You might think booking summer AC maintenance is only important for preventing breakdowns. But the truth is, a summer tune-up will do much more. By cleaning internal components and checking refrigerant levels, the system will run smoothly and improve your home’s overall air quality.
Many homeowners who stay on top of regular AC tune-ups even notice decreases in their cooling costs. Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits of summer checkups for your AC.
Preventing Breakdowns in the Blistering Heat of Summer
Summers in Beckley, WV, tend to bring about some extremely hot weather. You’ll need a reliable air conditioner to beat the heat and stay safe. Systems that go without maintenance have to work harder and use more energy. All of this extra stress is what leads to unexpected breakdowns, often on the hottest days of the year.
With a summer tune-up, a professional can catch problems like low refrigerant or a failing capacitor before they cause a system failure. You’ll have much less stress knowing your AC can keep you cool when you need it most.
Cleaner Air for Everyone to Breathe
Your AC does much more than keep the house cool—it also filters the air. Many cooling systems even use advanced filters like HEPA or activated carbon to remove particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. But over time, the filter will clog if you don’t keep it clean or change it. As a result, all kinds of dust, pollen, and dander will float through the air you breathe instead of getting trapped.
This can worsen allergies and asthma while also causing respiratory issues. During a tune-up, a technician will wipe down all parts so nothing interferes with airflow. By cleaning the coils and internal components, there will be less mold, dust, and other allergens in the air. The whole house will have fresher air and better indoor air quality.
Protect Manufacturer Warranty
A lot of newer air conditioners come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers parts or labor. Understanding the requirements to keep the warranty valid is very important. Most require annual maintenance performed by a licensed technician. This means if you forgo a summer AC tune-up, you may void your warranty. You might find yourself paying for major repairs that would otherwise qualify for coverage under your policy.
After every tune-up we provide, we give a detailed list of everything we did. This way, you’ll have proof of maintenance in the event you need to file a warranty or insurance claim.
Double-Check All Safety Controls
Cooling systems usually have several built-in safety features that prevent damage and protect the unit. Take, for example, the limit switch. It automatically shuts off the system if it detects overheating. Temperature sensors monitor internal conditions and tell the AC when to cycle on or off due to temperature fluctuations. Pressure valves are safety features that release excess pressure from the refrigerant lines.
If any of these parts don’t work properly, it puts the AC at a high risk of overheating or having frozen coils. Certain malfunctioning safety features can even lead to electrical fires. Double-checking that all of these safety features work correctly is a key part of summer AC maintenance. We’ll check every switch, sensor, and valve and make any necessary adjustments.
Ensure Accurate Thermostat Readings
The AC won’t perform efficiently or effectively if the thermostat doesn’t give accurate readings. It may cycle on and off really fast as it tries to reach the set temperature. This increases wear on the internal parts, often leading to breakdowns. Even if the AC keeps cooling, it may not do so evenly, which can cause hot and cold spots throughout the house. We’ll check the thermostat’s readings and placement during a tune-up.
If it’s near a heat-producing appliance or window, we’ll move it to a more neutral location. The best place for a thermostat is away from direct sunlight, windows, and heat sources. It may need to have its setting recalibrated to restore accuracy. This part of the maintenance visit is crucial to ensuring the AC can cool the home without wasting energy.
Minimize Humidity Issues
As the air conditioner cools your home, it also sucks moisture out of the air. This is especially important during the summer months when outdoor humidity levels tend to be at their highest. Moisture in your indoor air compromises air quality and also causes issues with mold growth. Mold spores settle on HVAC equipment and lead to problems with airflow, odor, and system performance. A tune-up will entail cleaning all parts to remove any mold. It will also involve inspecting the evaporator coil and drainage system. Both of these parts play an essential role in the AC’s ability to remove moisture. With expert-level maintenance, the system will run efficiently and keep the home comfortable without excess humidity.
Get Rid of Bad Odors Coming From the System
If you notice a musty odor every time the AC kicks on, the system likely has mold, mildew, or bacteria growing in it. This tends to happen when the coils are dirty. It can also occur when there’s standing water in the drain pan as a result of a clogged condensate drain. We’ll clean the coils and flush the drain line during the tune-up to get rid of the foul smell.
You’ll notice improved air quality, and the home will be a much more pleasant place to spend time in. If the condensate drain line keeps clogging in between tune-ups, you can flush it with distilled vinegar on a regular basis. This will remove any blockages caused by built-up algae, mold, or dirt.
Decrease the Chance of Frozen Coils
The AC won’t work correctly if it has a frozen coil. Dirty filters and low refrigerant are the top causes of this problem. You may notice weak airflow or warm air as the AC struggles to cool the home. Ice buildup all over the indoor unit is another sign of a frozen coil. When the coil completely freezes, the AC may not turn on at all, leaving your home uncomfortable and unsafe during hot weather.
Summer AC tune-ups can help prevent frozen coils by cleaning dirty components and checking refrigerant levels. If we notice low refrigerant, this means there’s a leak of some sort. After finding and sealing the leak, we’ll recharge the refrigerant to restore proper cooling performance.
Enjoy Cheaper Cooling Costs
One of the biggest reasons to schedule maintenance for your AC each summer is that you can save a lot of money. In fact, you should always view AC tune-ups as an investment rather than an expense. Clean, well-maintained systems use much less energy to cool the house, which reduces your cooling costs.
Plus, a technician can catch minor problems like worn belts or loose electrical connections before they lead to expensive repairs. Most importantly, the AC will perform with optimal efficiency so it can keep you as comfortable as possible.
Childers Air Plumbing & Electric offers premier cooling services throughout Beckley. We provide installation support, repairs for faulty thermostats, replacements for compressors, and much more. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
