There is only one scenario where it would be too late for you to schedule air conditioning maintenance and that is if the air conditioner has completely broken down, to the point that it is beyond repair.
Maybe your 15+-year-old system had a compressor failure. Or maybe you let a refrigerant leak go on too long and the system has died as a result.
Chances are, this actually isn’t the case for you. But if you skip maintenance consecutively each year, this could be your story. And consecutively is the magic word, here. Consistency with maintenance is much more important than the time of year you actually have maintenance done. Yes, we do generally recommend this service in the spring, before temperatures rise and you actually need the system on an hourly basis. This lets you get your tune-up on our schedule right away and lowers your risk of facing AC trouble when you need your system the most.
However, if you at the very least commit to getting air conditioner maintenance done once a year, it’s never too late. Here’s why this is so important:
Why Routine AC Maintenance Is Important for Your System
Maintenance tune-ups are a service that every air conditioner needs on a regular basis–every year in fact. If you have a heat pump that provides you with both cooling and heating, it means that you need the service twice a year. And this is why:
Summer Doesn’t Take a Holiday
If you’ve lived in our area for even just a year, then you know how scorching and uncomfortable our summers can get. Sure, our winters are bitterly cold, however, summertime’s contrast is enough to make you sweat just thinking about it–that is, if it’s not too humid to sweat!
Regular air conditioner tune-ups ensure that your AC is always ready to operate at its best, every summer–and when we have an unexpected heatwave in the spring or fall!
Maintenance Lowers Your Cooling Costs
We estimate that every year an air conditioning system goes without maintenance, it actually loses about 5% of its efficiency. This loss gets even steeper as the years go by, until you find yourself paying for an air conditioner that’s running much longer than it should and not actually keeping you as comfortable as it could.
Tune-Ups Help You Avoid Sudden Breakdowns
The biggest reason most homeowners decide to invest in routine professional air conditioning maintenance is that it helps prevent your system from breaking down unexpectedly when you need it the most. There are plenty of hot days ahead, and the last thing you need is an emergency air conditioner breakdown.
Maintenance Prevents Repair Needs
Maintenance helps our technicians spot problem areas that could end up being huge headaches later on. In fact, maintenance can prevent up to 85% of the repairs an air conditioner may ever need in its lifespan! This is because by managing them right when they’re found, they won’t grow into bigger emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can AC maintenance be too late?
Answer: In most cases, it is not too late to schedule AC maintenance. Even if the system has been running for a while during the cooling season, a professional inspection and tune up can still improve performance, identify potential problems, and help prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Question: What are the risks of delaying AC maintenance?
Answer: Delaying air conditioner maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and increased wear on system components. Without regular inspections, small issues such as dirty coils or worn parts may go unnoticed and develop into larger, more expensive repairs over time.
Question: What does an AC maintenance service usually include?
Answer: A typical AC maintenance service includes inspecting key components, cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, and testing the system’s overall performance. Technicians may also replace or clean air filters and ensure the thermostat is working properly to maintain efficient operation.
Question: How can regular AC maintenance extend system lifespan?
Answer: Regular maintenance helps reduce strain on the air conditioning system by ensuring all components are clean and functioning correctly. When parts are properly maintained, the system does not have to work as hard to cool the home, which can reduce wear and extend the equipment’s lifespan.
Question: When is the best time to schedule AC maintenance?
Answer: The best time to schedule AC maintenance is typically before the cooling season begins, such as during spring. However, maintenance can still be beneficial at any time of year. Even mid season tune ups can help improve system efficiency and catch issues early.
When you’re ready to schedule professional AC maintenance in Cedar Falls, look no further than Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Contact us today!