Home air conditioners are nothing short of a saviour during soaring temperatures. They keep you cool and comfortable, no matter how hot it is outside. However, to ensure its seamless performance, regular AC maintenance is a very important part of using the machine.
The quote “prevention is better than cure” works aptly for an air conditioner, as maintenance prevents more damage. Regular servicing is essential not just for the efficient performance of AC, but also to increase its life. So if you’re wondering how often should you service your home air conditioner, then keep reading this article to find out.
Frequency of servicing an Air Conditioner
The frequency of servicing an AC primarily depends on how often it’s used in your home. For instance, if the climate in your region is hot and humid all year round, you would probably use the AC daily. In that case, it’s recommended to get the air conditioner serviced at least two times a year. On the contrary, if you use the AC only during summer months, servicing it only once a year is acceptable.
Signs that your air conditioner needs servicing
Sometimes the air conditioner itself gives you warning signs that it requires maintenance. Now that you know how often you should service your home air conditioner, let’s discuss how to identify the signals.
Increased Noise Levels
If you notice that your air conditioner has suddenly become noisy than it was before, then it’s time for service. The strange sounds could be because any of its parts is malfunctioning. A buzzing noise could also indicate loose parts or even refrigerant leaks. Seek the help of HVAC professionals and get it rectified before it gets further damaged.
More energy consumption
It’s a known fact that an AC with a high energy-efficiency ratio (EER) is ideal for homes. But is your electricity bill also soaring high just like the temperature even after having such an AC? Then it’s time to get the AC serviced as the higher energy consumption is a sign of its inefficiency. Save yourself from expensive electricity and improve your AC’s performance at the same time with regular servicing.
Less cooling
If you’ve noticed that your AC unit isn’t cooling your home much at all, then it may be time for a service check. It can be extremely annoying if an air conditioner does not do its job of cooling the room as desired. The main cause of this is low refrigerant in the compressor. Get a trained technician to check to refrigerant levels and fill it with the correct amount.
Unusual Smell
A foul smell from your air conditioner is a major indicator that its servicing is essential. A musty smell indicates the accumulation of dirt, mold, and fungus due to moisture and humidity. This can lead to AC’s poor performance and can also put your health at risk. If you experience wheezing, cough, or nasal stuffiness or throat irritation, it could be because of the mold in the AC. You should also pay attention if other burning or pungent smells arise out of the AC as it indicates a leak in the system.
Excessive water leakage
Few drops of water dripping from an AC is normal if the climate is humid. However, when the leakage is excessive, you must immediately get it serviced. Some of the most common reasons for this leakage are clogged drainage, frozen evaporator coils, a dirty filter, or a low refrigerant level.
There are a few things that you can do yourself to improve the operation of AC, such as cleaning or replacing the air filters regularly and clearing the clogged drains. However, ensure to be extra cautious while you do the cleaning yourself. Do not make any move to open the system if you’re not familiar with the parts of AC.
Conclusion
It’s always ideal to hire an HVAC professional to service your AC every year. Doing so ensures that your AC gives its best performance for the longest time. Save yourself from the panic of emergency air servicing by servicing it once or twice a year. The bonus? Enjoy the cool air, comfortable home, and reduced bills every warm season of the year.
