AC Maintenance: Why It’s Important

Stack of dirty air filters after performing AC maintenance

While HVAC systems have only gotten more efficient over the years, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance no matter how new your unit is. Keeping up with AC maintenance is the best way to avoid major headaches, and the earlier you start doing it, the longer your unit will last.

In this blog, the HVAC experts at Vredevoogd discuss the basics of AC maintenance and why homeowners should prioritize regular HVAC tune-ups.

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Importance of Air Conditioning Maintenance

Many homeowners neglect AC maintenance and spend hundreds, if not thousands, on repairs or replacements in the long run. Don’t make this mistake – staying on top of preventative HVAC maintenance is crucial to getting the most out of your home comfort systems.

We recommend annual AC tune-ups to keep your unit in good shape and catch any issues. It’s essential to do this in early spring before temperatures rise. The last thing you want is to deal with an AC failure on the hottest day of the year.

A typical AC maintenance check will include:

Checking the filter
Inspecting the condenser coil
Checking refrigerant levels
Cleaning the blower motor
And more

Why Scheduling Regular Maintenance Is Beneficial

Preventative HVAC maintenance should be a priority for every homeowner. One of the best investments you can make for your home is to sign up for a maintenance plan with a trusted HVAC company so that you don’t even have to worry about forgetting to schedule the tune-ups you need throughout the year.

The advantages of regular AC maintenance include:

Extended AC Lifespan

The most important benefit of regular AC maintenance is longevity. Your air conditioner is a significant investment and should last a long time. With proper maintenance, most AC units can last 15 years or more. However, neglecting maintenance can lead to early system failure.

Fewer Breakdowns

When your AC breaks down, it’s more than just an inconvenience; AC repair costs add up, especially if you find yourself paying for repeat issues. The best way to avoid this is to stay on top of maintenance. Annual tune-ups keep all the components in your unit working correctly, allowing technicians to catch issues in the early stages before they get worse.

Energy Savings

Spending a little more upfront on annual maintenance can save you money in the long run. Not only will you avoid expensive repairs and prolong an even pricier replacement, but you’ll also save on your energy bills. Even the most minor AC issue can lead to a spike in your utility bill. Air conditioners that are appropriately maintained run more efficiently – and when your AC isn’t overworked, your bills stay consistent.

DIY Maintenance Checklist

While it’s possible to perform basic system checks yourself, getting professional tune-ups for your AC once a year is always recommended. If you’re in between visits and want to check your unit yourself, here’s how to perform a basic maintenance check on the internal unit of your AC:

Look for dust or frost on the condenser coils: Buildup on the condenser coils can cause serious issues. Ice on your coils could signal that the refrigerant levels are off, so you could call an AC tech if you notice this.
Clean the evaporator drain: Your AC’s evaporator drainpipe is usually an inch-wide PVC pipe that drains inside a sink or utility drain or outside near the condenser unit.
Run your unit and listen for odd sounds: If you check your AC for issues, look out for strange noises during operation. If you hear any clanging or hissing, schedule repair ASAP.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance for Your AC With Vredevoogd

Vredevoogd has offered top-notch HVAC services in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and beyond for over 50 years. With licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians, we provide expert services you can trust, including heating and cooling maintenance. We even offer a convenient maintenance plan that makes staying on top of tune-ups easy.

Our Comfort Club Membership benefits include: