As summer winds down, most homeowners breathe a sigh of relief knowing their air conditioners won’t be running as hard. But before you switch your cooling system off for the season, there’s one more step you can take that will pay dividends next year: late-season AC maintenance.
Many people assume maintenance is only necessary at the start of summer, but giving your system attention at the end of the cooling season has unique advantages. Not only will it help your air conditioner perform better when you need it again, but it can also save you money in several ways. Here’s why scheduling late-season maintenance is a smart financial decision.
Prevent Small Issues from Becoming Costly Repairs
After running nearly nonstop through the hottest months, your AC has been working hard. Components like belts, capacitors, and electrical connections are under stress, and parts may begin to wear out. Without maintenance, those small problems can turn into major repairs by the time you start your system again next spring.
Catching issues in the fall gives you time to fix them while they’re still minor—before they escalate into breakdowns that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Improve Energy Efficiency and Lower Utility Bills
Even at the end of summer, your cooling system may still be running on warm days. Dirt and dust buildup on coils, clogged air filters, and worn components force your air conditioner to use more energy than necessary.
A tune-up restores efficiency, which not only lowers your utility bills right away but also ensures your system runs at peak performance when next summer arrives. By maintaining your AC in the fall, you’re essentially locking in savings for two seasons—now and later.
Extend the Lifespan of Your System
An air conditioner typically lasts about 10 to 15 years. However, skipping routine maintenance can shave years off that lifespan. Think of maintenance like changing the oil in your car: it keeps everything running smoothly and helps prevent premature failure.
Late-season maintenance ensures that your AC gets a “reset” before sitting idle for months. Addressing wear and tear now reduces the risk of damage during downtime, ultimately adding more usable years to your system. More years of reliable service means fewer early replacement costs.
Avoid the Springtime Rush
Spring is one of the busiest times of year for HVAC companies. Everyone is rushing to get their air conditioners inspected, repaired, or replaced before the first heat wave. That means scheduling can be tight, and prices for emergency service calls may be higher.
By taking care of maintenance in the fall, you’ll beat the rush entirely. Your system will already be in good shape, and when temperatures climb again, you can turn it on with confidence instead of waiting for an appointment.
Protect Your Warranty
Many manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance to keep warranties valid. If you skip maintenance and your system experiences a major failure, you may be stuck covering the repair or replacement costs yourself. Having late-season service done helps ensure you stay in compliance with warranty requirements, which could save you thousands down the road.
Your comfort is our business! Comfort Flow Heating serves all of Oregon, so contact our team today to schedule your appointment.