A reliable, efficient air conditioning unit is something that most people take for granted. It seems like a simple appliance. The truth is that there are many essential parts to an air conditioning unit that requires regular maintenance to do its job and remain reliable. You could pay more in repair costs or have to buy a new air conditioning unit if you neglect your unit.
Here are some of the problems that you might encounter when you don’t have regular AC unit maintenance:
- One of the first things noticed without proper care of an AC unit is an increase in utility bills. Even with extreme heat, a well-cared-for unit shouldn’t have you anxious about your next electricity bill.
When you don’t take care of your unit, it will use more energy to meet your demands. Filters that haven’t been changed can make air conditioning units work harder to cool airflow. There could be clogs or parts that need cleaning that can contribute to an inefficient air conditioning unit that hasn’t had regular maintenance.
Depending on the last time you had maintenance done on your AC unit, you could be looking at paying a few hundred dollars for repairs. If the unit is in bad enough shape, you could have to replace it altogether, possibly costing you several thousands of dollars.
- Everyone expects cool, dry air from their air conditioning unit. But it does more than just that. Did you know that an AC unit in your home can improve air quality and circulation in your home? This is especially valuable for homes with residents with asthma, allergies, and serious health problems.
When you don’t have maintenance performed on your AC unit regularly, your filter won’t be able to pump out clean, filtered air. It will become clogged, affecting both how much cool air it can produce and the overall quality of the air pumped through a clogged filter.
If you maintain your unit regularly, you typically won’t pay more than $100 to keep that air clean and cool. You’ll likely spend a lot more when you don’t give the filter the attention it deserves.
- The gentle hum of a smooth operating air conditioner is easy to enjoy. But you’ve got problems when your AC unit starts to clunk, grind, or squeal.
The only way to keep your unit running smoothly is with regular maintenance. If you neglect regular tune-ups, you’ll likely pay more than you would for routine maintenance. Sometimes noises coming from your AC can mean that you might need to replace the entire unit, which costs thousands of dollars. It’s always best to avoid reaching that point and keep maintenance a priority.
- Your air conditioning unit is not designed to last forever but should last for a long time as long as it’s properly maintained. Your unit has parts that are integral to the overall function of the AC. Without proper care, these parts can and will break down. You can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $300 or more for a single fix.
- It’s easy to take an air conditioner for granted, especially when it cools your home daily. If not properly maintained, a day may come when your home won’t feel so cool, your electric bills are going up, and the unit is likely on its way to a total breakdown. If you’re lucky, a repair will cost you a couple of hundred dollars. Otherwise, you could pay over $1000 or have to replace the entire unit.
- If you’ve slacked off on maintaining your air conditioning unit, eventually, it will need repairs more often, and the costs will add up fast. If you think you can’t afford maintenance for your unit, the reality is that it is likely to cost you more if you don’t invest in consistent care.
For most air conditioning units, plan on maintenance once a year. Tune-ups are best done every six months to keep things running smoothly and to catch any possible problems before they cost you more in the long run. It also keeps your unit cooling efficiently. Call an HVAC pro and get your maintenance on the calendar now.
