You might be surprised to learn that the average homeowner spends approximately $6,000 per year on home maintenance. This can stem from a variety of obligations, but one of the most common is working with HVAC systems.
The last thing you want in Jacksonville, FL, is for your AC to fail during the warmer months of the year. Proper spring AC maintenance is essential, and we’ve created a brief guide on how to handle it. Let’s explore the key information you need to know about keeping your AC unit running smoothly.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Many people overlook that AC maintenance can improve energy efficiency. This concept is easier to understand than it seems.
When your unit is running optimally, it won’t use as much energy to cool your home. It’s no secret that Florida utility bills can be difficult to accommodate.
Even someone who lives in a small home by themselves could pay hundreds per month under the right circumstances. Scheduling regular AC tune-ups will help ensure your unit is functioning properly.
Increased Equipment Reliability
Your AC unit will function better with proper maintenance. You’ll also minimize the need for repairs. In context, let’s assume you never cleaned your coils, checked refrigerant levels, or replaced air filters.
Dust and debris would accumulate over time, causing your unit to work harder to produce the desired results. The same can be said about lubricating moving parts, as these can quickly become worn through regular use. This level of reliability will help you get your money’s worth out of your HVAC unit.
Improved AC Unit Life Expectancy
This is one of the most important benefits to keep in mind. Replacing an HVAC unit can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s in your best interest to maximize its lifespan.
Regular maintenance will help you identify issues before they evolve into something greater. To clarify, a worn gear or valve can lead to serious problems if left unchecked.
It’s worth noting that stellar maintenance can help your unit last longer than its projected lifespan. This doesn’t always occur, but your equipment will fail sooner than anticipated if you neglect it.
Find the Right Professional
As you might assume, it’s imperative to work with reputable AC companies to get the best results. They have the tools and resources to handle your project effectively. When searching “AC repair near me,” pay attention to their past reputation.
This will provide valuable insight into what you can expect from working with them. Look for reviews that mention timeliness, professionalism, and overall results.
However, you should also pay attention to fake reviews during your search. These tend to be posted in batches and contain many of the same keywords.
It’s imperative to ignore these when making your assessment. They should offer an AC repair free estimate, as well.
Don’t work with businesses that charge for consultations. This is a red flag you can’t ignore.
They should also have experience handling common AC issues, such as air conditioner leaking. The last thing you want is to assume you’ve found a reputable company and then discover they can’t handle your project.
Are they easy to get in touch with? If the company isn’t communicative, you could encounter major problems once you hire them.
For instance, they could notify you that they’ll send a repair technician on a Monday afternoon. However, they encounter delays that prevent them from arriving on time.
If they don’t communicate this information with you, it could disrupt your schedule. Finding a local business is best.
When looking for “heating and cooling near me,” prioritize companies that are only a few miles away. With enough due diligence, you shouldn’t have an issue finding the best results for your needs.
Signs You Need AC Repair
Understanding the signs you should call a repair professional is essential. Otherwise, you risk problems progressing into serious issues. Listed below are some of the most notable.
Air Conditioner Leaking
Don’t make the mistake of overlooking a leaky air conditioner. This isn’t always due to the buildup of condensation.
This could be due to a damaged drain pan or a clogged drain. Another common culprit is frozen evaporator coils.
Regardless of why the leaks occur, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible. Left unchecked, air conditioner leaking can become one of the most destructive issues your AC unit faces.
The Unit Blows Warm Air
Imagine coming home after work during the summer to find that your house is over 85° despite the AC unit running all day. This is a reality for many homeowners in Jacksonville with malfunctioning air conditioners.
In general, this problem occurs when the unit’s thermostat can’t tell if it’s functioning correctly. To elaborate, the system would be unable to determine if it’s sufficiently cooling your home.
This problem can substantially impact your quality of life. It will also increase your utility bill even though you won’t have cold air in your home.
Your Thermostat Isn’t Working
There may come a day when your thermostat does not display the correct temperature. It may also fail to function at all.
The good news is that there is often a simple fix for this issue. It’s unlikely that you encounter issues once you schedule maintenance.
High Electric Bills
If your utility bills are unexpectedly high, there’s a chance your unit is malfunctioning. As previously mentioned, poorly maintained HVAC units will use more energy than necessary to cool your home.
Left unchecked, you could spend hundreds more per year than you should. Common causes for higher utility bills include broken thermostat switches and leaks in your system’s ductwork.
Never Neglect Spring AC Maintenance
Without a spring AC maintenance strategy, you risk encountering complications you would’ve otherwise avoided. The information in this guide will help you get started on the right track. Just be sure you find the right professional for your needs.
Weather Engineers Inc. has proudly served Jacksonville businesses and residents since 1963. We strive to always put our customers first and handle each project with the utmost care.
You’ll learn more about our AC maintenance services when you get in touch with us today.
