Scheduling AC maintenance in Denver is one of the most important things you can do for your system. It’s particularly crucial since the average July high is about 89 degrees Fahrenheit, making reliable cooling essential. Learning more about the service can help you make informed decisions in the best interest of your home, health, and comfort.
How Often Do I Need Air Conditioning Service?
We suggest scheduling AC maintenance at least once a year, ideally in the spring. This allows us to prepare your system for the summer so that it works optimally. You’ll need a heating appointment during the fall so we can get the unit ready for winter.
When Should I Schedule Air Conditioning Service?
You should book your air conditioning service as early as possible, even at the end of winter. Many Denver homeowners schedule their AC tune-ups in the spring, so appointments tend to book up fast. Scheduling early provides you with more date and time opportunities. Additionally, an early spring appointment ensures the system will be ready to use by the time the hot temperatures arrive.
How Soon Do I Need to Schedule Repairs?
If we find something wrong with your AC system, don’t delay scheduling a repair appointment. It’s not a good idea to run the air conditioner while there are issues with the unit. Both minor and major problems can strain the system. When this happens, the unit uses more energy than necessary to try to maintain your preferred temperature, which can raise your utility bills. Additionally, it puts your unit at risk for a breakdown or a complete system failure.
What Happens During an Air Conditioning Maintenance Appointment?
During an AC appointment, our technicians start with a thorough inspection. We check the system from top to bottom, including the outdoor condenser, to ensure it’s in good condition. Additional tasks we perform include checking the refrigerant levels, inspecting the electrical wiring, and lubricating moving parts. If there’s something specific you’d like us to address, please make sure to ask us when scheduling your appointment.
How Long Does an AC Tune-Up Take?
Our HVAC technicians work efficiently, but we never rush through an AC tune-up. The appointment typically takes an hour or two, but its exact duration depends on several factors, including your system’s complexity. Please make sure you’re home during the tune-up so we can access all the necessary areas. Additionally, it’s a good opportunity to ask us some questions, such as how you can better maintain your system.
How Do I Prepare for an AC Maintenance Appointment?
It’s important to clean the area near the AC unit, leaving several feet of clearance. This allows us to conduct the inspection and perform maintenance tasks safely and without disruption. You should also make sure to clear a pathway to both the indoor unit and the outdoor condenser. Additionally, as much as we love animals, please keep your pets secure during the appointment for our safety and theirs.
What Are the Benefits of AC Maintenance?
There are many benefits of regular AC maintenance, including more consistent indoor temperatures. It also allows us to identify problems early so we can address them promptly, preventing them from worsening into severe, expensive issues. This can help extend your AC’s lifespan, which is generally between 15 and 20 years. Other perks of AC maintenance include increased energy efficiency, potentially lower energy bills, and enhanced safety.
Do I Need a Tune-Up on a New System?
If your AC unit is more than a year old, you should schedule a tune-up appointment in the spring. Some homeowners believe it’s not necessary, but maintaining your system right from the beginning allows you to keep it in the best condition. Establishing positive habits can help it last as long as possible.
What Are the Signs That I Need AC Maintenance?
You’ll start noticing signs that your AC needs an inspection and maintenance appointment. Indicators include warm or weak airflow, poor indoor air quality, inconsistent temperatures, and short-cycling. You should also monitor your monthly utility bills. If they’re increasing during the cooling season for no clear reason, it’s a sign that your AC may be malfunctioning.
Certain indicators may signal more serious problems with your system that require urgent attention. For instance, burning odors may point to an electrical issue or an overheating unit. Having no cool air flowing at all is also a potentially dangerous situation, especially during a hot day in Denver. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Call us right away for emergency repairs.
Do Self-Inspections Replace Professional Maintenance?
As important as self-inspections are, they’re not a replacement for professional maintenance. Our team has extensive industry experience, so our technicians can easily spot problems that may go unnoticed by someone who doesn’t have professional training. We also have all the high-quality tools necessary to conduct the tune-up. Additionally, if we spot any potential issues, we can recommend the best repairs to rectify the situation.
What AC Maintenance Tasks Can I Do Myself?
There are several tasks you can do yourself, including conducting self-inspections. We suggest doing this at least once a month. Pay attention to potential warning signs of trouble, such as banging sounds, leaks from the unit, and corrosion.
If you spot problems, never attempt to fix them yourself. This could result in numerous issues, including personal injuries, such as electrical shock. You might also inadvertently cause further damage to the system. Voiding the system’s warranty is another problem that might occur. Many include terms explaining that only professional HVAC technicians can fix the unit. DIY repairs may result in you paying for future repairs out of pocket.
You should also make sure to replace the unit’s air filter at least every three months. However, it’s ideal to do it more often if there are seniors, allergy sufferers, smokers, health-compromised individuals, pets, or children in the home. For safety, turn the unit off before you start the process. Carefully remove the dirty filter, put the clean one in, and position it so it’s secure. Turn the system on when you’re done.
If you’re still using standard air filters and want to improve the indoor air quality of your home, consider upgrading to filters with a high MERV rating. Our team can recommend which option would be ideal based on your system. Keep several on hand so it’s easy to replace the dirty filter when needed without having to order new ones.
Don’t wait to get your HVAC system in top shape. Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical provides high-quality AC maintenance, installation, replacement, and repair services. Call today to schedule an appointment or request service online through our website.
