In Texas, we have only two seasons—a short heating season and a long cooling season. As preparation for the transition from winter to summer, this is an excellent time for Spring AC Maintenance to get it ready for the heat. Why is this an excellent time? Check out these great reasons.
Awakening from Sleep
For several months, your home has required warmth, so the air conditioner has remained idle. Limbs and leaf litter often blow against or even inside the outdoor condenser unit. The dust has blown into the spaces between the fins of the unit, which will hinder its intended purpose—cooling the hot refrigerant gas. The tubing that contains the gas might have been compromised, allowing it to leak out. Any number of changes that can affect the function of the system would go unnoticed without a technician to inspect it.
Getting Ahead of Trouble
Air conditioners are mechanical systems that need maintenance. After years of continuous use, the parts will begin to weaken due to wear. This weakening creates a cascade effect: the weakness of one component puts stress on others and failure is often the result. The second source of stress for your air conditioner is the extreme heat of a harsh summer. This is often all it takes for a major failure of the system. A springtime inspection will expose worn parts in danger of failure. Catching the small problem before it becomes a large problem is much preferred to shutting the AC down during a heat wave.
Improved Efficiency
Another benefit of catching worn parts early is the increase in energy efficiency. Components that function within the design specifications of your AC system successfully pull together for the best results. However, the whole air conditioner will only work as efficiently as the weakest part. Repairing or replacing worn parts will keep the entire system running efficiently. This saves both energy and money.
System Longevity
With all this stressing and cascading, maintaining your air conditioner with minor repairs as needed delays a cascade that results in catastrophic failure. On average, air conditioners last between 15 and 20 years; reaching maximum longevity may depend upon regular maintenance.
Cleaner Air
Your air conditioner will move a large volume of air during the cooling season: the entire volume of your home moves through the system approximately every 2 minutes of the cooling cycle. The air passes through an air filter and a network of ducts, connected to every room in your home. Both the filter and the ductwork collect dust, pollen, and dander with every cycle, so an inspection will include a new filter and a check on the condition of the ducts.
Total Agreement
The manufacturer of your air conditioner system recommends annual maintenance; see your owner’s manual. There may be a requirement for maintenance to comply with an extended warranty. The Environment Protection Agency1, through the Energy Star program, recommends regular maintenance of your air conditioner, with specific recommendations for tasks to be completed.2 So, it is not only your HVAC professional that recommends Spring AC Maintenance for HVAC systems.
For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Spring AC Maintenance, schedule an appointment, or visit our Spring AC Maintenance information page.
1 https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner
2 https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/heating_cooling/maintenance_checklist#:~:text=Inspect%2C%20clean%2C%20or%20change%20air,equipment%2C%20leading%20to%20early%20failure