Why is Annual AC Maintenance Important?

The average life expectancy of an air conditioner is about 15 years, but keeping it well-maintained can extend its life, while keeping your energy costs low. For this reason, scheduling periodic maintenance for your air conditioning system is always prudent. Unfortunately, some Bay Area homeowners only think about maintenance when something is wrong with their unit, not realizing that annual maintenance helps keep the system running smoothly and cost-effectively.

Greater Longevity of the AC Unit

Neglecting annual AC maintenance checks can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the parts that keep it running, leading to expensive repairs or even the premature breakdown of your entire system. For example, if you don't get your AC serviced at least once in six months, it could develop problems such as clogged filters or dirty coils. This could lead to overheating, which could shorten its lifespan or even damage your system entirely.

A robust AC maintenance plan will include a thorough inspection, filter replacement, cleaning, and lubricating of the unit's parts, thereby prolonging its life. It will also include a record of the system's current efficiency and other key metrics that technicians may need to identify potential problems.

Low Incidence of Breakdowns

Regular tune-ups can save you a lot of money and hassle by identifying problems with your machine early on. A pro will be able to recommend preventative maintenance, which may include repairing an issue or replacing parts before they break down completely.

Regular servicing also includes cleaning the coils and removing debris from the unit, which can help improve your overall comfort and protect your equipment from corrosion. This means that, over time, investing in annual AC maintenance will pay off by preventing costly repairs from occurring later.

Reduced Energy Bills

A properly maintained air conditioner can deliver cool air quickly and evenly, reducing the time it takes for your home to reach an optimal temperature. While many people think that an air conditioner only uses energy when turned on, the truth is that it uses energy all year long—even when it's not cooling the house. The longer your unit is in operation, the more money you spend on power bills.

If your AC is regularly maintained and has no significant problems, it will use less electricity than a poorly maintained one that cycles on and off too frequently. Well-maintained units tend to work more efficiently, which can reduce monthly energy costs.

Better Indoor Air Quality

The air inside your house can be filled with a lot more than just oxygen. Unfiltered air that comes in your house, might travel through the ducts of your HVAC system &pick up pollen, dust, pet dander, and other household contaminants. While you might not notice it right away, these things can cause several long-term health problems like asthma, allergies, and other breathing issues.

Undertaking annual AC maintenance will get rid of all those unwanted particles. Your HVAC system will be cleaned out before the start of each cooling season to bring fresh air into your home. This will also keep the humidity levels in your home consistent, so you don't have to worry about it getting too dry or mold developing. Outdoors, your home's compressor will be kept clean to maximize efficiency and keep it from breaking down in the middle of a hot summer night when you need it most.

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