Web FX reports that the annual spending on HVAC repairs and services is $14 billion, which shows how valuable air conditioning units are in improving comfort.
As winter fades and the Texas heat starts creeping in, air conditioning repair should be a top priority. Scheduling an HVAC maintenance in spring will ensure your system runs well when needed.
Here, we discuss the benefits of a spring AC tune-up and what it may include. We’ll also highlight the signs you need emergency services and offer tips for maintaining your system to optimize its functioning.
The Importance of a Spring AC Tune-Up
Dust and debris can accumulate in your AC system, causing it to use more energy and increase your bills. A tune-up will help you clear the buildup to boost energy efficiency and lower home cooling costs.
Failing to tune up your AC during spring can cause it to break down and make living in your home unpleasant. However, checking it for issues and fixing them will ensure you have a reliable system. It also reduces wear and tear on the components and extends the HVAC lifespan.
A dirty AC system will lower indoor air quality by circulating dust, allergens, and mold spores throughout your home. Since a tune-up includes cleaning essential components, it prevents your unit from spreading air pollutants.
What Does a Professional AC Tune-Up Include?
A professional technician will offer thorough AC or HVAC maintenance, including the following steps:
- Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Inspecting and tightening electrical parts
- Lubricating moving parts
- Testing the thermostat
- Clearing the condensate line
Your AC’s evaporator and condenser coils are responsible for cooling the air. But they collect dirt and mold over time, making your AC less efficient. During a spring AC tune-up, an expert will clean these areas to ensure your system runs properly.
If your AC doesn’t have the right amount of refrigerant, it won’t cool the air properly. A technician will look for leaks and refill the refrigerant to the correct level.
Further, they’ll inspect the electrical connections and tighten loose parts to ensure safety. With their help, you’ll protect your system from damage and improve reliability.
Your AC’s moving parts need lubrication to prevent wear and tear. A professional tune-up will include applying the right amount of lubrication to avoid costly repairs later. The AC expert can also test the thermostat and recalibrate it if necessary to ensure your home is comfortable.
A condensate drain line carries the water your AC pulls from the air, but it may accumulate dust and algae. The particles may then hold water and encourage mold growth or lead to corrosion and leaks.
Experts offering seasonal HVAC service in Texas will clean the drain line to prevent these problems. They’ll also replace or clean the filters to ensure you breathe in fresh air.
Signs You Need an AC Tune-Up Now
While scheduling HVAC maintenance every spring is vital, some warning signs may indicate your unit needs immediate attention. Looking out for these will help you contact an expert for air conditioning repair to avoid further damage.
Poor Airflow
Are some of the rooms in your home cooler than others? Do you feel like your AC is barely pushing out any air? Well, you likely have a faulty AC and will need prompt repair and servicing, depending on the cause.
The weak airflow can be a sign that there’s a blockage in your vents. It may also result from dirt buildup on the filters or a damaged fan motor. Other common issues that may cause your AC to have poor airflow are:
- Clogged vents
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Low refrigerant levels
Unusual Noises
A well-functioning air conditioning system should run quietly, with only a slight hum or the sound of air flowing through the vents. So, if your unit is making grinding, squealing, or banging noises, something isn’t right. These sounds could result from the following issues:
- Loose screws
- A broken belt
- A failing motor
- An unbalanced blower motor
- Lack of lubrication
If you only hear the noise when your AC first turns on, it’s mostly likely due to a faulty belt. However, the cause may be the fan motor if the sound is constant. Either way, you should contact an expert for an inspection and tune-up before the parts fail.
Higher Energy Bills
Did your energy bill suddenly increase, and you haven’t changed your usage or bought new appliances lately?
Then, you should get a spring AC tune-up to check if there’s anything wrong with your unit. A technician will conduct the necessary repairs and replacements, so you don’t waste more money on high energy bills.
Frequent Cycling
If your AC short cycles by frequently turning on and off, you may be dealing with issues such as:
- Airflow obstruction
- Refrigerant leak
- Faulty thermostat
Since short cycling wastes energy and wears your AC faster, it’s important to contact a repair technician to check it out.
Strange Odors
Smelling strange odors when your AC unit is on may be a sign of mold and mildew growth. However, the smell of burnt plastic is critical and may indicate you’re having an electrical problem.
When you detect the latter, switch off your unit and contact a technician for an emergency inspection to improve AC unit safety and prevent fire hazards.
Tips for Maintaining Your AC in Spring
After getting an AC tune-up, you should still look after your system. Use these strategies to keep it in great condition and avoid recurring repairs.
- Ensure your vents and ducts aren’t blocked by rugs or furniture
- Invest in energy-efficient AC parts during replacements
- Clean any debris around the outdoor unit
- Test your thermostat frequently
If your thermostat is near lamps, TVs, or ovens, it might consider your home to be hotter than it really is. As a result, your AC will run longer than needed, wasting energy.
Keep heat-producing appliances away from your thermostat for better accuracy. Besides, feel for drafts around your doors and seal any leaks with weather stripping to keep your indoors cool.
The Benefits of Professional AC Repair and Maintenance
Attempting a DIY AC tune-up can be risky if you don’t have the right experience or tools. Certified technicians at Woods Comfort Systems will offer expert air conditioning repair and ensure your system gets the care it needs.
Consider their services for benefits such as:
- They have the necessary experience and expertise
- Their services protect your warranty
- They save time and improve convenience
AC systems are complex, and it may be tough to figure out a problem if your unit isn’t working well. Luckily, an experienced technician understands all types of ACs and knows how to troubleshoot issues.
They can spot minor problems with special tools and offer the necessary services. With their expertise, you’ll avoid damaging your unit or hurting yourself during a DIY repair.
Most manufacturers require you to get professional AC maintenance to keep your warranty valid. Trying to troubleshoot or fix issues on your own can void the coverage, requiring you to pay for some future repairs and replacements out of pocket.
Professional HVAC technicians in Texas follow manufacturer guidelines to safeguard your warranty. They can protect your investment and ensure you don’t pay for some costly repairs out of pocket.
Fixing an AC system can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Luckily, a professional will diagnose and fix issues quickly. You’ll have peace of mind and avoid spending a lot of time watching YouTube tutorials or reading manuals.
Additional HVAC and Indoor Air Quality Services to Consider
Spring air conditioning tune-up is a great way to prepare for warmer weather, but your home needs more than just seasonal HVAC maintenance. Here are more services to consider if you want to improve indoor air quality and boost energy efficiency:
- Sealing and cleaning ducts
- Installing smart thermostats
- Installing air purification solutions
Dirty ducts spread allergens and bacteria around your home, while leaky ones waste energy. An HVAC professional will clean out dust and debris before sealing leaks to improve air circulation and efficiency.
Smart thermostats adjust based on your habits, which helps you avoid unnecessary cooling. Installing them will control your home’s temperature even when you’re away. It also allows you to set heating and cooling schedules so you don’t have to worry about constantly remembering to adjust the temperature.
The air inside your home may contain pollutants that aren’t good for your health. While your HVAC system may eliminate some of them, you could still benefit from air purification solutions.
An HVAC technician can install a whole-home air purifier that works with your AC to remove pollutants. Doing so can help you manage some respiratory allergies and enhance indoor air quality.
Improve Comfort and Protect Your Health With Spring AC Tune-up
Scheduling a spring AC tune-up improves energy efficiency and makes your home more comfortable. Still, you should watch out for signs of damage and contact an experienced technician for diagnostics and repairs. Additionally, support your HVAC system by installing smart thermostats and air purifiers.
Woods Comfort Systems has been serving homeowners across Texas for 69 years. All our HVAC technicians carry EPA and NATE certifications, so you’re assured of top-tier services. Contact us to request an appointment.