Hutchinson, MN Professional AC Tune-Up Services
If your air conditioning unit starts making strange noises or is not properly cooling your home, this can be concerning. Perhaps all your air conditioner needs is an inspection and tuneup, not major repair or replacement. There are times when what it needs is just some loving care to run again. A certified professional will be able to help you diagnose the problem by inspecting the unit.
Normally, air conditioning units last about 10 years before they need a replacement, and it is recommended that they are serviced once a year to keep them running for a long time. If there are still some years left in your unit before it hits the ten-year mark then you can save money by just having it repaired.
Why is an AC tune-up necessary?
The air conditioning unit and the HVAC system itself has many parts and pieces that can break down 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:
- clean or replace the air filter
- clear the space in and around the unit from dirt and debris
- remedy any safety hazards
- clean and straighten the coils and coil fins
- check the refrigerant levels
- Search for any leaks or cracks
- recalibrate the thermostat if needed
The purpose of having your air conditioner tuned up regularly is to extend its useful life and avoid frequent repairs. Similar to what is done to a car, an AC system needs to be regularly maintained as well. If you skimp on regularly scheduled maintenance, you’ll eventually see an increase in your electric bill, inconsistent cooling, and more frequent performance problems due to the unit’s decreasing efficiency.
Air conditioners are not used year-round in most parts of the country, so you might not realize there’s a problem with yours until you crank it up on the first hot day of summer. Experts recommend having your air conditioner inspected in the spring before it gets too warm. Moving on without air conditioning when you need it the most is terrible at best and dreadful at worst—especially for the more susceptible population.
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. If you don’t know if the unit is on its last leg, you can get an inspection from an AC professional, who can help you make the right decision. The following list can help you determine whether your unit needs a repair or needs to be replaced.
The thermostat isn’t working
A malfunctioning thermostat is often the cause of an air conditioning problem. A professional can perform a fix on the wires and recalibrate the thermostat if needed.
Inconsistent temperatures throughout the home
Without an assessment, it tends to be hard to know why the house isn’t cooling off equitably. Heat naturally rises, so the upper floors of your home will always be warmer than your lower floors. But if you notice drastic differences in temperatures between various rooms in your home, that could be a warning that there’s an issue with air filters, vents or ducts.
Bad smells or noises
Noises from the AC unit itself also demand immediate action. A component in it may be loose and needs to be repaired before extensive damage occurs. Sometimes, these issues can be addressed properly by replacing the whole unit. When there are unpleasant smells this can be caused by burnt wires.
An AC professional will be able to determine the cause of any problem with your system. Sometimes all that’s needed with these issues is a cleaning or a repair.
Leaks
It’s not a good sign if your AC unit leaks. Whether the leak is coming from the condenser tube or the refrigerant line, it will cost high to have it repaired. When an older unit is nearing the end of its operational life, it would be financially wise to replace it over footing the bill for another repair.
High energy bills.
If your electric bills have been higher than usual lately, it may be because your air conditioner is working harder and using more energy to keep your home comfortable. If you have never had your unit serviced before, now may be the time especially if it is a young air conditioner and it still has many years left. Then it is best that you avoid further hassles and simply call in the professionals who do what they do best.
A comprehensive inspection of your unit will let you know if it needs replacing. A professional can make a thorough inspection of it to know the best course of action to take. If it needs replacement, you can find a professional today who can let you know about the more efficient options in the market.