Introduction:
The air conditioner in your home does a lot. In the summer, keeping the whole house cool is big business, and frequent use of your air conditioner can cause damage over time. Additionally, air conditioners are expensive, so homeowners can save thousands of dollars by making sure the unit lasts as long as possible.
However, many homeowners find it difficult to answer the question, “How often should you service your HVAC system?” HVAC systems are complex, so figuring out how to service them without professional help can be difficult. This article will answer that important question and recommend a great service company in New Jersey.
Yearly Service Provides Optimal Protection
Modern HVAC systems are built to last and typically provide years of trouble-free service. Still, regular maintenance is essential to maintain performance and extend the life of the system. In general, hiring a service company to inspect and service your HVAC system annually provides ideal protection.
This schedule is ideal as air conditioners are subject to increased loads during the warmer months. Although the cost of maintaining an air conditioner is significant, the savings in energy and repair costs far exceed the annual cost. Also, dealing with a broken air conditioner in the summer can be very uncomfortable for everyone in the house.
Scheduling an inspection before the start of summer will ensure your air conditioning systems are in good working order so you and your family can keep cool. Whenever you need maintenance services, you can count on the help of Carrano Air air conditioning repair experts in New Jersey.
Benefits of HVAC Maintenance
While it may be tempting to skip the expense of regularly servicing your air conditioner, the benefits outweigh the costs. HVAC systems represent a significant investment for most homes; Extending system life can save you thousands of dollars over time.
In addition, cooling your home requires a lot of energy. It is therefore important to keep energy costs low in the summer. Finally, scheduling your air conditioner’s routine maintenance will ensure your unit is always operating at peak efficiency as the maintenance company replaces air filters and checks mechanical components throughout the system.
Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Servicing
Although annual maintenance is usually sufficient to keep HVAC systems running smoothly over a long period of time, there are circumstances that require additional attention. In the following sections, we’ll go through some of the signs that your system may need more urgent maintenance to help you fully answer the question, “How often should you service your HVAC system?”
Reduced Performance
Inefficiency is usually the first sign that your air conditioner needs repairs. Ultimately, your air conditioner’s job is to keep your home cool. If this is not the case, then something is wrong. While performance changes can be subtle, closely monitoring your device’s efficiency can help you catch problems before they escalate and keep you cool throughout the process.
If your heating and cooling systems aren’t responding to your thermostat settings, or warm air is blowing out of the vents when the air conditioner is on, you have a problem. Monitor your air conditioner usage to make sure it doesn’t take longer than usual to cool your home in the event of a disruption.
Inconsistent Cooling
An uneven temperature throughout the home is another sign of a heating and air conditioning system malfunction. Clogged filters or ducting can cause hot or cold spots in certain rooms, indicating air balancing problems. Old engines and other components can also cause the pressure in the system to drop, resulting in reduced airflow to parts that are farther from the unit.
Although air balance issues can be difficult to resolve, for many owners a thorough cleaning and replacement of the air filter can solve the problem. You should contact an HVAC maintenance company if you notice wildly different temperatures in your home.
Higher Electricity Bills
An air conditioner uses a significant amount of electricity. When your air conditioner isn’t working properly, it’s less energy efficient and uses more energy to cool your home effectively. As a result, your monthly electricity bills will be higher.
If your electric bill is higher, it may be an indication that your air conditioner needs repairing. Although power consumption naturally increases during the warmer months of the year, an increase in power consumption without a drastic change in power consumption strongly indicates a malfunction or an inefficient system.
Loud Noises From Unit
AC devices make noise when operating, but you should listen for unusual noises coming from your device. For example, if a component squeaks or knocks, it’s possible that a part is loose or there is a foreign object in the system. Likewise, the sounds you hear when an engine stalls can be different, but different sounds are never a good sign.
First switch off the device if you hear unusual noises. However, until help arrives, operating the system may result in further damage. Therefore, it is safer to leave the device turned off while waiting for help. Once a service technician arrives, they can diagnose the problem and make recommendations for repairs or replacements.
Unpleasant Smells
Any foul odor emanating from your vents should be a cause for concern as occupants need clean, filtered air from their air conditioners. The air coming out of your vents can smell bad for a number of reasons, but all point to your air conditioner in dire need of maintenance. You can find out more about the cause of the problem by identifying the type of smell you’re noticing.
If your system smells moldy or musty, mold growth may be the cause of the problem. If you smell this, moisture is likely building up in the system, creating an ideal environment for mold growth and development. A mold problem can be dangerous, so it’s important to call an expert as soon as possible.
Your system can emit other bad odors caused by various issues such as clogged filters. The filters in your system are responsible for cleaning the air that travels through your plumbing, which can help reduce odors outside your home. However, as these filters wear out and become clogged over time, they can lose their effectiveness and negatively impact the air quality in your home.
Electrical Problems
Because heating and air conditioning systems use a lot of energy, maintaining your electrical system is vital. For example, a tripped circuit breaker on the circuit board in your home can be a sign that your air conditioner needs the attention of a maintenance company. Other issues, such as flickering lights when the HVAC system is turned on or inconsistent performance, can also indicate electrical issues.
However, it is important to remember that your home’s electrical system is complex and attempting to tamper with it without proper training or equipment can be dangerous. Any electrical repairs on your HVAC system or anywhere else in the home should always be left to a professional.
Any Sign of Smoke
Any sign of smoke or burning in your air conditioner is a serious indication that it needs service. You cannot ignore the risk of smoke or fire from your air conditioner as it has ducts that run throughout your home. Also, because the system consumes a lot of power, electrical fires can occur in the device if components become frayed or worn out.
If your air conditioner starts smoking or smells burnt, you should turn it off immediately and call a technician. In the event of a fire, you and your family must evacuate the premises and notify the fire brigade. Safety always comes first. So never take chances when it comes to the fire hazard.
Older HVAC Unit
Despite their durability and precision engineering, air conditioners are not permanent fixtures. Experts recommend homeowners replace their air conditioners at least every ten years, depending on the quality of the unit and the frequency of maintenance. A replacement can also make sense if your system shows none of the above signs but is more than ten years old.
FAQs about why and how often you should service your HVAC:
Q: Why should I service my HVAC?
A: There are many reasons why you should service your HVAC, including:
- To improve its efficiency: Regular servicing can help to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, which can save you money on your energy bills.
- To extend its lifespan: Regular servicing can help to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, so you don’t have to replace it as often.
- To prevent breakdowns: Regular servicing can help to prevent breakdowns, which can be inconvenient and costly.
- To improve indoor air quality: Regular servicing can help to improve indoor air quality by removing dust, dirt, and other pollutants from the air.
Q: How often should I service my HVAC?
A: The frequency of HVAC servicing will vary depending on the type of system you have, the climate you live in, and how often you use it. However, most experts recommend having your HVAC serviced once a year.
Q: What happens during an HVAC service?
A: During an HVAC service, a technician will inspect your system and perform a number of tasks, including:
- Checking the air filters and replacing them if necessary.
- Cleaning the coils and blower fan.
- Lubricating the moving parts.
- Checking the refrigerant levels.
- Diagnosing any problems and making repairs as needed.
Get Expert HVAC Services Today
Heating and air conditioning systems contribute significantly to the comfort of your home. Without a working air conditioner, the temperature can make it difficult to do anything around the house. Proper maintenance can help prevent unexpected failures and keep your system running efficiently for longer.
Even though we’ve covered the basics of how often to service your air conditioner and the benefits it can have for you, you may still have a few questions. Air conditioning systems are complex and it can be difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem. Therefore, visit our website if you are interested in learning more about cleaning AC coils and other aspects of HVAC maintenance.
I hope you now know the answer to the question, “How often should you service your HVAC system?” Carrano Air offers excellent air conditioning repair services in and around New Jersey.
Whether you need routine maintenance or urgent repairs, our team can help. Call Carrano Air today at 732 329-3784 to speak to a helpful representative. Our technicians have the tools and expertise needed to reliably maintain, repair and install HVAC systems.