AC Annual Service Check

Is your AC unit not cooling your house as well as it used to? Does your air conditioning unit make funny noises? Is your AC louder than it used to be? Has the humidity in your home increased? Is there condensation around the ducts? These are all signs that your air conditioner needs a bit of maintenance. Did you know that without regular maintenance, an air conditioner loses five percent of its original efficiency each year of operation? Not only is your AC working harder and harder to perform, but your energy bills are also getting higher. Perhaps the most important tip for maximizing your AC, then, is to keep it serviced. A properly serviced air conditioner will also do a better job of dehumidifying your home.

A service check should include: cleaning the condensing unit coils, checking the amp draw of the compressor, checking that belts are well adjusted, oiling the fan motors, checking the system operating pressures and temperatures against the manufacturers specifications, and last but not least, check the coolant level. A system can cost 20% more to operate if it's only 10% low on Freon. It is recommended the coolant level be checked each year. By taking care of these things each year, the cost of an annual tune-up is made up quickly in savings on your monthly electric bill and reduced repair costs.

Also check your AC filter once a month during the cooling season, and keep it clean. If the filter becomes clogged, your system will have to work harder to supply the same amount of cool air. A good maintenance plan should include filter replacements.