Delaying an AC tune-up risks dealing with many inconvenient and costly issues. This vital AC maintenance service may seem like an unnecessary bite out of your schedule. However, it can save you time and increase your air conditioning system’s performance. Below, we’ll explain the risks of delaying an AC tune-up to highlight why you should schedule one before the summer season.
Don’t Skip Your AC Tune-Up
Make sure to schedule your air conditioner tune-up in the spring. Failing to do so can result in:
- Missing Minor AC Issues: Most of the time, air conditioner problems start small. Minor issues such as a worn belt, faulty contactor, or dirty filter or coil can strain the system until a larger component breaks down. Once a developing problem is found, the technician can correct it before more serious issues occur.
- More Frequent, Expensive Repairs: Waiting too long to seal a line can result in having to replace an entire coil. Letting the refrigerant level go too low can blow out the compressor. Small tasks like tightening electrical connections, cleaning AC components, and adjusting belts can reduce the number of repairs. Lubricating your AC’s moving parts also helps avoid repairs and save money.
- Waiting for a Repair Tech to Arrive: If you delay AC maintenance, the risk of a breakdown increases, especially in the summer. A tune-up can avoid such a situation. But if you need an emergency technician during a heat wave, you may have to wait until someone is available. Oftentimes, HVAC companies are backlogged with emergency calls during the peak season.
- Less Effective Cooling: Skipping an AC tune-up risks neglecting issues that can cause your air conditioner to provide less cooling. Temperatures may also fluctuate or be uneven from one area to another. Common issues that affect cooling include dust and grime buildup, dirty filters, frozen evaporator coils, low refrigerant, and electrical problems.
- Weak Airflow: Your AC can only deliver consistent temperatures with strong, steady airflow. Weak airflow causes the unit to work harder and use more energy. Fortunately, a tune-up allows an HVAC technician to resolve this by addressing issues such as dirty filters and clogged ducts.
- Unwanted Odors: If your air conditioner is not properly maintained, it can start to smell. A task as simple as changing the filter can avoid odors. During a tune-up, a technician can also check for clogs in the condensate drain line and clear them, which avoids moldy smells. They can also address issues with wiring or pests in the duct system, which can otherwise trigger undesirable odors.
- Reduced Indoor Air Quality: Neglecting dirty air filters, clogged ducts, or leaky ductwork can lead to indoor air quality issues that worsen allergies and other respiratory problems. Reduced AC performance can also lead to increased humidity in your home, making it sticky and increasing the risk of mold.
- Discomfort and Illness: A poorly functioning AC can not only make you uncomfortable. It can create environmental conditions that allow bacteria and viruses to flourish, increasing the risk of colds, flu, and other problems. Mold is also more likely; some molds release toxins that can make you sick.
- Reduced Energy Efficiency: Developing issues can cause your air conditioner to draw more energy than it normally does. This is one reason to schedule regular maintenance. The older an AC is, the more it loses efficiency, which can be mitigated with an annual AC tune-up. Any reduction in efficiency can mean paying more in your utility bills every month.
- Water Damage from a Leaking AC: A clogged drain pipe or damaged drain pan can cause water to overflow. Condensate that normally drains away can become a pool of water under your air conditioner. Extensive water damage can occur to the floor. As the problem worsens, the damage can spread to walls, ceilings, and furnishings, causing major equipment issues such as compressor failure.
- Increased Noise from the Unit: Delaying AC maintenance can lead to distracting noises. But what the sounds indicate affects your AC’s health and your wallet. Rattling, squealing, whistling, hissing, buzzing, and other sounds should be addressed immediately to avoid more serious issues. A maintenance tech can often find the source of such noises before you even realize there’s a problem.
- Shortened AC Lifespan: Increased wear and mounting unresolved problems tend to shorten the lifespan of air conditioning equipment. You may have to replace the system years sooner. A well-maintained AC can last 15 to 20 years. Delaying tune-ups can cut that time in half, which means paying thousands of dollars to replace equipment.
Schedule an AC Tune-Up with Monarch Home Services
We provide high-quality air conditioning services in the San Joaquin Valley. Don’t be left without your AC during the soaring summer heat. We provide the AC maintenance needed to ensure your system runs smoothly, reliably, and efficiently. Our Maintenance Service Agreement will save you time and money. To learn more or schedule your annual AC tune-up in Fresno, Bakersfield, or other nearby areas, call (661) 215-6657 today.