What’s Involved in an Air Conditioner Service?

If you have recently installed an air conditioning system at home, you can expect it to last for a long time – up to 15 years or more – as long as it’s well maintained with an annual air conditioner service.

The best way to keep your air conditioner running at its optimal level is to schedule regular maintenance with a professional technician. The last thing you want is a blast of warm air from your AC unit when you’re expecting refreshing cool air.

Let’s take a look at the importance of regular servicing, the factors that impact how often you should have your air conditioner serviced and what to expect during a visit from a heating and cooling specialist.

Annual servicing of your air conditioning system is essential for maintaining its longevity and ensuring it runs efficiently. A well-looked-after system can help you avoid costly repairs and replacements in the future.

As well as reducing the risk of breakdowns, a regular servicing of heating and cooling systems can also help you save money on your energy bills. When your air conditioner is running at its best, it will consume less power while providing maximum comfort and relief.

While you may be aware that you need to clean and change your air conditioner filters on a regular basis, there is a lot more that goes into keeping it running at its best.

A HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) specialist can help you address the underlying issues that may be affecting your air conditioner’s performance, such as dirty coils, blocked condensate drains and worn out fan motors.

Even if you’ve had a new air conditioner installed recently, you’ll need to plan ahead for a maintenance service within a year. Your air conditioning unit will thank you for it.

Several factors will have an impact on how often you should have your aircon serviced. Air conditioning service factors include:

• Age: The age of your system is an essential consideration when determining how often it should be serviced. An older system (10 years plus) may require more frequent servicing, ideally every six months, to ensure it continues to function at an optimal level.
• Household size: The frequency of air conditioning use varies from home to home. If you have a large family and your air conditioner runs all day and night, it may require more frequent aircon services to keep up with demand.
• Make and model: Different brands and models of air conditioning systems have different maintenance requirements. Check with your manufacturer or a qualified aircon technician to see what they recommend for your particular system.
• Level of cooling: If you require an interior temperature that is much lower than the outside temperature, it will put a strain on your air conditioner. If you run your system at maximum capacity for extended periods, it will require more frequent maintenance.
• Indoor environment: Dusty interiors lead to dust and dirt in the air, which can get into the air conditioning system. A build-up of dust and debris will put more strain on your air conditioner and require frequent cleaning. If pets are present inside this creates a lot more airborne debris that will naturally end up in the air conditioning system.
• Windows and doors: Leaving windows and/or doors open while using your air conditioner puts extra stress on the system. The exception to this rule is evaporative cooling, where it is needed to open windows and doors for the A/C to work efficiently.

When it comes to air conditioning services, the type of heating and cooling system you have plays a crucial role in determining the specific servicing required.

There are several common types of heating and cooling systems, each with its unique maintenance needs.

• Central air conditioning: Ducted air conditioning (or central AC) is popular in many homes. To keep them running efficiently, regular servicing includes cleaning or replacing air filters, checking and cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, and inspecting the ductwork for leaks. Annual professional maintenance is usually recommended.
• Window or wall-mounted units: These smaller AC units often found in apartments or single rooms need regular cleaning of their filters and condenser coils. You can typically handle basic maintenance yourself, but professional servicing can ensure they’re working optimally.
•  Split system air conditioning: Split system air conditioners have an indoor and outdoor unit connected by refrigerant lines. Cleaning the filters and checking refrigerant levels are part of the regular servicing process. A professional technician may also inspect the electrical connections of split system air conditioner.
• Heat pumps: These systems provide both heating and cooling. Maintenance involves cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring all components are working correctly.
• Evaporative coolers: Servicing evaporative coolers includes cleaning the water pads, checking for water leaks, and inspecting the pump and motor.

The type of air conditioner you have will determine how often it needs servicing and the specific tasks involved. Regular routine maintenance by skilled technicians not only extends the lifespan of your existing system but also ensures it operates efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and preventing unexpected breakdowns.

What to Expect from an Aircon Service

When you schedule an aircon service from a HVAC specialist, it’s reasonable to anticipate a thorough inspection and overhaul. A trained technician will perform a variety of checks and tests to determine the overall health of your system.

Each system and situation is unique, so the tests will vary depending on the type and age of the system, its power source and other factors (such as household size).

Regardless, here is a general list of what a specialist will examine in an air conditioning service:

• Refrigerant levels
• Internal components
• Accumulation of debris
• Electrical connections
• Thermostat function
• Carbon monoxide test (for gas-powered heaters)
• Comprehensive cleaning or replacement of filters, fans, coils and other parts
• Negative pressure test
• Chemical cleaning and flushing
• Duct cleaning

The main objective of an air conditioner service is to identify minor issues before they develop into more significant and costly problems. If you have specific issues with your system’s heating and cooling functions, make sure to inform the technician before the service starts.

Regular air conditioner maintenance offers several significant benefits that make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners. Here are some key advantages:

• Improved energy efficiency: One of the most significant benefits of regular air conditioning maintenance is improved energy efficiency. When your system is clean and well-tuned, it operates more efficiently, which can lead to lower energy bills. A well-maintained AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home.
• Extended lifespan: Routine maintenance helps prolong the life of your air conditioner. By addressing minor issues early on, you can prevent major breakdowns and costly repairs, ultimately getting more years of reliable service from your air conditioning unit.
• Enhanced cooling performance: When your air conditioner unit is properly maintained, it cools your home more effectively. You’ll enjoy consistent comfort throughout your living spaces, with fewer hot spots and temperature fluctuations.
• Improved air quality: Regular servicing includes cleaning or replacing filters, which can significantly improve indoor air quality. Clean filters help trap dust, allergens, and pollutants, ensuring that the air you breathe is fresher and healthier.
• Reduced risk of breakdowns: Preventive maintenance catches potential issues before they turn into major problems. This reduces the chances of your air conditioner breaking down on a scorching summer day, leaving you without cooling.
• Cost savings: While you invest in maintenance, it can save you money in the long run. By avoiding expensive repairs and enjoying lower energy bills, the cost of maintenance is often outweighed by the benefits it provides.

Regular air conditioner maintenance is a smart choice for homeowners, whether you’ve got split system air conditioning, a ducted system, evaporative cooling or anything else.

It keeps your AC running efficiently, extends its lifespan, and contributes to better indoor air quality – all while saving you money and ensuring your home stays comfortably cool.

Save Money in the Long Run

Although some people may want to avoid the cost of regular air conditioner services, investing in it will save money in the long run. By taking care of your heating and cooling system, you’ll ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently when you need it most – in the sweltering heat of summer and the deep freeze of winter.

Not only will your air conditioners operate at peak performance, but it will also last much longer, and you’ll avoid the expense of a complete replacement for a long time to come. Regular air conditioner service and repair will project one of your most valuable investments and give it the attention it deserves.

From split systems to ducted air conditioning, the trusted name in air conditioning maintenance is Mr Emergency. We deal in all HVAC types and air conditioning brands and always offer a no-obligation quote before starting. Contact Mr Emergency today.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.