unnecessary strain. This can translate into lower energy use while helping your AC keep your home comfortable during Atlanta’s hot summers.
Air Quality Gets a Big Boost
No one wants to breathe in dirty air, but most of us are inhaling more contaminants than we realize. With proper maintenance, your filter and accessible system components can be checked and cleaned as needed, helping reduce the amount of dust and other debris circulating through the HVAC system.
Schedule an AC Tune-Up With Moncrief Today
Now that you know what happens during routine AC maintenance, it’s time to schedule your service. Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning provides thorough HVAC maintenance services so that you can get the most out of your cooling system.
Contact Moncrief today to schedule AC maintenance in the greater Atlanta area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing what to expect from routine service can make it easier to stay on top of your cooling system’s needs. Here are answers to a few common questions homeowners have about AC maintenance and tune-ups.
If you are wondering how often AC maintenance should be scheduled, an annual professional tune-up is generally recommended for residential air conditioners. Scheduling maintenance before the cooling season can help make sure your system is ready for Atlanta’s summer heat. Your technician may recommend a different schedule based on your equipment, its age, and how heavily it is used.
A professional AC tune-up typically includes an inspection of the system’s major components along with cleaning, testing, and adjustments where needed. Your technician may inspect and clean the coils, check refrigerant operation, test electrical components and capacitors, inspect the condensate drain, calibrate the thermostat, and check the air filter. The exact AC tune-up checklist will vary depending on the type, make, model, and condition of your cooling system.
Regular maintenance can help control long-term HVAC costs by catching developing problems before they cause larger system failures. Keeping coils clean, airflow unrestricted, and electrical and mechanical components operating correctly can also help your AC run more efficiently.
Whether you require installation, repair, or maintenance, our technicians will assist you with top-quality service at any time of the day or night. Take comfort in knowing your indoor air quality is the best it can be with MOE heating & cooling services Ontario's solution for heating, air conditioning, and ventilation that’s cooler than the rest.
Contact us to schedule a visit. Our qualified team of technicians, are always ready to help you and guide you for heating and cooling issues. Weather you want to replace an old furnace or install a brand new air conditioner, we are here to help you. Our main office is at Kitchener but we can service most of Ontario's cities
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