Palm Desert, CA Professional AC Tune Up Services

It can be a cause for concern when your AC unit starts to make strange sounds. However, you might want to consider getting an AC tune-up before you replace it. Your AC unit may need no more than a little TLC to get it running well again. A certified professional will thoroughly investigate your unit before diagnosing the problem.

Typically AC units will last about 10 years before you need to replace them and it’s recommended to have them serviced once a year to keep them running. If your system still has a few years left before hitting the 10-year mark, let an AC specialist take a look before paying out more money than is needed on a brand-new replacement.

Why is an AC tune up necessary?

Just like everything else in life, nothing lasts forever. Just like other things that can be bought, wear and tear do take place over time. The entire unit and the whole HVAC system have all sorts of pieces and parts which break down and get faulty over time. The best practical approach to preventing problems from taking place is simply to get in an air conditioning technician once a year. The good news is that they can tune up the device and service it, which will prevent problems from arising.

During the inspection they will:

  • search for any leaks or cracks
  • clean and straighten the coils and coil fins
  • remedy any safety hazards
  • clear the space in and around the unit from dirt and debris
  • check the refrigerant levels
  • clean or replace the air filter
  • recalibrate the thermostat if needed

The points of the tune-up will help to increase the life of your AC unit as well as the time between issues. Similar to what is done to a car, an AC system needs to be regularly maintained as well. If you don’t get your device checked regularly, you could receive higher energy bills, notice different temperature levels at certain parts of the house and several more problems could occur.

Since AC units are typically just utilized a couple of months of the year, a few homeowners don’t see an issue until they turn it on during the hot season. Due to this fact, it’s a good idea to have it inspected before you need it- typically sometime in the spring. Not having a functioning air conditioner can make you miserable when temperatures soar, and it can be deadly for some vulnerable people.

Do I need a tune-up or a total replacement?

If you are unfamiliar with air conditioners, you might not be able to tell when your unit has reached the end of the road or only needs some maintenance. A professional can conduct an inspection and help you determine whether your unit is done for. If you are unsure whether your unit may need maintenance or replacement, the following list can help you determine the best course of action.

Thermostat isn’t working

While a broken thermostat can cause a lot of frustration and doesn’t help with cooling the house, the issue could be with the wiring or calibration of the device instead of a problem with the unit itself. A trained professional will usually check out the thermostat’s wiring and calibration before concluding that the problem is in the air conditioning unit itself.

Inconsistent temperatures throughout home

Without having your air conditioning unit inspected, there’s no way to tell why your home isn’t being cooled evenly. Upper levels will consistently have a hotter temperature compared to lower levels because of rising heat. However, a dramatic change in temperatures between different rooms often signals a problem with ductwork, vents or even air filters.

Bad smells or noises

Noises from the AC unit itself also demand immediate action. Not repairing a loose or broken part right away can result in extensive damage to the unit. While these problems can sometimes be repaired, there are times when you would be better off replacing the entire unit. An unpleasant odor coming from your AC unit could be a sign of burnt wires or mold growing inside the ducts.

The inspection of the AC unit will reveal the source of the problem. Sometimes all it takes is a cleaning or a repair to fix the problem.

Leaks

Dripping of liquids from an air conditioning unit is not a good sign. Leaks may be water coming from the condenser, or refrigerant from the lines and either way, it usually involves a costly repair. The best option is often replacing the entire unit, instead of investing in more repairs, if your unit is coming near the end of its life anyway.

High energy bills.

Energy bills that are higher than usual without added use of an air conditioner is cause for concern. Something is causing your unit to work harder than it needs to. It’s worth having your AC system serviced regularly, even if it is relatively new.

If the unit is already old, then its issues may be caused by its old age already. A professional can make a thorough inspection of it to know the best course of action to take. If it is deemed in need of a replacement already, then the professional can guide you in looking at the different options that you have for it.