With summer nearly here, homeowners are once again turning on their air conditioning units for the first time in many months. In Wisconsin, air conditioners aren’t needed for a large portion of the year, but when our state begins to warm up air conditioning units become a vital part of the home comfort system. A well-maintained air conditioning system keeps you cool and comfortable during the hot summer months and can help reduce your energy bills. To keep your air conditioner running smoothly throughout the summer and avoid costly repairs, regular maintenance is needed. It’s much better to preventatively maintain your air conditioning rather than experience a breakdown on a sweltering Wisconsin summer’s day!
When Should I Schedule Air Conditioner Maintenance?
The best time to get your air conditioner serviced is as early in the season as you can. Remember that you are not the only person with a/c service on their mind during March, April and May. Contacting Harker and scheduling maintenance early in the season ensures that the HVAC technician won’t be completely booked up with other appointments. Additionally, servicing your air conditioner before the dog days of summer will give your HVAC technician a chance to inspect the unit and make any necessary repairs or adjustments before you need it most. If you are not proactive with maintenance, you may find yourself sweating at home and also sweating the cost of replacing a broken unit.
How Often is Air Conditioning Maintenance Needed?
The frequency of service will vary depending on the make and model of your unit, as well as the climate you live in. For Wisconsin homeowners, a good rule of thumb is to have your unit serviced at least once a year. If you live in a hot climate, you may need to have your unit serviced more often.
Why Should I Service my Air Conditioner?
Keeping your air conditioner in good condition each year has several benefits, including:
- Increased efficiency: A well-maintained air conditioning unit will use less energy, which can in turn lower your energy bills.
- Longer lifespan: Regular maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit, so you won’t have to replace it as often.
- Improved comfort: A properly functioning air conditioning unit will provide you with better comfort, so you can stay cool and relaxed during the summer months.
- Reduced risk of repairs: By having your air conditioning unit serviced regularly, you may be able to prevent costly repairs down the road.
What Does Air Conditioner Maintenance Include?
Air conditioner repair experts at Harker undergo a rigorous training process so they can successfully maintain working air conditioners and diagnose air conditioners that are in need of repair. Here are some of the things that an HVAC technician will complete while doing air conditioning maintenance:
- Inspect the unit for leaks;
- Check the refrigerant levels;
- Clean the coils;
- Lubricate the moving parts;
- Test the controls; and
- Make any necessary repairs or adjustments.
Can I Maintain my Air Conditioner Myself?
Air conditioners are complex machines that require certain know-how for proper maintenance. A qualified HVAC technician will be able to properly maintain your unit and keep it running efficiently for years to come. Self-servicing your air conditioner could result in a sticky situation (literally). Although we do not recommend homeowners attempt to diagnose an issue or repair the machinery without an expert, there are actions the average homeowner can take to maintain their air conditioning unit. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining an air conditioning unit yourself:
- Keep it clean: The coils on your air conditioning unit should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent dust and debris from building up and reducing efficiency. You can clean the coils yourself using a vacuum cleaner or a garden hose.
- Change the filter: The filter on your air conditioning unit should be changed every month or two to prevent dust and debris from entering the unit.Â
- Inspect the unit for leaks: Air conditioners contain chemicals that are unsafe outside of the machine. Be sure to regularly check the exterior of your air conditioner a couple times a season to see if there are any leaks around the unit. If you see a leak, contact Harker Heating and Cooling for maintenance right away. It’s important to have leaks repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and spillage.
- Keep the unit in good working order: Ensure the controls on your air conditioning unit are working properly and that the unit is turned off when it’s not in use.
Service your Air Conditioning Unit Today
The professionals at Harker Heating and Cooling, Inc. have extensive experience repairing and maintaining air conditioning units throughout the State of Wisconsin. Ensure your unit will last you through the summer by contacting Harker Heating and Cooling, today.
