In Texas, you should service your air conditioner twice a year. The heat and humidity in the state make this maintenance schedule a must. This guide explains why and what to expect during a service visit.
Highlights
- Air conditioners in Texas should be serviced twice a year, spring and fall, to stay efficient and ready for seasonal demands.
- Regular AC maintenance has many benefits, lower utility bills, longer life, lower repair costs by catching issues early.
- Homeowners can boost AC efficiency by doing DIY tasks like changing air filters regularly, keeping the outdoor unit clean, and monitoring thermostat settings.
Ideal AC Service Frequency in Texas
In Texas, where the weather can go from scorching hot to cool breezes, keeping your air conditioner in top shape is a must. The ideal frequency for servicing your air conditioner in Texas is twice a year. The recommended times for these services are spring and fall, each serving a purpose. Spring service gets your AC unit ready for the upcoming humidity and heat, and fall service prepares it for any heating needs during the cooler months.
10 years old AC needs more care
Older air conditioning units, especially those over 10 years old, may need more frequent checkups to stay efficient and functional. Following a regular maintenance schedule keeps your air conditioner’s AC system ready to provide comfort throughout the entire season.
Benefits of Regular AC Maintenance
The benefits of regular AC maintenance go beyond just keeping your home cool. Consistent maintenance can lead to:
- Lower utility bills
- More reliability
- A more efficient system overall
- Better indoor air quality
- Less wear and tear on your HVAC system
When issues are caught early during HVAC maintenance visits, it prevents costly repairs and ensures your air conditioner stays in good shape for longer, including any necessary repairs, with twice-yearly inspections.
Here are the benefits of regular AC maintenance, starting with improved energy efficiency and ensuring your system operates efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
A well-maintained AC unit consumes less energy, which translates to lower utility bills. Correctly setting your thermostat to your desired temperature can boost energy efficiency. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away can save a lot of energy without sacrificing comfort. Using programmable thermostats can also boost energy efficiency by allowing you to adjust temperatures according to your schedule.
Regular adjustments and tune-ups keep your air conditioning unit in top shape so it can run efficiently even during the hottest summer.
Longer System Life
Maintenance is key to longer system life. By preventing wear and tear, maintenance ensures your AC unit stays efficient for a more extended period. A well maintained air conditioning system in Texas can last around 10-15 years if maintained once or twice a year.
A regular maintenance schedule keeps the system running smoothly and avoids the pitfalls of neglect. This not only keeps your cooling systems running at optimal performance, but also ensures older units will run effectively for years to come with a tune up.
Lower Repair Costs
One of the most significant financial benefits of regular AC maintenance is lower repair costs. This is achieved by:
- Catching issues early during maintenance checks
- Preventing bigger and more costly repairs down the line
- Identifying problems early saves from costly repairs later.
Consistent care and maintenance prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your air conditioning unit.
Ensuring all components are running efficiently avoids high costs from major breakdowns and keeps your system running smoothly.
What’s Included in an AC Service?
A professional AC service includes a range of tasks to keep your system running efficiently. During a service visit, a technician will perform several critical checks and adjustments, including:
- Lubricating moving parts to reduce friction and wear
- Cleaning both the evaporator and condenser coils to improve energy performance
- Checking refrigerant levels to ensure optimal cooling and to have your air conditioner serviced.
Also included is inspecting electrical components, tightening loose electrical connections and checking the thermostat to ensure it’s working correctly. Addressing these areas, professional maintenance ensures your air conditioning system runs safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs.
DIY Maintenance Tips for Texas Homeowners
While professional maintenance is essential, there are several DIY tasks homeowners can do to keep their AC units and air handlers in good shape. Regular cleaning and inspections can prevent dust and dirt buildup, which can impede the system’s efficiency and shorten its life.
Here are some practical tips to help you maintain your air conditioner between professional visits.
Change Air Filters Regularly
Including a filter in your maintenance routine means a cooler, cleaner home environment.
Changing your HVAC air filters is one of the simplest yet most effective maintenance tasks you can do. It’s recommended to change these filters every 1-3 months to maintain optimal performance and indoor air quality. Clean filters ensure a steady flow of air, allow your HVAC system to run efficiently, and improve the overall air quality in your home.
Neglecting this simple task can put extra strain on your system, higher energy bills, and a shorter life of your air conditioning unit.
Keeping the Outdoor Unit Clean
This simple maintenance task can greatly improve your system’s efficiency and lifespan.
The outdoor unit is also important for the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Make sure the outdoor unit is free from debris such as leaves and trash to allow proper airflow and prevent overheating. Regularly removing debris and vegetation around the outdoor unit can avoid restrictions of airflow and maintain optimal performance.
Also, trim back any overgrown plants or bushes near the unit and ensure at least two feet of clearance around the outdoor condenser.
Monitoring Thermostat Settings
Regularly checking and adjusting your thermostat settings maintains an efficient heating and cooling temperature control system that matches your schedule and lifestyle.
Regularly monitoring and adjusting your thermostat settings can save you a lot of energy and improve efficiency. During an AC inspection, make sure the thermostat settings match your desired temperature output for optimal performance.
Signs Your AC Needs Attention Now
Recognizing the signs your air conditioner needs attention now can prevent minor issues from becoming major breakdowns. Unusual noises from the AC unit, such as screeching or clicking, often mean mechanical failures that need to be repaired immediately. Weak or inconsistent airflow from the vents can mean compressor failure or duct obstructions.
Other signs include:
- Strange odors coming from the AC, which means mold growth or electrical issues
- Moisture or leaks around the unit, which means refrigerant leaks or drainage problems
- A big jump in energy bills, which means the AC is struggling and needs attention to prevent further inefficiency.
How to Choose the Right HVAC Professional in Texas
Choosing the right HVAC technicians is key to quality maintenance and repairs. Look for contractors with licenses, as this means they comply with state safety standards. Hiring certified technicians, like NATE-certified technicians, means they have more expertise in handling HVAC systems.
Experience plays a big role in quickly diagnosing and fixing issues, while good service from technicians builds trust and reduces homeowner stress during repair services. At Airmatics, we provide a highly professional AC maintenance service, performed by experienced technicians. We serve Plano and surrounding cities. Keep your home Cool & Efficient with Expert AC Tune-Ups from AirMatics
Customer reviews give you an idea of the reliability and quality of service from HVAC professionals, and emergency repair availability is crucial, especially during unpredictable weather in Texas.
Conclusion
AC maintenance is not just about comfort. It’s about efficiency, cost savings and extending the life of your air conditioning system.
By following a regular maintenance schedule, you can have lower utility bills, fewer costly repairs, and a more reliable system all year round. Whether it’s professional servicing or simple DIY tasks, taking care of your AC unit is essential to a comfortable home environment.
Remember a well maintained air conditioner is a happy air conditioner. So schedule those maintenance visits, change your filters, keep your outdoor unit clean and monitor your thermostat settings. Your future self and your wallet will thank you.
FAQs
To maintain optimal performance and extend the life of your air conditioner in Texas, you should service it twice a year, ideally in spring and fall. Regular maintenance prevents issues and ensures efficient operation.
Regular AC maintenance improves energy efficiency, extends the life of your system and minimizes repair costs by catching issues early. It’s a proactive approach that saves you money and ensures your comfort.
A professional AC service includes cleaning components, checking refrigerant levels and inspecting electrical parts to ensure optimal performance. This thorough maintenance prevents future issues and extends the life of your unit.
You can do basic maintenance on your AC unit like changing air filters, cleaning the outdoor unit and checking thermostat settings. But complex repairs should be left to the professionals.
To choose the right HVAC professional in Texas, prioritize licensed and certified technicians, read customer reviews, and confirm they offer emergency repair services. This ensures you get quality service and prompt assistance when you need it.