If you’ve ever spent a summer in Providence or Skye Canyon, you know that your air conditioner isn’t just a desirable thing to have; it’s a must-have.
Most homeowners don’t think about this question until something goes wrong:
So, how frequently should you ideally schedule maintenance for your A/C?
The Quick Answer
You should have a professional check your A/C at least once a year.
But because of the extreme heat in Southern Nevada, HVAC experts say that you should do it twice a year: once in the spring before the busiest time of year and again in the fall to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Why It’s Important to Keep Up with Maintenance
You might save time now by not doing A/C maintenance, but it could cost you a lot later.
Routine service helps. Do the following:
- Stop breakdowns on days when the temperature is over 100°.
- Cut down on your energy bill by making things work better.
- Make your system last longer
- Make the air inside your home cleaner and healthier.
Like changing the oil in your car, small maintenance keeps big repairs from happening.
What Happens When You Tune Up Your A/C?
A visit from a professional service usually includes the following:
- Checking and changing air filters
- Checking the levels of refrigerant
- Cleaning the coils on the condenser
- Checking electrical parts
- Setting your thermostat correctly
These small changes can have a big effect on how well something works.
When to Call for A/C Service Right Away
Don’t wait until everything breaks down. If you see any of the following, call for help:
- Airflow that is weak or not steady
- Air that is warm coming from vents
- Unusual sounds or smells of mold
- Bills for energy that are higher than normal
- Your system is always on.
These are signs that something is not right.
Things You Can Do Yourself
A few easy things to keep your system in shape between professional visits include:
- Change the air filters every 1 to 3 months.
- Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of dirt and trash.
- Check that furniture isn’t blocking vents.
- Use a thermostat that can be programmed to make things easier.
A/C Systems Don’t Work Well in the Desert
Your system has to work harder than it does in most other parts of the country because of dust buildup, extreme heat, and long run times. That’s why it’s so important to do regular maintenance here and why waiting until summer can mean long delays in getting repairs done.
Stay Cool
The best time to fix your air conditioning is before the heat hits, not when it breaks.
If you schedule a spring tune-up now, you can avoid spending money, getting stressed out, and having sweaty afternoons later.